November is a huge month for Billy Joel fans. Not only is the Piano Man himself coming for a pair of concert dates, but the smash hit Broadway musical based on his own hits is also hitting the province! Movin’ Out, The Tony Award-winning musical conceived, choreographed and directed by Twyla Tharp and based on 24 classic songs by Billy Joel, runs at the Edmonton Jubilee Auditorium November 14th – 18th and the Calgary Jubilee Auditorium November 27th to December 2nd!
Movin’ Out is the story of lifelong friends spanning two turbulent decades that change them and the world around them forever. Songs like “It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me,” “We Didn’t Start the Fire,” and “Pressure” all come together to weave a musical backdrop which beautifully complements Tharp’s innovative choreography. The songs and dance take audiences through poignant narrative comprised of three main elements: post-World War II idealism, the Vietnam War and its subsequent unrest, and finally, survival.
Many will recognize Movin’ Out’s main characters, as they come straight from Joel’s lyrics. There’s Brenda and Eddie from “Scenes from an Italian Restaurant,” Tony and Sergeant O’Leary from “Movin’ Out,” Judy from “Why, Judy, Why,” and James from “James”. Their story is told completely through dance, with no dialogue whatsoever. The show is unusual in that it is a series of dances linked by a thin plot, and none of the dancers sing. All the vocals are performed by a pianist and band suspended on a platform above the stage while the dancers act out the narrative sans dialogue, making the show, in essence, a rock ballet. Movin’ Out is “a story told without language,” Tharp says. “The movement and the action tell the story – the experience, the emotional resonance, comes from action rather than language.”
The Broadway production of Movin’ Out played for over three years, closing on December 11, 2005, after 28 previews and 1303 regular performances. It joined the pantheon of great Broadway dance musicals when it surpassed the runs of Contact, Fosse and Bring in ‘Da Noise/Bring in ‘Da Funk. The show also received 9 Tony award nominations and two wins.
In the past few years Alberta has witnessed some of the greatest of Broadway shows come through. From cute cuddly CATS to the dark and haunting Phantom, to some great Producers that made us say Mamma Mia! If the quality of these productions is anything to go by, then we are once again in for a treat! Do not miss this limited engagement of one of Broadway’s best of 2003, Movin’ Out!

Movin’ Out
Jubilee Auditorium
Edmonton
November 14th – 18th
Calgary
November 27th - December 2nd
Tickets at ticketmaster.
www.broadwayacrosscanada.com