‘The Honeymooners’ musical coming to Old Globe in September

“The Honeymooners” lasted only one season on television but its legacy in the world of comedy has been far more enduring, thanks to re-runs and DVD. Next year, a new stage musical adapted from the classic Jackie Gleason sitcom will premiere at the Old Globe in San Diego.

The musical, set to open Sept. 22, will star Michael McGrath in the role of Ralph Kramden, originated on TV by Gleason. No additional casting news has been announced. McGrath won a Tony Award this year for his supporting performance in the musical “Nice Work If You Can Get It.”

“The Honeymooners” will be directed and choreographed by Jerry Mitchell, who is currently busy with the new Broadway-bound “Kinky Boots.” The musical will feature songs by Stephen Weiner and lyrics by Peter Mills.

Mitchell previously worked at the Old Globe on the shows “The Full Monty,” “Imaginary Friends” and “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels.”

The Old Globe said it is presenting “The Honeymooners” under a license from CBS.

The plot of the musical follows pals Ralph Kramden and Ed Norton (the role originated on TV by Art Carney) as they enter a jingle contest and win. Their success takes them from working-class Brooklyn to the skyscrapers of Manhattan.

“The Honeymooners” is scheduled to begin preview performances Sept. 8 and to run through Oct. 27.

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