“I found myself swaying from beginning to end in my seat, unable to sit still as the terrific seven-piece band, front-loaded with fabulous horns, kept the room aloft.” -Charles McNulty, L.A. TIMES
Louis & Keely Live at the Sahara
Starring Jake Broder as Louis and Vanessa Claire Smith as Keely
Written by Jake Broder and Vanessa Claire Smith
Directed by Jeremy Aldridge
Musical Direction by Dennis Kaye
Performed at the Geffen Playhouse and on Broadway 2008-2010
KTLA Announcement
Music
Los Angeles Times, July 2008
LA Weekly, 2009
Backstage Magazine, March 2009
Variety Magazine, March 2009
The Hollywood Reporter, March 2009
The Geffen Playhouse Extended Run
Awards
Ovation Award Winner
Best Musical, Lead Actress in a Musical-Vanessa Claire Smith
Lead Actor in a Musical-Jake Broder
Direction of a Musical-Jeremy Aldridge
LA Drama Critics Circle Award Winner
Best Production
Best Direction-Jeremy Aldridge
Music Direction-Dennis Kaye
Lead Performance-Jake Broder
Garland Award Winner
Production, Playwriting-Vanessa Claire Smith and Jake Broder
Direction-Jeremy Aldridge
Music Direction-Dennis Kaye
Performance in a Musical Production- Vanessa Claire Smith and Jake Broder
LA Weekly Theater Award Winner
Musical of the Year, Musical Direction- Dennis Kaye
“A near transcendent musical and comedic re-creation of the legendary Louis & Keely lounge act. Broder effortlessly channels Prima's over-the-top vocals. Smith continues to grow into Keely's dramatic musical persona. and special kudos must go to the ultra-swinging onstage band.”
-Julio Martinez, VARIETY