Joe DiPietro News

Winner of the Edgar Award for Best Mystery Play, Art of Murder plunges audiences into the art world, exposing some of its most dangerous and grasping personalities. It tells the story of a world-renowned & eccentric artist, Jack Brooks, and his devious plot to murder his flamboyant art dealer, Vincent.

Center Repertory Company?s Artistic Director Michael Butler unveiled the company's 43rd subscription season. Running from September 3, 2009 to June 26, 2010, the season will be expanding Center Rep?s programming to include eight productions to be performed in all three theatres of the Lesher Center for the Arts. From the suspense of Agatha Christie to the music of Elvis Presley, Center Rep?s 09-10 season will delight audiences while also featuring the works of Caryl Churchill, No?l Coward, Reduced Shakespeare Company, Michael Frayn and five-time Emmy Award nominee Harold Gould. A variety of subscription packages, ranging from $128 to $522, can be purchased by calling 925-943-SHOW.

The Toxic Avenger, based on the cult-film favorite by Lloyd Kaufman and Troma Studios, is fast-tracking the production of its highly anticipated cast recording to be available in time for the show's opening night in New York City (Monday, April 6th). Therefore, the cast took a break from rehearsal to hit the Avatar recording studios and laid down final tracks of the David Bryan/Joe DiPietro score. BroadwayWorld.com sent in our cameras to grab all the 'Toxie' fun!

F**CKING MEN gets second extension 19th March - 6th June (no perf Sat 21st March week of 27th April, week of 25th May) TUES - SAT @ 10PM Prices: ?20 premium reserved, ?15 general unreserved, ?12.50 concessions TUESDAYS - ?12.50 premium reserved, ?10 general unreserved

All Shook Up runs March 11 - April 5 at the Media Theater for Performing Arts. Book by: Joe DiPietro Music and Lyrics by Various Authors It's the summer of 1955, and Natalie is a young woman in a small town in the American Midwest with dreams of hitting the road. Chad, a black-jacketed, rock and roll loving motorcyclist stops at the town's garage because his bike needs repair. Chad is a charismatic rebel, and Natalie, the mechanic, immediately falls for him. She overhears him saying that he's had 'a lot' of women but only travels with men. So Natalie covers her hair with a hat and puts motor oil on her face to approximate a beard, becoming 'Ed', Chad's sidekick. Eventually Chad falls in love with 'Ed'/Natalie, and during a 24 hour period, brings rock and roll to the town and changes it forever.

Over the River and Through the Woods, a comedy by Joe DiPietro, is a show for the entire family, starring Laura McLeod (Emma), Carol Skipper (Aida), Bob Reich (Nunzio), James Skipper (Frank), Misti Solomon (Caitlin), and Jeff Harris (Nick). It features music by Lynn Ivey. The show will be performed on Friday and Saturday at 7:30 from April 10 - April 25. Make sure to arrive between 6:30 and 6:45. For reservations call: 334-693-0846.

'I love a good murder mystery, like Sleuth or Deathtrap, ' said Producing Artistic Director, and Art of Murder director, Robert Cacioppo, 'but once you know the ending, the thrill is gone. This production of Art of Murder is only the second in the country, so I assure you, I am the only one who knows how it ends. You are in for a real treat.'

International musical sensation, I love You, You're Perfect, Now Change, comes to the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie, for two performances on Saturday, Feb. 21 at 3 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 22 at 8 p.m. Recognized as off-Broadway's longest running musical, I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change, celebrates the modern-day mating game as the cast delivers a state of the union on the joys of dating, romance, marriage, lovers, husbands, wives and in-laws. Four actors, playing more than forty roles in a collection of scenes and songs, reveal the difficulties and joys of connecting with another person. Directed by Joel Bishoff, featuring book and lyrics by Joe DiPietro, and music by Jimmy Roberts, I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change, offers comical insight into the pursuit of finding the perfect mate.

It was announced today that MEMPHIS, a new musical about the birth of rock 'n' roll in the turbulent 50s which recently played a critically acclaimed and sold-out engagement at Seattle?s 5th Avenue Theatre, is aiming to open on Broadway in the fall of 2009. Based on a concept by George W. George (producer of the Tony nominated Bedroom Farce & film: My Dinner With Andre), MEMPHIS features a book & lyrics by Joe DiPietro (I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change), and music & lyrics by Bon Jovi founding member David Bryan, in his Broadway debut. The new musical is directed by Tony nominee Christopher Ashley (Xanadu) and choreographed by Sergio Trujillo (Jersey Boys).

At a packed event last night at the Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, TheatreWorks, the nationally-acclaimed theatre of Silicon Valley, announced its 2009-2010 season to a crowd of enthusiastic patrons and supporters. Under the direction of Founding Artistic Director Robert Kelley, the company is celebrating 40 years of bringing quality theatre, including more than 50 world premieres, to the San Francisco Bay Area.

At a packed event last night at the Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, TheatreWorks, the nationally-acclaimed theatre of Silicon Valley, announced its 2009-2010 season to a crowd of enthusiastic patrons and supporters. Under the direction of Founding Artistic Director Robert Kelley, the company is celebrating 40 years of bringing quality theatre, including more than 50 world premieres, to the San Francisco Bay Area. The season announcement, which culminated a day of public activities launching the company's Ruby Anniversary, revealed that TheatreWorks will once again be presenting the area's first looks at several news-making productions, and deepening its commitment to presenting new works. The company announced a vibrant season leading off with an extensive New Works Festival that will draw national artists to the area; a World Premiere musical to be directed by the Tony Award-winning director of Les Miserables; two West Coast Premieres; two Regional Premieres, and two classics brought to the stage.

With the massive influx of musicals based on movies (or even worse, TV shows) lately such as 'Young Frankenstein', 'Shrek', 'Legally Blonde' and the upcoming '9 to 5', 'Catch Me If You Can' and 'Spider Man', one might think that the original American Musical is dead (or at least on life support). But let's look at some other recent additions, 'In the Heights', 'Wicked', and 'Spelling Bee'. These shows have proven to be wildly successful and give us all hope that we won't be reduced to 'Speed - The Musical'. And the show I witnessed last night gives me even more hope in that regard, 'Memphis'.

The Toxic Avenger will begin performances on Wednesday, March 18, 2009, at New World Stages. Opening Night is set for Monday, April 6th. BWW TV's STAGE TUBE brings you the AMC feature on The Toxic Avenger's World Premiere at the George Street Playhouse to get you ready as 'Toxie' prepares to invade New York City!

International musical sensation, I love You, You're Perfect, Now Change, comes to the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie, for two performances on Saturday, Feb. 21 at 3 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 22 at 8 p.m. Recognized as off-Broadway's longest running musical, I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change, celebrates the modern-day mating game as the cast delivers a state of the union on the joys of dating, romance, marriage, lovers, husbands, wives and in-laws. Four actors, playing more than forty roles in a collection of scenes and songs, reveal the difficulties and joys of connecting with another person. Directed by Joel Bishoff, featuring book and lyrics by Joe DiPietro, and music by Jimmy Roberts, I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change, offers comical insight into the pursuit of finding the perfect mate.

Jean Cheever and Tom Polum, producers of The Toxic Avenger, announced today that casting is complete for the upcoming new musical about New Jersey's first superhero. Joining the previously announced Nancy Opel are Sara Chase, Nick Cordero, Demond Green and Matt Saldivar. Ms. Opel, Mr. Cordero and Mr. Green all starred in the George Street Playhouse production of the show, while Ms. Chase appeared in the initial workshop production. Tony Award-winner John Rando directs. Featuring book and lyrics by Joe DiPietro (I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change) and music by David Bryan (Bon Jovi), The Toxic Avenger will begin performances on Wednesday, March 18, 2009, at New World Stages (340 West 50th Street). Opening Night is set for Monday, April 6th.

As the season of romance is upon us, Ray of Light Theatre continues its astronomical 2008/2009 season with I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change. A laugh-inducing, award-winning musical comedy about love in the suburbs, this stage sensation has been described as 'Seinfeld set to music'. It's a hilarious look at love and relationships that is touching, insightful and humorous. With six actors playing over forty roles scaling the dizzying spectrum of male/female relationships, I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change reveals the difficulties and joys of connecting with another person. Featuring amazing local talent (with many familiar faces) and live musicians, Ray of Light Theatre is bringing I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change to the San Francisco stage at Off-Market Theatres - 965 Mission St (between 5th/6th). Running February 5 - 28, 2009, this 4-week limited engagement makes for the perfect Valentine's treat. The show plays Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm and Sundays at 2pm. For tickets ($18-$30) and information, please visit www.roltheatre.com. Tickets may also be purchased at TIX Bay Area (Booth in Union Square) or by calling 1-800-838-3006. Student/senior discounts available. The Cast Sarah Kathleen Farrell Holly Nugent Amy Penney Alex Kirschner Justin Taylor Nixon Justin Torres Director/Choreographer: Ellyn Marie Marsh Ellyn Marie Marsh is very happy to be back in the Bay Area, where she was raised. She was last seen in the bay in Steve Silvers Beach Blanket Babylon, where she received rave reviews for her spot-on impressions of Barbara Streisand, Britney Spears, Hillary Clinton and the legendary Pineapple Princess. Other performing credits include Lincoln Center's My Fair Lady (Mrs. Hopkins) where she shared the stage with Kelsey Grammar, Brian Denehey and Kelli O'Hara, European and National Tours and Regional Credits of Broadway Dancin', West Side Story (Anita), Grease (Rizzo), Chorus Line (Diana), Sweet Charity (Nickie), Xmas Carol-Madison Square Garden Version (Xmas past), blah blah blah. Her directing and choreographing credits include, Once on this Island, Grease, Annie and High School Musical. She directed Ray of Light Theatre's 2006 production of Seussical. www.ellynmarsh.com. Love and thanks to Shane and the ROLT family, and to her husband, Travas, who supports all she does.

All Shook Up runs March 11 - April 5 at the Media Theater for Performing Arts. Book by: Joe DiPietro Music and Lyrics by Various Authors It's the summer of 1955, and Natalie is a young woman in a small town in the American Midwest with dreams of hitting the road. Chad, a black-jacketed, rock and roll loving motorcyclist stops at the town's garage because his bike needs repair. Chad is a charismatic rebel, and Natalie, the mechanic, immediately falls for him. She overhears him saying that he's had 'a lot' of women but only travels with men. So Natalie covers her hair with a hat and puts motor oil on her face to approximate a beard, becoming 'Ed', Chad's sidekick. Eventually Chad falls in love with 'Ed'/Natalie, and during a 24 hour period, brings rock and roll to the town and changes it forever.

La Jolla Playhouse productions heading for national exposure fared well as the San Diego Theatre Critics Circle on Monday, Jan. 26, 2009, presented the annual Craig Noel Awards for Theatrical Excellence, honoring the best local stage work of 2008. Noel, the 93-year-old founding director of the Old Globe Theatre, was in attendance for his namesake awards, which were presented at the Museum of Contemporary Art, San Diego, in La Jolla, attended by some 350 theater industry members and supporters. Moises Kaufman's '33 Variations,' about to open on Broadway with Jane Fonda in the lead role, was honored for David Lander's lighting and Derek McLane's set. The Playhouse's premiere of Joe DiPietro and David Bryan's 'Memphis' (now in production at Seattle's Fifth Avenue Theatre) was honored as outstanding new musical and for Chad Kimball's lead performance. A fresh staging of 'Xanadu,' which Playhouse artistic director Christopher Ashley first directed on Broadway, was named outstanding resident musical, and Bill T. Jones won for his choreography in the Playhouse's hip-hop musical 'The Seven.' Old Globe productions garnered four mentions, including Steven Drukman's boxing-themed drama about Joe Louis, 'In This Corner,' which was named outstanding new play. 'Dancing in the Dark,' a debut musical with Broadway aspirations (based on the classic film 'The Band Wagon'), won for Patrick Page's featured performance and Larry Hochman's orchestrations. A revival of 'The Women,' directed by Old Globe resident artistic director Darko Tresnjak, was honored for Anna Oliver's costumes. And the national touring production of 'Spring Awakening,' produced by Broadway/San Diego, a Nederlander Organization, won for best touring show.

The racially-fueled rock 'n' roll musical Memphis will arrive at 5th Ave Theater Jan. 27. Memphis will officially open Feb. 5 and run through Feb. 15 at the 5th Avenue Theatre.

As the season of romance is upon us, Ray of Light Theatre continues its astronomical 2008/2009 season with I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change. A laugh-inducing, award-winning musical comedy about love in the suburbs, this stage sensation has been described as 'Seinfeld set to music'. It's a hilarious look at love and relationships that is touching, insightful and humorous. With six actors playing over forty roles scaling the dizzying spectrum of male/female relationships, I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change reveals the difficulties and joys of connecting with another person. Featuring amazing local talent (with many familiar faces) and live musicians, Ray of Light Theatre is bringing I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change to the San Francisco stage at Off-Market Theatres - 965 Mission St (between 5th/6th). Running February 5 - 28, 2009, this 4-week limited engagement makes for the perfect Valentine's treat. The show plays Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm and Sundays at 2pm. For tickets ($18-$30) and information, please visit www.roltheatre.com. Tickets may also be purchased at TIX Bay Area (Booth in Union Square) or by calling 1-800-838-3006. Student/senior discounts available. The Cast Sarah Kathleen Farrell Holly Nugent Amy Penney Alex Kirschner Justin Taylor Nixon Justin Torres Director/Choreographer: Ellyn Marie Marsh Ellyn Marie Marsh is very happy to be back in the Bay Area, where she was raised. She was last seen in the bay in Steve Silvers Beach Blanket Babylon, where she received rave reviews for her spot-on impressions of Barbara Streisand, Britney Spears, Hillary Clinton and the legendary Pineapple Princess. Other performing credits include Lincoln Center's My Fair Lady (Mrs. Hopkins) where she shared the stage with Kelsey Grammar, Brian Denehey and Kelli O'Hara, European and National Tours and Regional Credits of Broadway Dancin', West Side Story (Anita), Grease (Rizzo), Chorus Line (Diana), Sweet Charity (Nickie), Xmas Carol-Madison Square Garden Version (Xmas past), blah blah blah. Her directing and choreographing credits include, Once on this Island, Grease, Annie and High School Musical. She directed Ray of Light Theatre's 2006 production of Seussical. www.ellynmarsh.com. Love and thanks to Shane and the ROLT family, and to her husband, Travas, who supports all she does.