Matt Hinkley News

The opposites attracting plot is probably as old as romantic comedy itself, but even if Rooms: a rock romance follows familiar paths, the Paul Scott Goodman (book/music/lyrics) and Miriam Gordon (book) two-person musical is such a buoyant, funny and upbeat affair that the clichés of the story are conquered by the cleverness and exuberance with which the story is told. Under Scott Schwartz's swift and breezy direction, the 90-minute one-act scoots the audience along on an immensely enjoyable ride.

Theatre League's Fund for New Musicals is proud to announce its newest recipients, David Eric Davis and Sam Forman's F#@KING UP EVERYTHING, as it gears up to premiere at the 2009 New York Musical Theatre Festival.

The National Alliance for Musical Theatre (NAMT) and Executive Director Kathy Evans announced the directors, music directors and preliminary casts for the eight musicals being presented as 45-minute staged readings for its 21st Annual Festival of New Musicals at New World Stages (340 West 50th St) on Monday, October 19 and Tuesday, October 20, 2009.

'So You Think You Can Dance' top three finalist Neil Haskell will replace Heath Calvert (who has been cast in HAIR on Broadway) in the role of Jake in the new rock musical comedy F#@KING UP EVERYTHING, written by David Eric Davis (music, lyrics, book), Sam Forman (book), with musical direction, orchestrations and arrangements by Matt Hinkley and directed by Stephen Brackett.

The New York Musical Theatre Festival & Jeremy Handelman/Off The Leash Productions, LLC will present the World Premiere of the new rock musical comedy F#@KING UP EVERYTHING, written by David Eric Davis (music, lyrics, book,), Sam Forman (book), with musical direction, orchestrations and arrangements by Matt Hinkley and directed by Stephen Brackett.

Sara Katz and Sh-K-Boom Records are happy to announce a new venue for THINGS TO RUIN, the critically acclaimed, incendiary collection of songs by Joe Iconis, directed by John Simpkins. For the month of May, T2R will be presented at Second Stage Theatre (307 W 43rd) with performances beginning Monday, May 4, 2009. This limited-engagement run is scheduled through Monday, May 18th (detailed schedule below). Tickets are $25 and can be purchased by calling 212-246-4422 or online at www.2st.com.

THINGS TO RUIN is about human beings who are messy, emotional, drugged up, knocked down, inspired, electric and who don't have nearly enough time to cause the kind of commotion they so desperately need to. Performed by a cast of viciously talented young singers and a highly flammable four-piece band led by Joe himself, THINGS TO RUIN rocks with an occasionally profane and always heartfelt explosion of music and high drama.

New York University graduate student Andrea Watson has teamed up with general manager Bailie Slevin of Halo Askew Entertainment to put on a benefit concert April 28th to raise money for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in conjunction with their upcoming half marathon run. The benefit, 'Do What You Can' is about every person contributing in their own way to the cause.

Sara Katz and Sh-K-Boom Records are happy to announce a new venue for THINGS TO RUIN, the critically acclaimed, incendiary collection of songs by Joe Iconis, directed by John Simpkins. For the month of May, T2R will be presented at Second Stage Theatre (307 W 43rd) with performances beginning Monday, May 4, 2009. This limited-engagement run is scheduled through Monday, May 18th (detailed schedule below). Tickets are $25 and can be purchased by calling 212-246-4422 or online at www.2st.com.

Today's Broadway Blogs on BroadwayWorld.com from Tuesday, March 17, 2009.

Van Hill Entertainment and Red Griffin Media are proud to announce that the Off-Broadway premiere of ROOMS a rock romance, starring Leslie Kritzer and Doug Kreeger, will begin performances on Friday February 27th at New World Stages/Stage 2 (340 West 50th Street). Opening Night is set for Monday March 16th (8 PM). The production hosted a preview concert and BWW was there!.

The Zipper has closed but that is not going to get the Things to Ruin gang down. While they look for a new home, join Joe Iconis and family for a THINGS TO RUIN PEP RALLY - FRIDAY, JANUARY 16, beginning at 8PM at DALTON'S (611 9th Ave, between 43rd and 44th). This is a FREE event. An announcement regarding the future home of T2R is coming shortly, but until then- let the party continue - have some fun, make some noise, sing some songs and put our arms around the people we love. As a wise man once said, 'They can take away our home, but they can't take away our rock and roll. Things To Ruin is about human beings who are messy, emotional, drugged up, knocked down, inspired, electric and who don't have nearly enough time to cause the kind of commotion they so desperately need to. Performed by a cast of viciously talented young singers and a highly flammable four-piece band led by Joe himself, Things to Ruin rocks with an occasionally profane and always heartfelt explosion of music and high drama.

Join Joe Iconis as he rings in 2009 the only way he knows how - a kick ass show, a concert, lots of food and an open bar. Thursday, December 31, festivities will begin at 9PM with the acclaimed new musical by Joe Iconis, ReWrite directed by John Simpkins, followed by special concert with Joe Iconis and Friends at Urban Stages (259 West 30 Street). Tickets are $100 (all inclusive) and can be purchased at www.SmartTix.com or call 212.868.4444

Join Joe Iconis as he rings in 2009 the only way he knows how - a kick ass show, a concert, lots of food and an open bar. Thursday, December 31, festivities will begin at 9PM with the acclaimed new musical by Joe Iconis, ReWrite directed by John Simpkins, followed by special concert with Joe Iconis and Friends at Urban Stages (259 West 30 Street). Tickets are $100 (all inclusive) and can be purchased at www.SmartTix.com or call 212.868.4444

Due to popular demand, award winning writer/composer Joe Iconis' musical ReWrite, a musical comedy triple feature will be extended through January 11 (originally slated to close on January 3). ReWrite, is directed by John Simpkins. ReWrite began performances on December 6 and opened December 10, at Urban Stages located at 259 West 30 Street (between 7th and 8th Avenues). Tickets will be $40 ($20 during previews) and are available at Smarttix.com or by calling 212.868.4444.

Join Joe Iconis and his merry band of musical theater punks in an insane celebration of all things red and green, wherein Joe and his friends learn the true meaning of Christmas. Featuring brand new holiday songs, old favorites, tiny elves, enormous reindeer, an inebriated Mr. and Mrs. Claus, and an ungodly number of candy canes, this promises to be the happiest and wildest holiday hoedown you've ever seen. Yes, Virginia - Joe's gonna give you something to wassail about, all right.

Join Joe Iconis and his merry band of musical theater punks in an insane celebration of all things red and green, wherein Joe and his friends learn the true meaning of Christmas. Featuring brand new holiday songs, old favorites, tiny elves, enormous reindeer, an inebriated Mr. and Mrs. Claus, and an ungodly number of candy canes, this promises to be the happiest and wildest holiday hoedown you've ever seen. Yes, Virginia - Joe's gonna give you something to wassail about, all right.

A concert of songs by musical theater writer Joe Iconis (The Black Suits; The Plant That Ate Dirty Socks) will rock Joe's Pub on Monday, August 4th at 9:30pm.

A concert of songs by musical theater writer Joe Iconis (The Black Suits; The Plant That Ate Dirty Socks) will rock Joe's Pub on Monday, August 4th at 9:30pm.

On February 29, Backstage Bistro Award Winner Joe Iconis will perform on the Laurie Beechman stage as part of the SPOTLIGHT Cabaret.