Susan Werner throws back her head and shakes it in amusement.
She’s stifling a laugh as she watches actor John Behlmann leap off a dusty green wooden riser in a high jump, fall into a split, then hop up and burst into a goofy “stirring the butter” dance move.
Near Werner, a pianist rips out the boogie-woogie melody of "She's Mine," one of 18 Werner-penned songs that will appear in "Bull Durham," the new musical based on the beloved 1988 romantic comedy that expertly layered baseball, sex and love starring Kevin Costner, Susan Sarandon and Tim Robbins.
The show officially launches the 2014/2015 season at the Alliance Theatre on Sept. 13. It's another world premiere for the establishment that in recent years has debuted a parade of high-profile musicals including "Bring It On: The Musical," "The Color Purple," Ghost Brothers of Darkland County" and, last season, a revamped version of Barry Manilow's "Harmony."
The goal for “Bull Durham” is to land on Broadway next year.
“I’d take that bet,” she said.
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