THE ROAR OF THE BUTTERFLY Comes to Victory Gardens, 5/3-20
By: Kelsey Denette
KMP Artists will present vocalist, actor and songwriter Spider Saloff and her one-woman musical, "The Roar of the Butterfly" at Victory Gardens' Richard Christiansen Theater May 2 – 20, 2012.
In the tradition of Lilly Tomlin and Tracey Ullman, Saloff portrays eight different characters in this hysterical and moving new musical comedy. Press opening is Thursday, May 3 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets go on sale Feb. 15 at 10 a.m. For more information call the box office at 773-871-3000 or visit victorygardens.org.
"The Roar of the Butterfly" features a book, music, and lyrics by Saloff. Contributing writers are Jim Sellers (who is also musical director and arranger) and Steve Ramsdell. Pianist is Jeremy Kahn. "The Roar of the Butterfly," was initially performed in Melbourne and Tazmania to sold-out crowds, followed by a successful run this past summer in Los Angeles. With this engagement, Saloff brings the production to her hometown with plans for off-Broadway in the fall as well as regional touring to a few major cities.
"The Roar of the Butterfly" features a book, music, and lyrics by Saloff. Contributing writers are Jim Sellers (who is also musical director and arranger) and Steve Ramsdell. Pianist is Jeremy Kahn. "The Roar of the Butterfly," was initially performed in Melbourne and Tazmania to sold-out crowds, followed by a successful run this past summer in Los Angeles. With this engagement, Saloff brings the production to her hometown with plans for off-Broadway in the fall as well as regional touring to a few major cities.
The setting for "The Roar of the Butterfly" is the memorial service for Butterfly, an
Asian drag queen who has been a colorful and inspirational character in the lives of the attendees - an unlikely and diverse group all portrayed by Saloff - including a sharp-tonguEd Scottish waitress, a faded stage star, a hair dresser from South Philly and a bearded poet.
Reviewing the most recent run in California, Don Grigware of Broadwayworld.com raved "Spider Saloff's vibrantly diverse characters have one thing in common: a unique attraction to and zest of living that is infectious. Saloff's light comes from deep within and like Butterfly, she shares it magnanimously." On his own website, Grigwaretalkstheatre.com, he hailed the show as "The Best Female Solo Show of 2011." In Australia, Time Out Melbourne hailed "Roar of the Butterfly" as "A fantastic Musical Comedy" and the Herald Sun wore "Watching Spider Saloff change from character to character in 'Roar of the Butterfly' is truly wonderful, a privilege to watch. Brilliantly written."
Based on a true story "The Roar of the Butterfly" is a musical comedy tour de force with a message and contains poignant moments touching on subjects of diversity, human loss and dysfunctional relationships. Essentially, "The Roar of the Butterfly" is about how one unusual life affects so many others. "The script touches upon themes that are close to my heart," says Saloff. "It's a dream come true to be able to perform something so personal for my home town fans."
KMP Artists presents Spider Saloff's "The Roar of the Butterfly," May 3 – 20 at
Victory Gardens' Richard Christiansen Theater, 2433 N. Lincoln Avenue. There
will be a preview performance on Wednesday, May 2 at 7:30 p.m. Press opening is Thursday, May 3 at 7:30 p.m. Post-opening week schedule is Thursday - Saturday at 8 p.m.; Sunday at 2 p.m. Seating is general admission. The show runs 90 minutes with one 15-minute intermission. The show is not suggested for children under age 13 without unaccompanied by an adult.
Ticket prices are $25 for the Wednesday, May 2 preview; $32 for performances
May 3 – 20. Tickets go on sale Wednesday, Feb. 15. For tickets call the box office at 773-871-3000 or visit victorygardens.org.
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