'Escape From Bellevue' Starts Open-Ended Run May 31

Escape From Bellevue, a live, rock n' roll-driven multi-media production written and performed by Christopher John Campion and with music by his acclaimed band Knockout Drops, will kick off performances Thursday, May 31st. The show will enjoy an open-ended run at the Village Theatre (158 Bleecker Street). OBIE-winner Alex Timbers (Dixie's Tupperware Party, Gutenberg! The Musical!) directs.

Press notes state, "With driving rock 'n' roll and darkly comic monologues, Escape From Bellevue takes audiences on a whirlwind ride as Knockout Drops' dynamic front man Christopher John Campion chronicles the band's travails in the music biz as well as his own surreal escapades under the influence. The story centers on Campion's three trips to the world's most foreboding and infamous mental institution, Bellevue Hospital, and climaxes with his infamous escape during his second stay – rumored to be the first to escape from the notorious establishment since 1963. Propelled by the songs of Knockout Drops performed live, Campion's monologues and outrageous video segments come together in this combustible cocktail, blitzing the senses in a wild rock-theater hybrid."

Escape from Bellevue premiered at The Paradise Factory Theater in New York in December 2005, where it extended its initial four-week run twice do to popular demand and earned Campion a book deal with Gotham Books/Penguin Publishers Escape From Bellevue and other stories will be released in early 2009).

Escape from Bellevue features Set Design by Cameron Anderson (Tall Grass, Widower's Houses), Lighting Design by David Weiner (Butley, Suburbia), Sound Design by Tom Licameli and Phil Palazzolo, Projection Design by Jake Pinholster and Video by Chris Cassidy. Knockout Drops are: Christopher John Campion (lead vocals), Tom Licameli (guitar/vocals), Phil Mastrangelo (bass vocals) and Vinny Cimino (drums).

Escape from Bellevue plays Thursday-Saturday at 8PM, with an additional Saturday performance at 11PM. The Village Theatre is located at 158 Bleecker Street (between Sullivan & Thompson Streets). Tickets are $30 advance / $35 door for Thursday at 8 PM and Saturday at 11PM; and $35 advance / $40 door for Friday and Saturday at 8PM. Taxes/surcharges applicable. To purchase tickets, visit www.ticketmaster.com or call (212) 307-7171. For more information, visit www.KnockoutDrops.com.