Doctor Dolittle

Chicago audiences will be able to talk to the animals soon.  The on-again, off-again touring stage production of the Leslie Bricusse musical "Doctor Dolittle" is back on the schedule for Chicago's Cadillac Palace Theatre July 18-30, 2006.  Legendary song and dance man Tommy Tune not only takes the lead but the directorial reins as well.  Broadway veteran Dee Hoty will play Tune's love interest.  Ms. Hoty's credits include "The Will Rogers Follies," "Mamma Mia," "City of Angels" and 'The Best Little Whorehouse Goes Public."

Throughout his prolific career, the legendary Mr. Tune has garnered many prestigious awards, including The National Medal of Arts presented by the President in 2003, nine Tony Awards, eight Drama Desk Awards, two Obie Awards and two Fred Astaire Awards. The multi-talented performer, choreographer and director has many credits to his name including Grand Hotel, The Will Rogers Follies, A Day in Hollywood/A Night in the Ukraine, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas and the original production of Nine.

"What a privilege to be working with the talented Tommy Tune," says Producer Van Kaplan, Pittsburgh CLO. "His unique performance style and flair are bound to delight theatergoers across the country. Audiences are in for a treat."

Tune is proud to usher in a new generation to experience the thrill of live theater. He explains, “This is an ideal show to introduce children to the world of musical theater. It’s an enchanting production that sparks a child’s imagination, a wonderful treat for the entire family to enjoy together.”

Twelve year old newcomer Aaron Burr was handpicked by Tommy Tune to play Chee-Chee the chimpanzee. This past summer, Burr won the Greatest Dancer competition on ABC’s “Good Morning America,” judged by Tune and a handful of other celebrity judges.

Dr. Dolittle features a book, music and lyrics written by Leslie Bricusse, a writer-composer-lyricist who has contributed to numerous musicals and movies during his career. Book revisions are by Lee Tannen. The show's charming and witty score features the Academy Award-winning song "Talk to the Animals" and a flock of other tuneful delights, including "When I Look in Your Eyes," "I've Never Seen Anything Like It" and "After Today."

This whimsical tale first wowed audiences in the critically acclaimed 1967 movie starring Rex Harrison. It earned an impressive eight academy award nominations, winning several Oscars.