OEDIPUS! A NEW MUSICAL COMEDY to Return to 54 Below with Janine LaManna

54 BELOW will present Janine LaManna in Oedipus! A New Musical Comedy on June 21 at 7pm.

This award-winning adaptation takes the classic Greek tragedy out of the Mediterranean and into the backwoods of coal country. The musical transforms the tale of Oedipus (Eddie) and Jocasta (Jo) into a joyous rom-com romp through clairvoyant midwives, incestuous relationships, and idiot psychic children. 

Kicking the classic tragedy's grim ending to the curb, this musical offers Eddie and Jo a delightfully unexpected — and relevant for our times — conclusion. Songs include “The Need a Man Blues,” “Safety Orange,” “Moonpies & RC Cola,” and “The Fertility Song.” 

This concert stars Janine LaManna (The Drowsy Chaperone, Sweet Charity, Seussical). The cast also features David Edwards (The Producers, By Jeeves), Tony Javid (Out of the Box Theatre's The Butter and Egg Man and CBS Studios' Tommy), and Zuri Washington (1776, Bat out of Hell, Memphis). Additionally, members of the original cast, Pam Schmier Hacker and Jennifer Norkin Schwartz (“Ugly Betty,” “Entourage”), and Chicago-based actor and co-composer Edwin Wald join the performance. 

Book & Lyrics by Bob Johnson and Anne Fliotsos, with Music by Edwin Wald and Cynthia Jay. It is directed by co-lyricist Anne Fliotsos and has Michael Lavine serving as the musical director. Oedipus! A New Musical Comedy is a 1996 Jim Henson Award winner for Projects Related to Puppetry and a 1997 American College Theatre Festival Artistic Achievement Award (Playscript) recipient.

Oedipus! A New Musical Comedy plays 54 Below (254 West 54th Street) on Sunday, June 21st, at 7 pm. Cover charges are $25 (includes $5 in fees) – $63.50 (includes $8.50 in fees). VIP seating is $80 (includes $10 in fees). Premium seating is sold out. There is a $25 food and beverage minimum.