Farmington Hills Debuts Groundbreaking Musical “Charlie Hu$tle” Centered on Baseball Icon Pete Rose

Farmington Hills Welcomes a New Musical About Baseball Legend Pete Rose

Farmington Hills is buzzing with excitement as the local theater community comes together to unveil a _brand new musical_ that’s making waves long before hitting the bright lights of Broadway. That’s right! On November 14, the curtain rose on _“Charlie Hu$tle,”_ a musical about none other than baseball legend Pete Rose. And what a neat coincidence that the show’s opening day matches Rose’s famous jersey number!

Behind the Musical

Written by the talented Ryan Noggle, known for his work on “Saturday Night Live,” and composed by Neil Berg of “Grumpy Old Men: The Musical” fame, this musical paints a vivid picture of Rose’s rollercoaster career while delving into the serious issue of gambling addiction. Under the skilled direction of Broadway star Jennifer Little, recognized for her role in “The Phantom of the Opera,” this show promises to be more than just a typical baseball story.

Noggle expressed that Pete Rose’s life is filled with rich content—full of ups and downs and fascinating characters that contribute to a story just begging to be told. “It checked every box I was looking for in a story. I thought it would make a sensational musical. An unexpected musical,” Noggle shared with enthusiasm.

More Than Just Baseball

As Neil Berg chimed in, “This isn’t merely a baseball musical. What drew me to it was the exploration of gambling. We haven’t really had a serious musical digging into addiction, not since the classic ‘Guys and Dolls’ which is more of a light comedy.” It appears that the heart of “Charlie Hu$tle” goes beyond the diamond, diving deep into the emotional struggles faced by those who fall into the snare of addiction.

Noggle recalls his childhood admiration for Rose, stating, “When I was around seven or eight, he was the biggest star on our team. I wanted to emulate him in Little League; I admired his work ethic.” However, everything changed when the infamous scandal broke in 1989. “It was devastating,” he admitted. “Seeing someone you idolize fall from grace can really shake your youthful perspective.”

Theater Students Take Center Stage

Bringing this ambitious project to life are the students of Oakland Community College’s theater program. Little said, “It’s quite a hefty workload; creating a musical for the first time does come with its pressures. But there’s also immense excitement in paving the way for something fresh!”

The production not only thrives on original storytelling but also embraces inclusivity, as advanced American Sign Language (ASL) students will accompany the actors on stage. These shadow actors help to translate spoken words into ASL, making the performance more accessible. Little has long had a passion for integrating the deaf community into the arts, and this project reflects that commitment. “We think constantly about how to make our performance visual and engaging for all individuals, including those who are deaf or hard of hearing,” she noted.

Get Your Tickets!

The last two performances of “Charlie Hu$tle” are set for November 21 and 22, so make sure to grab your tickets! They’re reasonably priced between _$5 and $10_, and you can purchase them online or at the door. With student actors bringing their fresh perspectives to this original work, you won’t want to miss the chance to see a new chapter in musical theater unfold right before your eyes!

The energy in Farmington Hills is electric as this community project takes root and aims for the stars. Whether you’re a baseball aficionado, a lover of theater, or simply looking for an engaging night out, “Charlie Hu$tle” offers something for everyone. Grab your friends, come out, and support local talent!