Billy Joel-Twyla Tharpe Collaboration

Billy Joel, or his music that is, will finally make it to Broadway next year in a collaboration with dance choreographer Twyla Tharpe. In a tentatively monikered "The Thoel Project," which will probably cost between $6-$8 million to mount–and there are reports of plenty of potential backers–will have no dialogue, just music and dance.

Recently, there was a workshop presentation by the Nederlander Organization that went over well, and reports indicate that Joel gave the okay to proceed to Broadway. He is even considering writing some new songs to give the story more continuity.

The plot involves three men from the 60's who go to fight in Vietnam. Only two return. One of the survivors blames the other survivor for the third's death. Then they get caught up in the drug scene of the 70's but get it together in the 80's. Some of Joel's songs that are used are "Innocent Man," "Big Shot," "River of Dreams" and "Movin' Out." The choreography touches a lot of dance genres from ballet to modern dance and even some disco but no tap.

There will be a live band for the production instead of pre-recorded tapes that are commonly used in such productions. Michael Cavanaugh, a singer from Las Vegas, will be the band's vocalist since his voice has an uncanny resemblance to Billy Joel.