Producer Ron Dante Discusses New Musical ‘In a Booth at Chasen’s’
INTERVIEW: RON DANTE
BY RYAN M. LUÉVANO
Producer Ron Dante is known for producing of Barry Manilow’s first nine albums including: “Mandy,” “I Write the Songs,” “Could It Be Magic,” and the Grammy-winning “Copacabana”. However, Dante is also an experienced theatre producer notably of the two Tony Award-winning Broadway shows Ain’t Misbehavin and Children of a Lesser God. Now Dante has teamed up with composer/lyricists Al Kasha and Phil Swann, and writer Sam Bennett to bring their new musical In a Booth at Chasen’s to Los Angeles audiences. The musical is about the blind date changed history–the story of how Nancy Davis met Ronald Reagan, a meeting that would forever change their lives and lead to one of the most impactful marriages of the 20th century. In this Tin Pan L.A. exclusive Dante shares how this project came together and what audiences can expect from this new musical about the real-life Hollywood romance of Nancy and Ronald Reagan.
How would you describe In a Booth at Chasen’s in a nutshell?
This is the love story of how Ron Reagan met and married Nancy Davis and how she helped him make history.
What inspired you to bring this show to the public? Why tell this story?
I felt this was a story for our times. A lesson of how true love can last and change people for the best. To make them go beyond what they would normally do.
How did you assemble your writing team?
I was fortunate to have the writing team come to me. I attended a run through of the show a few years ago and was so impressed with the book and score that I had to get involved with the production as producer.
What kind of research was done to tell this story? Was the Reagan Estate contacted for assistance?
Years of research have been done for this show by the book writer and composers. They wanted to be as accurate as possible because so much is known about Ron and Nancy.
How is this story being told on the large El Portal stage?
We love the El Portal Theater. A wonderful stage and not a bad seat in the house. We have built an incredible set and will give theatergoers an experience that will never forget.
Kiss) Kelley Dorney, Brent Schindele. Photo Credit: Michael Lamont.
Given that the real-life story took place in the 50s, will this musical mirror the music and musicals of that era in its style?
Some of the score of course reflects the music of the fifties but other songs will be timeless in style.
Where does the story start? What is the arc of the show’s story?
The story starts when Ron first meets Nancy at Chasen’s. The arc of the show covers from their first meeting until their marriage.
How long did it take for the show to be complete?
The show has been complete for a year or so. New songs have been added since I became involved.
Has the show had any workshops or readings? If so what was learned at those events that influenced the musical’s current state?
The show has had many readings and each time the creative team came up with new and inventive ways to tell the story.
How has the director Kay Cole helped shape this show?
Kay Cole is a brilliant director who has a vision of what this show should look like and is bringing that vision to life.
What is your favorite moment in the show?
When Ron finally asks Nancy to marry him. Also one other moment is when Nancy sings her song “Red.”
What excites you most about this show?
The fact that people will find out things about Ron an Nancy that possibly they never knew before.
MORE INFORMATION AND TICKETS: 
Venue: El Portal Theatre Debbie Reynolds Mainstage
5269 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood CA
Dates: November 9 to 25, 2018
Playing Previews – Fri Nov 9 at 8p, Sat Nov 10 at 2p and 8p
Schedule Press Opening Sunday, November 11 at 5pm
Thurs, Nov 15 at 2p and 8p, Fri, Nov 16 at 8p
Sat, Nov 17 at 3p and 8p; Sun, Nov 18 at 3p and 7p
Wed Nov 21 at 3p and 8p; Fri, Nov 23 at 8p
Sat, Nov 24 at 3p and 8p; Sun, Nov 25 at 3p
Tickets Website – www.InABoothAtChasens.com
Phone for Tickets and Groups – 818-508-4200
