If one were searching for a spectacular, tuneful and exotic work to effect the Santa Barbara Symphony’s return to live performances, one could scarcely do better than the one the symphony has chosen: “Kismet” (1953), the Broadway musical that was adapted by Charles Lederer and Luther Davis from the 1911 play by Edward Knoblock (1874-1945).
The lyrics and musical adaptation (with some original music) were by Robert Wright and George Forrest. The 1911 play — fueled no doubt by the romantic orientalism of its silly Arabian Nights plot — was filmed five times before the musical version was brought the screen by Vincente Minelli in 1955.
The popularity of the musical is driven, I think, by the fact that most of its lush, exotic tunes were lifted from several works by the Russian nationalistic composer, Alexander Borodin (1833-87), who never got a penny in royalties.
(In 1944, Wright and Forrest had done a similar expropriation of the music of Edvard Grieg for their popular operetta “Song of Norway,” but then they had the excuse that their play was about the composer.)
The symphony’s “Kismet” is produced by Sara Miller McCune. The orchestra will be conducted by Maestro Nir Kabaretti, who will handle the musical direction of the production. Broadway adept Lonny Price, will direct the show.
The dancing will be by the State Street Ballet, choreographed by their director William Soleau, choreographer, with, as the symphony says it, “a cast of performers from across the globe.”
“Kismet” — the word means “fate” or “destiny” — plays at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 23, and at 2:20 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 24, in the Granada Theater, 1214 State St. Tickets are $156, $86, $60, $46 and $10, and can be purchased by calling the Granada box office, 805-899-2222, or online at www.ticketing.granadasb.org/15635.
Everything you need to know about attending a symphony concert in these pandemic times can be found at www.thesymphony.org/your-visit/know-before-you-go/.