Some Lovers

Some Lovers

By Burt Bacharach & Steven Sater

Originally produced at The Old Globe, San Diego, CA .

November 26, 2011 through December 31, 2011



About the Premiere Production:
Some Lovers is a new musical by Academy and Grammy Award-winning music legend Burt Bacharach and Tony Award winner Steven Sater (Spring Awakening) that re-imagines The Gift of the Magi, the classic O. Henry Christmas tale, for today’s audiences. On Christmas Eve, estranged lovers Molly and Ben are haunted by the memory of happier times, and like the unforgettable melody of a favorite song, their memories conspire to bring them together again.

The musical contains only four characters: Molly and Ben in the present, and Molly and Ben as they were 20 years ago. The present-day lovers are haunted by their former selves, who remind them of the good times and encourage them to reconnect. The production will feature a small band in addition to two onstage pianos, played by the two male actors (Ben is a songwriter). Steven Sater described his concept for the classic love story as a framework that embeds the experience of a cabaret (with actors at the piano) into a musical theatre context. The musical, which traces the 20-year relationship of one couple, explores how music can transport people to different times in their lives.


Artistic Statement: The new musical Some Lovers matches two powerhouse talents from two different generations. Both Steven Sater and Burt Bacharach have strong pre-existing followings, so the production promises to have strong intergenerational appeal. One song from the musical has already been recorded by popular British singer/songwriter Rumer on her Christmas EP Rumer Sings Bacharach at Christmas, released in December 2010. There is tremendous interest from Bacharach fans, because Some Lovers is the first new music he has released since his 2005 album At This Time. After the unprecedented success of Spring Awakening, Steven Sater’s work is now in the national spotlight. His rock musical Prometheus Bound premiered at American Repertory Theatre in March 2011, directed by A.R.T. Artistic Director Diane Paulus, and it received critical raves in the local and national press.



Grant Statement:
A grant from the Edgerton Foundation will allow the Globe to extend the rehearsal period by one week with the creative team, actors and musicians in residence. In addition to providing critical support for the additional time and resources necessary to mount a successful world-premiere production of Some Lovers, an Edgerton Foundation Award will heighten national recognition of the work.