In "Busker Alley," the book is by A.J. Carothers, the choreography is by Jeff Calhoun, and the theater is by LeRoy Neiman.
Neiman, the well-known sports artist, has taken on an unusual commission, painting the entire facade of the St. James Theater, where the $6 million musical begins previews on Oct. 19. A team of sign painters is transferring Neiman's designs to the building. And when the work is done, Neiman will sign the theater."He gives you great extremities," Neiman said the other day, gazing at a 40-foot likeness of lanky Tommy Tune, the star.
The inspiration for the mural came in the first-class cabin of a jet bound for Nevada. Neiman, on his way to sketch a prizefight in Las Vegas, fell into a conversation with Barry Weissler, one of the producers of "Busker," who asked him if he might draw a poster for the show.
And so he did.
- Peter Marks