Friday, April 19, 1996 | 11:59 a.m.
The 1963 hit Broadway musical "110 in the Shade" opens at UNLV's Judy Bayley Theatre at 8 p.m. Thursday.
The same team that wrote "Fantasticks" and "I Do I Do" -- Harvey Schmidt and Tom Jones -- wrote the music and lyrics for this musical, which is based on Richard Nash's play "The Rainmaker."
When "110" opened in New York City more than 30 years ago, it was overshadowed by "Funny Girl" and "Hello, Dol-ly!" However, critics and theatergoers are reassessing the play.
"There are some musicals that stay with you forever," director Robert Brewer said. "For me, '110 in the Shade' is one of those special pieces that has a special place in my heart. To say that it was not given fair treatment in its original production is now pretty much historical.
"I never did see that production, but I did see the recent New York City Opera revival where this 'little show with big heart' finally earned its rightful place."
The story centers on Lizzie Curry, who is heading toward spinsterhood despite the best efforts of her father and her two brothers to play matchmaker. Then, just as the heat of summer is descending, Starbuck, con man and rainmaker, blows into town, promising to produce a downpour in 24 hours for a fee. By the time the law has caught up with him, he has managed, among many acts of hocus-pocus, to convince Lizzie that she is a beautiful woman.
Brewer, who heads UNLV's Musical Theater Performance program, began his career as the youngest member of the faculty of the Juilliard School of Drama under the direction of John Houseman. Among his directing credits is a production of "Death in Venice" for the San Francisco Opera. His first original musical, "Alberta," about the life of blues singer Alberta Hunter, has been optioned for Broadway.
Performances of "110" are at 8 p.m. April 25-27 and May 1-4. Matinees are at 2 p.m. April 28 and May 5. Tickets are $8. Call 895-3801.
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