One That Got Away: Flying Over Sunset

Given the circumstances, it is a small miracle that Flying Over Sunset even opened. It was ready to begin previews when everything shut down for COVID, but Lincoln Center kept everything in place for more than a year. There were a few cast changes, but most everyone was ready to get back to work when things slowly began coming back.

Missing this one was due entirely to time. It simply ran out before we could get to it.

One That Got Away:

Flying Over Sunset

     

     

On paper, at least, this had everything I look for in new shows. There was a director/writer I have always enjoyed, James Lapine, and a score by one of my very favorites, Tom Kitt. The cast was full of actors I greatly admire, including Carmen Cusack and Tony Yazbeck. And, of course, a weird, intriguing story that promised a fresh perspective, thought-provoking themes, and an emotional experience. I'm guessing that that "weirdness" had a lot to do with its poor box office performance. People like me, who thrive on unusual theatricality, it would seem are few and far between. Of course, there was also the specter/fear of COVID that even today affects Broadway's comeback.

At least there is the cast recording and several rehearsal videos to revisit. Still, this is one that got away that I really regret.

Flying Over Sunset began its 36 previews at the Vivian Beaumont Theater at Lincoln Center on November 11, 2021, and opened on December 13, 3021. It was nominated for four 2022 Tony Awards: Best Actress in a Musical (Carmen Cusack), Best Original Score (Tom Kitt & Michael Korie), Best Scenic Design of a Musical (Beowulf Boritt & 59 Productions) and Best Lighting Design of a Musical (Bradley King). After 35 performances, the show closed on January 16, 2022.

📸: J. Marcus