The Historical Tale
Once upon a time, a long, long time ago, two men named Scott Brown and Anthony King wrote a show called, Gutenberg! The Musical!, which they performed at The Upright Citizens Brigade, The New York Musical Theatre Festival and the Jermyn Street Theatre in London, England. After rousing responses and critical acclaim, they then gave their show to the world.
This is what followed...
NEW YORK, NY
Nov. 21-Dec. 31, 2006
59E59 Theaters
59 East 59th Street
New York, NY 10022
January 16 - May 6, 2007
The Actors Playhouse
100 Seventh Avenue South
New York, NY
Cast:
Christopher Fitzgerald as Bud
(January 16 - February 11, 2007)
Jeremy Shamos as Doug
(January 16 - April 1, 2007)
David Turner as Bud
(February 13 - May 6, 2007)
Darren Goldstein as Doug
(April 10 - May 6, 2007)
Directed by: Alex Timbers
What's the Word?
"Who knew that a musical about the life of the inventor of the printing press could have so many laughs? And while adding the theme of the Holocaust might not be historically accurate, I agree with Doug that it gave the show real gravitas."
"Theatergoers who don't relish shucked corn mixed with slices of ham may be advised to stay away; for those in the mood, though, "Gutenberg! The Musical!" is one hell of a goofy evening." -Variety
Photo by James Ambler
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH**
November 16 - December 30, 2007
Studio Theatre
Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center
138 W. Broadway (300 South)
Salt Lake City, UT 84101
Cast: Jay Perry as Bud
Kirt Bateman as Doug
Musical staging by: Colleen Lewis
Musical direction by: Jeffrey Price
What's the Word?
"If the holiday stress is wearing you down, maybe what you need is a good laugh. Or, even better, a healthy dose of a barrel of laughs. Plan-B's regional premiere of Scott Brown and Anthony King's "Gutenberg! The Musical!" is laugh-out-loud hilarious." -Deseret News
Stop the Press
Awards
Deseret Morning News:
Best Comedy 2007
Salt Lake City Weekly Arty Awards:
Best Theatre Production 2008
** Gutenberg! The Musical!'s Regional Premiere
HOUSTON, TX
March 12 - April 19, 2008
1706 Alamo Street
Houston, Texas 77007
Cast: Dylan Godwin as Bud
Josh Wright as Doug
Directed by: Linda Phenix
What's the Word?
"One of the dangers of a two-man show is that the two actors have no or little rapport, or that one predominates. That is not the case with Wright and Godwin who command the stage with equal presence; in fact, their chemistry is such that you feel they could almost become one."
-HPR
WASHINGTON, DC
March 21 - April 6, 2008
Washington, DC
DC Arts Center (DCAC)
2438 18th St. NW
Washington, DC
Cast:
Andrew Lloyd Baughman as Bud
Matt Baughman as Doug
Directed by John Sadowsky
What's the Word?
"The goofballs behind "Gutenberg! The Musical" make no bones about what they don't know regarding their biographical subject, but you have to smile at what they invent." -Washington Post
"The frustration in reviewing a show like Gutenberg! The Musical! involves resisting the urge to ruin the joy of the show by describing some of the best jokes. If you go, you will experience the highest ratio of laughs to ticket cost of any area show in recent years. Gutenberg! The Musical! deserves both of the exclamation points in its title." -DC Theatre Scene
Stop the Press
Photos by Amanda Williams Photography
HUDSON, NY
June 11 - June 29, 2008
41 CrossStreet
Hudson, NY
Cast:
David Tass Rodriguez as Bud
Billy Kimmel as Doug
Directed by: Laura Margolis
What's the Word?
“Tuna” and “Vep” work in part because the script demands the energy level remain manic. ”Gutenberg!” doesn’t make that demand, and when the actors mock, with tongue in cheek, other musicals (like, oh, “West Side Story” and “Oklahoma”) for falling apart after intermission they come dangerously close to describing their own show."
Kimmel and Rodriguez are clown princes who never condescend. Their Doug & Bud sing the various roles with passion, overact the drama, out-Fosse Fosse, and all with a sweet and daffy sincerity. Brilliant performances.
CHICAGO, IL
June 19 - July 27, 2008
1641 N Halsted St
Chicago, IL 60614-5517
Cast: Breon Bliss as Bud
Alex Goodrich as Doug
Directed by: Alex Timbers
What's the Word?
"As Goodrich and Bliss perform their addle-brained but exuberant Bad Idea musical, you’ll find yourself enjoying its high camp and adherence to classical form. -Time Out Chicago
"On Wednesday night's opening, Bliss and Goodrich struck me as overly nervous at first. But they got more comfortable and credible later in the evening and thus the show got belatedly funnier. To a point. This is a bare-bones production of a bare-bones production. It still needs stripping down to get to the comedic truth."
FORTWORTH, TX
"In the first act, you sometimes wish you were at a real
musical. Fortunately, the second comes through with three really memorable numbers. The tunes are still pretty basic, but the execrable lyrics, rendered perfectly by the two performers, you won't forget – no matter how hard you try."
-Dallas Morning News (2008)
"What makes this all so hysterical is that Doug and Bud are as earnest as they are clueless. Their sincerity makes you want to reach for your checkbook despite the evidence the two so energetically build against their own case."
July 11-27, 2008
July 8-26, 2009 Amphibian Stage Productions2429 Colonial ParkwayFort Worth, TX 76109Sanders TheatreFort Worth Community Arts Theatre
Cast:
Stephen Balantzian as Bud
JP Matthews as Doug
Directed by David A. Miller (2008)
What's the Word?
Photos by Aaron Fisher
NEW ORLEANS, LA
August 1-10, 2008
June 21-28, 2010
715 St. Charles Avenue
New Orleans, LA
Cast: Sean Patterson as Bud
Gary Rucker as Doug
Directed by: Sean Patterson and Gary Rucker
What's the Word?
"While this childish concept of creating a life complete with romance and sophomoric references to the muddy mediaeval period of history when Guttenberg was alive was a good as the plot for many another more successful show, the creators with a little more imagination could have supplied much more interesting material than a running joke about thatched roofed."
Stop the Press
SEATTLE, WA
September 3-27, 2008
Erickson Theatre
1524 Harvard Ave.
Seattle Central Community College
Seattle, WA 98122
Cast:
MJ Sieber as Bud
Troy Fischnaller as Doug
Directed by: Greg Carter
What's the Word?
"We laughed like a booze-addled hyena for much of the night, with some startled expletives thrown in when things got...strange (we can't remember the precise lyric, but it had something to do with wanting to feel Satan's horns deep inside). After, we traded memorable quotes ("dirty thatch"!) with our companion all the way home."
Miscellaneous Reviews
Photos by Erik Stu
VANCOUVER, CANADA
September 4-14, 2008
Wide Eyed Production
Granville Island Stage
Cast:
Ken Lawson as Bud
Nathan Clark as Doug
Directed by: Brian Anderson
What's the Word?
"In this show timing is everything, and Clark and Lawson never miss a beat – or rather – know when to take a beat, and let the comedy work. A good Fringe show pulls you into its big warm bosum and smothers you with heart – these guys, along with pianist Matt Grinke (who’s awesome), ace it." -Bigsnit.com
GAINESVILLE, FL
Photo by Michael Eaddy
September 5-28, 2008
25 SE 2nd Place
Gainesville, FL 32601
Cast: Jay Perry* as Bud
Kirt Bateman* as Doug
*reprising roles from Salt Lake City
Directed by: Lauren Caldwell
What's the Word?
"What makes the show work so well is the acting of Kirt Bateman as Doug and Jay Perry as Bud. The two are totally involved in their roles as creators of musical comedy. They are humble and corny, but it's the kind of innocent, heartfelt corniness that makes you want to root for them. They are so genuinely thrilled with what they've written, they barely can contain their excitement. They make us laugh at them but, at the same time, we care about them, idiot savants or foolish blockheads though they may be." - Gainesville.com
Stop the Press
WATERTOWN, MA
October 5-26, 2008
321 Arsenal St.
Watertown, MA
Cast: Brendan McNab as Bud
Austin Ku as Doug
Directed by: Stephen Nachamie
What's the Word?
The world didn't exactly need "Gutenberg! The Musical." But now that we've got it, we can be grateful - especially in these grim days - for a show that just wants to make us laugh, and succeeds. -Boston Globe
"Gutenberg!" doesn’t satirize bad musicals, it just emulates them. - "EDGE Boston
Stop the Press
CORAL GABLES, FL
December 2008
Actors Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre
280 Miracle Mile
Coral Gables, Florida 33134
Cast:
Francisco (Pancho) Padura as Bud
Wayne LeGette as Doug
Directed by: David Arisco
What's the Word?
"The characters of Bud and Doug are written as goofy and lovable nerds. They tell bad jokes and perform silly choreography, but what they lack in polish and experience they compensate for with heart. True to their characters, Wayne LeGette as Doug and Francisco (Pancho) Padura as Bud sing, dance and act this show with all of their heart and talent." -Talkin' Broadway
HONOLULU, HI
Honolulu, HI
January 14 - February 15, 2009
2833 East Manoa Road
Honolulu, Hawaii 96822
Cast:
Tony Young as Doug
Elitei Tatafu Jr. as Bud
Directed by: Rob Duval
What's the Word?
"First and foremost, "Gutenberg" is a tour de force showcase for Young's and Tatafu's talents as actors, singers and dancers. The men are on stage for the entire 95-minute show, and they spend almost all of it in go-for-broke mode. Watching them switch from one character to another using nothing but their voices, body language, and a collection of baseball caps to distinguish one German from another is fascinating and entertaining theater."
AUSTRALIA
Australia
February 17-21, 2009
July 14-25, 2009
Cast: David Somerville as Bud
Simon Van Der Stap as Doug
Directed by Neil Gooding
Official Site:
HAMMOND, IN
February 26-28, March 1, 5-8, 2009
5205 Hohman Avenue
Hammond, IN 46320
Cast: Bill Danko as Bud
Tom Farley as Doug
Directed by: John E. Buranosky
Stop the Press
"Gutenberg!" not only is the smallest show cast-wise for Danko and Farley (the duo are backed musically by Brandon Magid), it's also one of the funniest."
STERLING HEIGHTS, MI **HIGH SCHOOL PRODUCTION** **MICHIGAN PREMIERE**
March 26-27, 2009
Warren Consolidated School of Performing Arts Little Theater
12901 Fifteen Mile Road
Sterling Heights, MI Cast: Scott Joy as Bud Grant Haralson as DougDirected by Scott Joy and Grant Haralson
What's the Word?
"We first heard about Gutenberg through one of the theatre directors at our high school. He recently attended a conference with other teachers around the state and Samuel French was there with a little stand set up for new releases. He was flipping through Gutenberg and thought the concept was hysterical so he bought it and read it. He thought that Grant and I would be great at this (we're known as the musical theatre dorks of the program, with enthusiasm similar to Bud and Doug's) and he knew that we were looking for something to put together for our black box. Well he proposed it, we read it, we loved it, and though we
hadn't seen it before we could visualize it. We decided that we'd license it and start rehearsing in a couple weeks since we were wrapping up college auditions. I played Bud and Grant played Doug and we started putting it together ourselves. We were our own directors/choreographers and really put the show together by spitballing ideas off of each other. We had a total of four or five outside music rehearsals with Stacy (our Charles) to learn the whole score. And until dress rehearsal when Stacy and our theatre director
saw it, no one had seen it. We put the show up over the course of a month. We opened, played two performances (that's the norm for our school), and it was a huge hit. When I go back to visit almost a year
later I'll still hear people humming "I Can't Read" under their breath." - Scott Joy (Bud)
SEATTLE, WA
April 15 - May 17, 2009
4711 California Ave SW
Seattle, WA 98116
Cast: Chris Shea as Doug
Evan Woltz as Bud
Directed by: Stephanie Farhood
What's the Word?
"We can't remember what the filler songs "Haunted German Wood" or "Biscuits" were about, except that they were funny--mainly due to the ambitious performances of Shea and Woltz. They sweat their asses off in this under-two-hour show and do a hell of job a remembering who they are each supposed to be under those hats."
ITHACA, NY
June 10 - July 12, 2009
116 North Cayuga Street
Ithaca, NY 14850
Cast: Karl Gregory as Bud
Tyrone Mitchell Henderson as Doug
Directed by: Rachel Lampert
What's the Word?
It's a dream cast and Lampert has staged them brilliantly - in all-out, high-energy, fast-paced mayhem (the guys sometimes wear six caps at once, switching between roles at lightning speed). Henderson embodies the noble but ill-fated Gutenberg, among other parts (like the much-abused Young Monk), and Gregory shines as the devilish Monk and a trio of Rats that honors "Avenue Q" by way of "Sesame Street."
-Ithaca Journal
Despite having very little respite, Gregory and Henderson lose no momentum through the many dance breaks and exhaustive character changes. The quality of the show and the nature of its affection toward its audience make it a splendid summer diversion and a fine conclusion to another season at the Kitchen.
HILTON HEAD, SC
July 16-August 2, 2009
South Carolina Repertory Company
136 Beach City Road,
Hilton Head Island, SC
Cast: Jim Stark as Bud
Matt Mundy as Doug
Directed by Peggy Trecker White
Musical Direction by Janice Creech
What's the Word?
"Not too many musicals are deserving oftwoexclamation points in their titles, but “Gutenberg! The Musical!” has proved that even a musical about the life of the inventor of the printing press can be hilarious." -Beaufort Gazette
"If you are seeking comedic relief, this show will be on
stage through Aug. 2. It’s a genuine hoot and really is
just plain silly fun." -Bluffton Today
ELLENVILLE, NY
July 17-August 9, 2009
Production Photos
157 Canal St.
Ellenville, NY
Cast: Matthew Hardy as Bud
Andy Rabensteine as Doug
Directed by Michael LaFleur
What's the Word?
"Michael LaFleur has directed the dynamic duowith fast pacing and comic timing. The numbers skip smoothly between witty narrative repartee. Pianist Philip Rainbow Hale keeps the keyboard scintillating and responsive to the antic tunes and lyrics."
JACKSON, MS
September 15-27, 2009
The Jane Reid-Petty Theatre Center
1100 Carlisle St.
Jackson, MS 39202
Cast: Danny Dauphin as Bud
Turner Crumbley as Doug
Directed by Peppy Biddy
What's the Word?
"The minimal set and props (the highlights are a couple of cardboard boxes and a stuffed cat) only serve to showcase Danny Dauphin's and Turner Crumbley's brilliant comedic timing. Normally, theatre fans would want to avoid an awkward, low-budget production, but seeing this play is more than worth the price of admission."
CLEVELAND, OH
December 4, 2009 - January 2, 2010
2340 Lee Road
Cleveland Heights, OH 44118
Cast: Dane Castle as Bud
Chris Richards as Doug
Directed by Marc Moritz
What's the Word?
"...when it's all over, about 100 minutes after it commences, we're weakwith laughter and experience a rare feeling in musical-theater undertakings:We're not ready to say goodbye to good old Gutenberg. But goodbye we must say -- and thanks for all the books."
"Regardless of the cost, if you’re a lover of musical theater, here’s the quick verdict on Dobama Theatre’s regional premiere of Gutenberg! The Musical: See it. See it now, and maybe see it often."
ST. LOUIS, MO
March 11-28-1010
7620 Michigan Ave
St. Louis, MO 63111
Cast: Steve Isom as Doug
Ben Nordstrom as Bud
Directed by Henry Palkes
What's the Word?
"As Doug and Bud, the Rosencrantz and Guildenstern of musical theater, Steve Isom and Ben Nordstrom are a constant delight" - River Front Times
"They're both sharp when it comes to the witty dances choreographed by Ellen Isom, Steve Isom's wife. A Tyrolean number with lots of foot-slapping looks close to plausible, and their brief homage to "A Chorus Line" is too funny for words." - St. Louis Today
TUCSON, AZ
March 25 - April 4, 2010
Cabaret Space, Temple of Music and Art
330 S. Scott Ave.
Tucson, AZ 85701
Cast: Jacob Brown as Bud
Jay C. Cotner as Doug
Directed by Annette Hillman
What's the Word?
Gutenberg! The Musical! knows exactly what it is—and isn't. Totally true to its creators' intentions, it is wacky, sweet, creative and silly. It's about as far from "serious"
theater as you can get; it's seriously funny."
Stop the Press
SAN FRANCISCO, CA
June 10-26, 2010
156 Eddy St.
San Francisco, CA 94102
Cast: Joey Price as Bud
Austin Ferris as Doug
Directed by Amanda Dolan
What's the Word?
"...suffice it to say, this thing is funny, and it will make an impression on you (with a printing press, get it?!)."
June 10-12, 2010
HUB-BUB at The Showroom
200 East St. John Street
Spartanburg, SC, 29306
Cast: Jay Coffman
Matt Giles
Directed by Jay Coffman and Matt Giles
What's the Word?
"What do you get when you add two guys, two dozen baseball caps, two cardboard boxes, a stuffed cat and a few more odds and ends? One hilarious musical comedy show!"
"As the show came to a close, the final song saw Bud and Doug declaring that “though the emptiness within us may be deep – we eat dreams.” I found this to be an interesting reflection on Broadway in general, a warning almost. Playwrights and musicians must beware of creating empty characters that seek to do nothing but promote themselves and their empty lives by “eating dreams” and then defecating them onto the stage. It seemed a grave message for such a silly show, but maybe that’s what I enjoyed about it." -Spartanburg Spark
Vancouver, CANADA
September 22 - October 9, 2010
Presentation House Theater
333 Chesterfield Avenue
North Vancouver, BC
V7M 3G9
Cast: Toby Berner as Bud
Nathan Clark as Doug
Directed by Brian Anderson
What's the Word?
"Gutenberg! The Musical! is silly. It might send you googling to get the real Johann Gutenberg factoids, slim as they are, and you'll go a long way to beat a song that includes, "Gutenberg/darn tootin'berg."
"Go play inside. As the season changes, Gutenberg! The Musical! is an excellent reminder of the fun to be had indoors."
SIOUX CITY, IA
October 21 - November 6, 2010
Lamb Theater
417 Market Street
Sioux City, IA
Cast: Reed Saunders as Bud
Luke Saunders as Doug
Directed by Russ Wooley
What's the Word?
Who knew a musical about the inventor of the printing press could be comical?