BEHIND THE MUSIC-AL: ROCKS! Held At 92Y Tribeca 1/31

BEHIND THE MUSIC-AL: ROCKS! Mon, Jan 31, 8 pm, $15

Behind the Music-al is an exciting behind-the-scenes look at the next generation of musical theater composers. Learn how songwriting teams collaborate, hear exclusive new songs performed by some of Broadway's hottest young stars and get the back-story on your favorite musical numbers. Moderator Stephen Flaherty asks emerging songwriters Joe Iconis, Drew Gasparini and Ewalt & Walker about the role rock music plays in their work and how mainstream music is influencing musical theater today.
Bios

Joe Iconis is a Long Island native and grad of the NYU/Tisch Graduate Musical Theater Writing Program. He is the proud recipient of a 2007 Ed Kleban Award, a 2006 Jonathan Larson Award, a Backstage Bistro Award and a 1992 Garden City Elementary School Vocal Music Award. Joe is the author of Bloodsong of Love: The Rock'N'Roll Spaghetti Western (Ars Nova), The Black Suits (music and lyrics by Joe, book by Joe and Robert Maddock; SPF @ The Public Theater), ReWRITE (Urban Stages), The Plant that Ate Dirty Socks (Lucille Lortel Theater), Things to Ruin: the Songs of Joe Iconis (The Zipper; album released by Sh-k-Boom Records in 2010). The Joe Iconis Rock and Roll Jamboree has played to sold out crowds at venues all over New York City.

Drew Gasparini's works include Crazy, Just Like Me, the Circles and Above My Pay Grade a corporate musical commissioned by Holt Learning (Book by Louis Sacco).

Kyle Ewalt and Michael I. Walker are co-creators of Behind the Musical with 92YTribeca. Together, they have completed four musicals and their music has been seen around NYC and the country. Most recently, their show Separate: Battle Songs of Youth was seen at Ars Nova and their latest musical, Bromance: the Dudesical, was at Caroline's on Broadway. Bromance will next be seen in February as part of Ground UP Productions New Works Festival. Michael's play, Letter From Algeria, just completed an Off-Broadway run at the Abgindon Theater.

Stephen Flaherty is perhaps best known as the composer of the Broadway musicals Ragtime (Tony, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle Awards, two Grammy nominations), Seussical (Grammy and Drama Desk nominations) and Once on This Island (Tony nomination, Olivier Award for London's Best Musical). He has also contributed music to the Broadway productions of Chita Rivera: The Dancer's Life (original songs) and Neil Simon's Proposals (incidental music). Stephen has also written four musicals produced at Lincoln Center Theatre: The Glorious Ones (Outer Critics Circle and Drama Desk nominations), Dessa Rose (Outer Critics Circle and Drama Desk nominations), A Man of No Importance (Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Musical, Drama Desk nomination) and My Favorite Year. Film credits include Anastasia (Academy Award nominations for Best Musical Score and Best Song, two Golden Globe nominations for Best Song and a gold record for its soundtrack), Bartok the Magnificent (original score and songs) and the documentary After The Storm.

www.92YTribeca.org/Theater

About 92YTribeca
92YTribeca is 92nd Street Y's downtown arts and culture venue in New York City. Opened in October 2008, 92YTribeca presents music, comedy, film, theater, talks, classes, family events, and Jewish community and holiday programs in a versatile, street-level, modern space at 200 Hudson Street. In addition to the mainstage and screening room, the venue houses an art gallery, lounge, bar, café, seminar and meeting rooms, and free Wi-Fi around the space. With programs developed by a professional curatorial team in partnership with staff, local artists and arts organizations, new-media companies, fellow presenters, and community and cause-based organizations, 92YTribeca aims to engage a diverse community of young people from around the New York area with smart, relevant programming that encourages participation and conversation. For more information, visit www.92YTribeca.org.