CHAPLIN, a musical subtitled A Memory as Entertainment, began an ill-fated journey to Broadway in 1981 when Emmy award-winning writer Ernest Kinoy, veteran lyricist Lee Goldsmith and freshman composer Roger Anderson were brought together by producer Don Gregory to develop a musical about the early life of the silent film star. Director Joe Layton, fresh from his success with Barnum, renowned designer Tony Walton, famed musical director Wally Harper and star John Rubinstein were soon attached to the lavish production. Just before first rehearsal, financial troubles forced postponements and the eventual demise of the project.

In 1993, the abandoned script and score were re-discovered and a revised version was produced in Miami at the Shores Performing Arts Center. Although less ambitious than the original, The Miami Herald praised the project as "thoughtful, accessible and emotionally involving," adding the music "excels throughout" and matched with "droll, witty and bittersweet" lyrics. The production featured Wayne LeGette as The Little Tramp and in 1994 CHAPLIN won a prestigious Carbonell Award as Best New Work.

In 2001 a second production was successfully mounted at the Golden Apple Theatre in Sarasota, Florida under the direction of Robert Turoff.  Larry Raben starred as Charlie. (photo)

In June 2012, CHAPLIN will premiere in London, staged by the Guildhall School of Music and Drama.  This is the first full production of the original Broadway bound version.  Martin Connor will direct, with choreography by Bill Deamer, and music direction and new, grand orchestrations by Steve Edis.