Why We’re Bringing On the Twentieth Century to Life in Concert
by Walter M. Mayes, Artistic Director
Every season, I ask myself a simple question: What is the kind of musical experience our community deserves—but rarely gets? Sometimes the answer is a beloved classic. And sometimes it’s a glittering, madcap jewel that almost never sees the light of day. This year, that answer is On the Twentieth Century—a musical as bold, theatrical, and extravagantly funny as the train on which it is set
South Bay Musical Theatre is presenting On the Twentieth Century as our annual fundraiser concert because it represents the very heart of our mission: ambitious storytelling, extraordinary music, and opportunities for artists and audiences to encounter works that might otherwise remain out of reach. With a book by Betty Comden and Adolph Green and music by Cy Coleman (with lyrics by Comden and Green), this show is a dazzling screwball comedy set aboard a luxurious Art Deco train speeding from Chicago to New York in 1932. It is theatrical excess in the best possible way, with big personalities, romantic chaos, and a sweeping, sophisticated score.
Why a concert presentation? Quite simply, mounting this show fully staged would require a train set of monumental proportions—far beyond what could physically fit on the Saratoga Civic Theater stage. The scenic demands alone make it a rarity in regional theatre. By presenting it in concert, we remove the logistical barriers while preserving the brilliance of the music, wit, and storytelling. It allows the piece to live—and to soar—without compromise.
This fundraiser concert follows in the footsteps of last year’s Titanic: The Musical, which proved a tremendous success both financially and artistically. That evening reminded us how powerful these concert events can be: a large cast, a full orchestra, and a community gathered around something rare and special. Once again, we are assembling a large ensemble of performers and a robust orchestra to do justice to this extraordinary score.
Equally important is the spirit behind the event. Every single person involved—actors, musicians, designers, technicians, and staff—donates their time. No one is paid. This is a collective gift to the company and to our audience. The funds raised directly support our mainstage productions and sustain the artistic work we do throughout the season. It is a model built on generosity, passion, and shared purpose.
Most of all, these concerts give artists and audiences alike the opportunity to experience rare gems of musical theatre—works that, for reasons of scale or complexity, would otherwise go unproduced. There is something electric about hearing a score of this caliber performed live by a full orchestra, surrounded by a large cast reveling in its theatricality. It is musical theatre in its purest, most exhilarating form
As Artistic Director, I am always balancing practicality with possibility. I have learned that sometimes the most daring artistic choices come from asking, “If we can’t do it the traditional way, how can we still make it happen?” These fundraiser concerts are one of my favorite answers to that question. They showcase the depth of talent in our community and remind me why I have devoted so much of my life to this work: when artists unite in service of something larger than themselves, the result is extraordinary. Also, the role of Oscar Jaffe has been on my bucket list since 1978 and I am delighted to finally have the chance to portray him alongside outstanding actors (and SBMT favorites) like Alicia Teeter, Ruth E. Stein, Steve Allhoff, Derek DeMarco, and Michael Rhone
I invite you to join us for this one-of-a-kind event. Come experience the glamour, the wit, and the exhilarating score of On the Twentieth Century. Your attendance supports South Bay Musical Theatre’s future while giving you a front-row seat to a musical that rarely leaves the station. Let’s climb aboard together—and keep this train, and this theatre, moving full speed ahead.
Photos of past productions of On The Twentieth Century—as staged by Roundabout Theatre as well as the 2015 and 1978 Tony Awards—show the elaborate demands the fully staged version of this show make on set and costume designers.
Leave A Comment