On June 15, The Muny kicked-off its 97th season with “My Fair Lady.” Scheduled this season are three premiere productions along with returning favorites such as “Hairspray.”
On Friday’s “Cityscape,” Mike Isaacson, artistic director and executive producer of The Muny, joined host Steve Potter to discuss this season’s productions. Isaacson also had a hand in producing the Broadway musical “Fun Home,” which received five Tony Awards.
So, what goes into lining up The Muny’s season?
Isaacson explained that preparing for each season could begin as early as three years in advance. The process involves surveying Muny subscribers on what shows they would like to see, examining past shows and available shows, and other conversations among the board.
Aside from “My Fair Lady” and “Hairspray,” this season’s lineup also includes:
- Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn (July 6 - 12)
- Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story (July 13 - 19)
- Into The Woods (July 21 - 27)
- Beauty and The Beast (July 29 - August 7)
- Oklahoma! (August 10 - 16)
“This institution is literally a national treasure,” Isaacson expressed. “There’s nothing else like it in the world, so let’s make sure it’s [the same] 100 years from now. That which makes you different, makes you stronger. Part of my approach in terms of the work on the stage is that I use every asset that we have that no other theatre has.”
Isaacson commented on Fun Homes’ Tony Awards, “If you follow the pundits, they all said that [‘Fun Home’] was going to lose,” he said. “So, it’s a beautiful, amazing, arresting hard moment because you’re so proud of the show and that you’re in this competitive sphere.”
Listen to the audio to hear more about Isaacson’s Tony Award experience and his touching reaction to the Supreme Court’s decision to legalize same-sex marriage.
All Muny performances begin at 8:15 p.m. For more information, visit The Muny’s website.
“Cityscape” is produced by Mary Edwards and Alex Heuer and sponsored in part by the Missouri Arts Council, the Regional Arts Commission, and the Arts and Education Council of Greater St. Louis.