Clinton Library birthday festivities included the periodic gathering organized by library director Bobby Roberts of friends and former staffers of Bill Clinton, dating back to the 1974 congressional campaign, attorney general and gubernatorial days. I went along on my wife’s ticket as a former assistant attorney general and talked there with Harry Thomason, the Arkansas native producer and director and FOB.
Thomason told me about a new family venture, a musical with book written by his wife Linda Bloodworth-Thomason, set to open soon in Chicago. If all went well, he said, they hoped to make it to Broadway. We talked about the economic potential for Broadway shows. The big hits run forever in repertory, community theater and schools.
Two days later, into my mailbox popped a notice of the opening of the show in Chicago Feb. 17-March 29 at the Oriental Theatre. It’s called “First Wives Club,” and it’s based on the movie of that name that starred Bette Midler. Goldie Hawn and Diane Keaton.
In Chicago, the stars will be Faith Prince, Christine Sherrill and Carmen Cusack, Music is by Holland-Dozier-Holland, the famous Motown team. There’s new material, but the show also includes “Stop in the Name of Love,” “Sugar Pie Honeybunch,” “Stop in the Name of Love” and “Reach Out I’ll Be There.” Sounds about my speed.