NEW ORLEANS (November 1, 2011) — Legendary television and Broadway artist Hal Linden will star in an exclusive pre-Broadway concert of the new musical SHINE! on November 17 at The National WWII Museum’s Stage Door Canteen in New Orleans.
The new show is described as a tuneful and traditional musical comedy inspired by the rags-to-riches characters and stories of Horatio Alger. SHINE! follows the adventures of the author’s first best-selling hero, Ragged Dick, as he rises from penniless bootblack to budding Wall Street entrepreneur, encountering comic villains, kind benefactors and a world of colorful street characters in this charming musical romp for the whole family. SHINE! was created by Roger Anderson (book), Lee Goldsmith (lyrics) and Richard Seff (music).
The New Orleans premiere, presented by The National WWII Museum and Mainstreet Musicals, will be performed as a concert version with 22 professional actors and singers in the cast along with Mr. Linden. Patron ticket holders will join Mr. Linden for a champagne dessert reception following the performance. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the work of The National WWII Museum.
Born in the Bronx in 1931, Hal Linden took up classical clarinet in his late teens and played regularly with symphony orchestras. After graduating from the High School of Music and Art in Manhattan, he studied music at Queens College, moving later to City College to pursue business. Mr. Linden also played in dance bands and was asked to join Sammy Kaye’s celebrated band on tour before being drafted into the Army, where he sang and provided entertainment for the troops. This sparked an interest in acting and, upon receiving his discharge, he enrolled at New York's American Theatre Wing where he trained in voice and drama. He married dancer Frances Martin in 1958.
Mr. Linden’s first Broadway show was in Bells Are Ringing where he understudied lead Sydney Chaplin. During the 1960s, he accumulated more musical credits in On a Clear Day You Can See Forever, Subways Are for Sleeping, and in 1971 he won the Tony Award for his role in The Rothschilds.
That stage success led to a TV career that culminated in the title role on the popular Barney Miller sitcom. Emmy-nominated every year the program aired, Mr. Linden became a beloved household name. Since that time, he has continued to appear on television, in films, and in such musical leads as I Do! I Do! and The Pajama Game and dramatic leads in I'm Not Rappaport and The Sisters Rosenzweig. He has also undertaken musical tours in his continuing role as clarinetist.
Seating is limited for the one night performance of SHINE! and early reservations are recommended. Tickets are available by calling 800-838-3006 or online at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/205408.
The National WWII Museum tells the story of the American Experience in the war that changed the world — why it was fought, how it was won, and what it means today. Dedicated in 2000 as The National D-Day Museum and designated by Congress as America’s National WWII Museum, it celebrates the American Spirit, the teamwork, optimism, courage and sacrifice of the men and women who fought on the battlefront and the Home Front. For more information, call 877-813-3329 or 504-527-6012 or visit www.nationalww2museum.org. Follow us on Twitter at WWIItoday or visit our Facebook fan page.