George M. Cohan's "Little Johnny Jones" - Palm Beach Light Opera Co, January 16, 2011

The Palm Beach Light Opera Company will present concert production of LITTLE JOHNNY JONES by George M. Cohan on Sunday, January 16, 2011 at 8:00 pm. The performance will be at the Eissey Campus Theatre, Palm Beach State College, 11051 Campus Drive, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410. LITTLE JOHNNY JONES will feature a cast and orchestra of 30 directed by Joseph N. Rubin. Tickets are $15, all seats reserved. To purchase tickets call 561-283-2400 or email pblightopera@yahoo.com. For more information visit the Palm Beach Light Opera Company’s website at www.pblightopera.com.

LITTLE JOHNNY JONES opened on Broadway on November 7, 1904 and ran a total of 221 successful performances, returning to New York twice in 1905 and in 1907. One of the most popular musical comedies of the turn of the century, LITTLE JOHNNY JONES was George M. Cohan’s first Broadway success. Cohan, regarded as the “Father of American Musical Theatre,” wrote the book, lyrics and music, produced and directed the production as well as starred in the title role. The score includes two of Cohan’s most famous songs, “Yankee Doodle Boy” and “Give My Regards to Broadway.” Cohan revolutionized musical theatre with LITTLE JOHNNY JONES, creating for the first time a truly American musical comedy in contrast to the European operetta tradition. Cohan went on to write over 50 musical comedies and plays, producing such songs as “You’re a Grand Old Flag” “Over There,” and “Harrigan.’ The Palm Beach Light Opera Company’s production of LITTLE JOHNNY JONES marks the first of the original version in over 90 years.

A fast paced musical farce, LITTLE JOHNNY JONES is set in London of 1904. Johnny Jones, an American jockey, is the favorite in the English Derby, but enemies conspire and he is accused of throwing the race. Meanwhile a group of female reformers from San Francisco crusade against a Chinese Gambling ring, but will Jones’ name be cleared so he can marry the girl he loves (but has never met)?

Official Website: http://www.pblightopera.com