Production History

Urban Cowboy received Tony nominations for score and choreography, Drama Desk nominations for Featured Actress (Sally Mayes), and two Outer Critics Circle nominations for Best Musical and Best Actress (Jenn Colella).


 

Urban Cowboy is based on the hit Paramount film of the same name, which starred John Travolta and Debra Winger. It’s the story of Bud, a new breed of cowboy who’s turnin’ heads and lookin’ for love in the biggest honkeytonk in the world. But can he raise the roof, get the girl and ride the bull, all before last call? Urban Cowboy features classic songs from the original film, hits from such current country stars as Shania Twain, Clint Black and the Dixie Chicks, and original songs from musical director and conductor Jason Robert Brown (Parade, The Last Five Years), as well as Jeff Blumenkrantz and Bob Stillman. Lonny Price directs with choreography by Melinda Roy. Set and projection design is by James Noone with lighting design by Natasha Katz and costume design by Ellis Tillman. Sound design is by Peter J. Fitzgerald.

(Thanks to JRB enthusiast Jimbo Diego for this write-up!)

Reviews:

Theater’s brightest composers hit dead end in NYC 2003-06-22
The Dallas Morning News
Lawson Taitte

Urban Cowboy To Close on Broadway, May 18 2003-05-12
Playbill.com
Ernio Hernandez

Review: Urban Cowboy 2003-04-28
New York Magazine
John Simon

‘Urban Cowboy’: Get Along, Little Dogie 2003-04-18
The Washington Post
Peter Marks

This Bud’s Not for You 2003-03-28
Newsday
Linda Winer

Just Guys and Gals Lookin’ for Love 2003-03-28
New York Times
Ben Brantley

Urban Cowboy to Close on Broadway March 29; Will Tour in 2004 2003-03-28
Playbill
Robert Simonson

A Last-Minute Reprieve: Urban Cowboy to Continue Performances 2003-03-29
TheaterMania.com
Michael Portantiere

Review: Urban Cowboy 2002-11-19
Variety
Jack Zink

‘Urban Cowboy’ survives rocky trail to S. Florida stage 2002-11-18
The Miami Herald
Christine Dolen

From screen to stage: ‘Urban Cowboy’ a tragic, tempestuous journey 2002-11-10
The Miami Herald
Christine Dolen