A CONCORD THEATRICALS TITLE

Pete 'n' Keely

Full-Length Musical, Comedy  /  1w, 1m

Book by James Hindman
Original Music by Patrick Brady
Original Lyrics by Mark Waldrop, Patrick S. Brady and others

Staged as a live 1968 taping of a divorced singing duo's TV reunion special, this delightfully kitschy spoof features unforgettable renditions of the era's popular favorites interspersed with original songs in the spirit of the times.

Pete 'n' Keely

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  • Cast Size
    Cast Size
    1w, 1m
  • Duration
    Duration
    105 Minutes
  • SubGenre
    Subgenre
    Period, Parody / Spoof, Romantic Comedy
  • Audience
    Target Audience
    Appropriate for all audiences
Accolades
Accolades
  • Nominee: 2001 Outer Critics Circle Award, Outstanding New Off-Broadway Musical

Details

Summary

Staged as a live taping of a 1968 television special that reunites a divorced singing duo, this kitschy spoof had New York critics singing its praises. As Pete and Keely stroll down memory lane (in eye-popping costumes) reprising songs from their days of stardom, they take "unscripted" swipes at each other that dredge up hilarious moments from their turbulent past. This small-scale musical from the director of When Pigs Fly and the producer of The Mystery of Irma Vep features unforgettable renditions of the era's popular favorites as well as original songs in the spirit of the times.

History
Pete 'n' Keely premiered off-Broadway at the John Houseman Theatre on 2 December 2000. Directed by Mark Waldrop, the production starred Sally Mayes and George Dvorsky.
Keywords
Performing Groups

KEELY STEVENS – Female singer, age mid 30s to mid 50s. Charm, charm, charm – with an occasional touch of spitfire. Underneath, there's a driven, no-nonsense professional with an enormous and vulnerable ego. 
PETE BARTEL – Male singer, age mid 30s to mid 50s. Handsome and charming – perhaps ever so slightly past his prime. He plays the straight man to Keely's comedienne. His ego is just as big and fragile as hers. He can be somewhat caustic, especially when he's covering his wounded pride.

Plus 3 on stage musicians. Pete and Keely are brilliant musicians and a class act. They are not lounge singers.

Plus 3 on stage musicians. Pete and Keely are brilliant musicians and a class act. They are not lounge singers.

  • Time Period 1960s
  • Setting On stage during a live telecast from the NBC television studios in New York City.
  • Features Period Costumes
  • Additional Features Audience Participation/Interactive
  • Duration 105 Minutes
  • Cautions
    • No Special Cautions

Media

“A sequined, bell-bottomed parade of escalating fabulousness!” – Newsday

“Campy [with] nostalgic belly laughs.” – The New York Times

“A rattling good time... The score is a mix of golden oldies, including a clever travelogue made of songs about every state in the Union, and silver newies... A snappy scenario emerges... [that] should leave no one unsmiling.” – New York Magazine

“The brightest, happiest and most entertaining little show in town.” – New York Observer

Music

Music Samples

1. “It's Us Again”
2. “Lover”
3. “Kid Stuff/Daddy [Medley]”
4. “Besame Mucho”
5. “Battle Hymn of the Republic”
6. “Have You Got A Lot To Learn”
7. “The Cross Country Tour”
8. “Tony 'n' Cleo”
9. “Fever”
10. “Black Coffee”
11. “Too Fat To Fit”
12. “Love”
13. “Wasn't It Fine?”
14. “That's All”
  • Musical Style Classic Broadway
  • Vocal DemandsModerate
  • Orchestra Size Small/Combo
  • Chorus Size No Chorus

Licensing & Materials

  • Licensing fees and rental materials quoted upon application.
    This title may have restrictions in place for London based productions. Please submit a licence request to confirm specific availability.

Music Rentals

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3 Piano-Conductor Scores
1 Bass
1 Drums
3 Piano-Conductor Scores

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Authors

James Hindman

James Hindman

James Hindman is an award-winning playwright and actor. As a writer, his New York credits include: Popcorn Falls, directed by two-time Tony Award Winner Christian Borle (Top Twenty Theatrical Moments of 2018); Pete ‘n’ Keely (Outer Critics Award nomination, two Drama Desk nom ...

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Author

Patrick Brady

Mark Waldrop

Mark Waldrop

Winner of the Edward Kleban Award for lyrics, Mark Waldrop wrote lyrics for the acclaimed 75th Anniversary edition of Radio City Music Hall’s Christmas Spectacular, which he also scripted. He has continued to write all new lyrics and dialogue for the show from then to the pre ...

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