MONSTERS! A MIDLIFE MUSICAL MELTDOWN Plays Regent Theatre, 2/25-3/10

Newly polished, Boston-originated Monsters! A Midlife Musical Meltdown, infused with fresh songs, is back by popular demand. On the cusp of his latest work heading to Broadway, Dedham native composer Ernie Lijoi is watching Monsters! success rise in parallel, as another production launches at The Regent Theatre in Arlington. Inventive redevelopment reveals a re-imagination of the popular musical, hitting all new high notes with its timeless storyline.

A fellow at the BMI Lehman Engel Musical Theater Workshop in New York, Lijoi has been writing music and lyrics for new works since 2001. In addition to Monsters!, Lijoi has gained acclaim on other projects, including It Shoulda Been You in which he wrote lyrics for two songs written with composer Barbara Anselmi. Recently produced at New Jersey’s George Street Playhouse, It Shoulda Been You was directed by David Hyde Pierce and starred Tyne Daly; the show is slated for a Broadway production in the fall of 2012.

Monsters!, Lijoi’s collaboration musical with Boston playwright Gail Phaneuf, captures the humor, angst and insight experienced at life’s milestones. The past six years of continuous development has led to many highlights, including high-profile New York City industry readings featuring Broadway stars including Andrea McArdle, Cady Huffman, Joy Franz, Ann Harrada and Nicolette Hart. Most recently Monsters! was produced at The Deertrees Theatre in Harrison, Maine.

“Boston audiences were a terrific springboard to launch this project into reality. The overwhelmingly positive response was a resounding plea to continue refining the musical. We listened carefully to reviewer and audience feedback, and took a critical look at the show,” said Phaneuf, “That process led to an exciting transformation of both the script and some musical numbers. The end result is an engaging, hysterical 90 minutes of entertainment that truly fulfills our original inspiration.” Lijoi echoes "I'm thrilled to have the show up and running again. I feel like our recent rewrites have tightened the piece into a truly solid and funny musical. I couldn't be happier with it."

As a songwriter, Lijoi has released three CDs of original works, the second of which was recognized by Billboard Magazine’s “Unsigned Artist of the Year” with Bliss. Billboard Magazine also dubbed him a “bona fide star” after the release of his third album, Better Days. His compositions have been heard world-wide, sung by countless choruses and cabaret artists, most notably his song All I Want for Christmas was performed by the a capella ensemble Mystery Date at Carnegie Hall. He is currently writing lyrics and the book for another original work titled Under the Influence, with composers Kevin Laursen and Lawrence Rush.

Monsters! A Midlife Musical Meltdown will hit the stage at The Regent Theatre, 7 Medford Street, Arlington, from Saturday, February 25 through Saturday, March 10, 2012; produced by GP Productions, Image Theater and The Regent Theatre. Reserved seats range from $20-$30, with discounts available to groups and students. The Regent is MBTA and handicap accessible with free parking in the municipal lot across the street. For show times and to purchase tickets, please visit www.regenttheatre.com, or call the box office at 781-646-4849 . For further information, or to listen to sample recordings, visit www.monstersthemusical.com.

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