Ave. Q's Marx Joins 'Samantha Who?' Scribe Pennette on ABC's 'The Romeos' and FLINTSTONES Musical

Variety reports that Jeff Marx, the Tony and Grammy winning co-creator of Avenue Q has joined forces with 'Samantha Who?' writer Marco Pennette on two new musical projects including a new series for ABC titled, 'The Romeos'.     

"The Romeos" takes place in Ypsilanti, Mich., in 1965, as the four 22-year-olds at the heart of the show first pick up their instruments.

Variety reports that the drama will "be told from the modern day, looking back at the band members before they became famous. The plotline will be advanced via documentary-style interviews with characters looking back on the band's early days". Pennette is in the midst of a two-year overall deal with ABC Studios, which is behind the project. 

The trade paper also disclosed that Pennette is expanding his vision to the stage as he is is close to signing on to write the book for a musical based on "The Flintstones."

The legit production, in development and aimed for Broadway, is being produced by Warner Bros. Theater Ventures. Pennette was brought in by Jeff Marx, who's writing the music and lyrics with Jake Anthony. Gary Griffin ("The Color Purple") is directing.

Pennette's script will rely on contemporary issues such as Wilma, for example, who mulls leaving Fred because he still acts too much like a caveman and hasn't adapted to more modern ways. Barney and Betty tackle fertility issues before deciding to adopt. Musical will also tackle global warming -- but in this case, as "The Flintstones" takes place before the ice age, the characters will confront "global cooling", reports Variety.

Pennette's credits include "Ugly Betty," "The Hughleys," "Inconceivable" and "I'm With Her." He also co-created "Caroline in the City."

Brad Meltzer, the bestselling author of "The Book of Lies" disclosed a number of months ago to Liz Smith of Variety that he was teaming up with Jeff Marx, the Tony and Grammy winning co-creator of Avenue Q in relation to selling "The Romeos" to ABC.

The show is described by Meltzer as a "Drama set in the '60's-era about four unknown kids who go on to become the biggest band in America."

A musical about 20-somethings who move to the city with big dreams and tiny bank accounts, Avenue Q has music and lyrics by Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx, book by Jeff Whitty, and is directed by Jason Moore. The musical is produced by Kevin McCollum, Robyn Goodman,Jeffrey Seller, The Vineyard Theatre and The New Group. Based on an original concept by Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx, with puppets conceived and designed by Rick Lyon, Avenue Q has musical supervision by Stephen Oremus, choreography by Ken Roberson, scenic design by Anna Louizos, costume design by Mirena Rada, lighting design by Howell Binkley, and sound design by Acme Sound Partners.

While Avenue Q -- which won three Tony Awards including Best Musical in 2004 -- continues its celebrated run on Broadway, the musical also enjoys an enormously successful U.S. national tour and international engagement in London's West End.

For information about Avenue Q, log on to www.avenueq.com. For tickets to Avenue Q on Broadway, call TeleCharge at 212-239-6200.

Photo Credit Peter James Zielinski