'Little Death' Opens at the Zipper Factory 10/8

In an exclusive four-week engagement at the Zipper Factory, 336 West 37th Street, the Nightlife, MAC and Bistro Award-winner Karen Kohler stars in Little Death, a provocative new musical performance exploring the erotic synergies between sex and death. The world premiere of Little Death, which is comprised of two distinct shows -- one the Sex Act, the other the Death Act -- alternates on four consecutive Wednesdays, October 8, 15, 22, and 29, all at 8pm. The companion shows, directed by John-Richard Thompson, each feature a five-piece ensemble. Singing in five languages, including English, German and French, Kohler crossbreeds a decadent range of theatrical and musical influences, everything from jazz, Delta blues, classical, rock-folk and cabaret.

Tickets go on sale on Monday September 8 and are available by phone at 212/352-3101, or online at www.thezipperfactory.com.

In Little Death, the actress and vocalist Karen Kohler gets into bed with a succession of composers dating back as far as the 17th century with Henry Purcell, all the way to the present with Tom Waits. Her other musical suitors include Jacques Brel, Leonard Cohen, Patrick Doyle, Astor Piazzola, Cole Porter, Franz Schubert, Jane Siberry, Kurt Weill and Wesley "Sox" Wilson. The iconoclastic Kohler, who is known for bridging distinctly different sensibilities and songbooks, is the founder of the Kabarett Kollektif (an ensemble devoted to European cabaret in its many forms), as well as the founding producer of Kabarett Fête, a widely praised festival that debuted in 2007 and immersed audiences in a daring habitat of international styles.

Little Death's musical ensemble of five includes music director Doug Oberhamer on piano (he and Tom Nazziola and Kohler are responsible for the arrangements) Sean Harkness on guitar, violinist Meg Okura, Scott Thornton on bass, and Dave Anthony on percussion.

Thompson, an award-winning author, director and former sea captain, wrote and directed the long-running cabaret cult phenomena Erik and the Snow Maidens (set in Finland during WW I) which ran from 1997 through 1999, and "Indigo Rat" (set in Berlin during WW II), which ran in Greenwich Village from 2000 to 2001. "Little Death" -- Kohler and Thompson's first collaboration -- is Kohler's first solo show in five years.

Little Death performs on four consecutive Wednesdays at 8pm from October 8 through October 29. Sex plays October 8 and 22, while Death bows on October 15 and 29. All shows are at 8pm. Tickets, which are $25 and $40, can be purchased by phone at (212) 352-3101 or online at www.thezipperfactory.com. Purchasers of both shows receive "a free gift indulgence." Details about an obscenely high-priced premium ticket package, The Libertine Special, will be unveiled in the coming days on the show's Web site www.karenkohler.com. The Zipper Factory is at 336 West 37th Street, between 8th and 9th Avenues. The Zipper Factory Tavern serves dinner and drinks before or after the show; call 212/695-4600 for reservations.