Chichester festival Theatre: He won’t send Roses

Michael Ball stars in the thrilling musical tale of early movie making at Chichester Festival Theatre

Based on the true romance between Hollywood legends Mack Sennett and Mabel Normand, this musical comedy received eight Tony Award nominations when it opened on Broadway in 1974. This thrilling tale of trailblazers and stars is widely admired for its outstanding score including hits I Won’t Send Roses and Time Heals Everything.
Not long ago, and without saying a word, a group of pioneering filmmakers changed the world. Helped by heroes in capes, and girls tied to the tracks, they made stars out of street kids, and riches from rags.
But for writer, director, producer and owner of Keystone Motion Picture Studios Mack Sennett, forging a film is the easy part – compared to working, and falling in love, with a stunning one-off like Mabel.

This dazzling musical comedy is both a poignant love story and a riveting tribute to the grit and glamour of the era of silent movies.
Music and lyrics are by Jerry Herman (La Cage aux Folles) and the book by Michael Stewart (Barnum, 42nd Street), the multi award-winning team behind the classic Broadway musical Hello, Dolly!
Olivier Award-winner Michael Ball returns to Chichester to play Mack Sennett, following his celebrated performance in Sweeney Todd. His other recent credits include the BBC drama That Day We Sang and Hairspray in the West End and on tour. He also has a successful recording and broadcasting career, and completed a UK concert tour in Spring 2015.
Rebecca LaChance makes her Chichester debut as Mabel. Her recent credits include Betty and understudy Carole in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical on Broadway and Johnny Baseball directed by Gordon Greenberg.

The production is directed by Jonathan Church, Chichester’s Artistic Director. His Chichester credits include Festival 2014’s Taken at Midnight (also West End) which garnered a 2015 Best Actress Olivier Award for Penelope Wilton, as well as two other nominations.
Choreography is by Stephen Mear, Chichester’s Associate Choreographer. Chichester credits include Festival 2014’s Gypsy (currently in the West End) and Amadeus, as well as The Pajama Game (also West End) and Kiss Me, Kate (also The Old Vic).
Mack & Mabel opened on 13 July and runs until 5 September
Tickets: £25, £34
16 – 25 year olds: £8.50 – on sale for all performances from 10 August, Box Office
www.cft.org.uk, 01243 781312