Rick Faugno Joins the Cast of REVOLUTION IN THE ELBOW OF RAGNAR AGNARSSON FURNITURE PAINTER

Rick Faugno has joined the cast of the world premiere of REVOLUTION IN THE ELBOW OF RAGNAR AGNARSSON FURNITURE PAINTER, a new musical with book, music & lyrics by Ívar Páll Jónsson, based on a story by Ívar and Gunnlaugur Jónsson. Performances will begin July 31st, with the official Opening Night on Wednesday, August 13th at the Minetta Lane Theatre, 18 Minetta Lane (just a few steps from Sixth Ave., one block south of W. 3rd St.)

Rick Faugno originated the role of Frankie Valli in the Las Vegas production of Jersey Boys, now in its seventh smash year. He has appeared on Broadway in The Will Rogers Follies (as Will Rogers, Jr.), Wonderful Town, Conversations With My Father, and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Rick also played Bobby Van Husen in The Boy Friend, directed by Julie Andrews. His film and TV credits include "The Newsroom," "The Adventures of Pete & Pete," Every Little Step, and Virgin Alexander.

Under the direction of Bergur Ingólfsson, the cast also features Cady Huffman (Tony winner for The Producers, The Will Rogers Follies, The Nance, "Curb Your Enthusiasm," "The Good Wife"), Kate Shindle (Miss America '98, Legally Blonde, Cabaret, Jekyll & Hyde, Capote), Michael Biren (Billy Elliot), Patrick Boll (Mamma Mia!, Death of a Salesman, "Gossip Girl"), Zach Cossman (Band Geeks), Karli Dinardo ("Silversun"), Danielle Kelsey (Young Frankenstein), Graydon Long ("The Carrie Diaries"), Brad Nacht (Billy Elliot, The Addams Family), Marrick Smith (Crossing Swords, Uncovering Eden), and Jesse Wildman (Ghost). Choreography for REVOLUTION IN THE ELBOW OF RAGNAR AGNARSSON FURNITURE PAINTER is by Lee Proud, with music direction by award-winning Icelandic Indie rock musician Stefán Örn Gunnlaugsson.

Have you ever wondered what's going on inside your elbow? REVOLUTION IN THE ELBOW OF RAGNAR AGNARSSON FURNITURE PAINTER answers this hypothetical, surreal question in an emotionally charged rock musical love story. Set in Elbowville (a microscopic community within Ragnar Agnarsson's body), the highly unconventional story introduces us to a love triangle developing against the backdrop of the once-idyllic community's false prosperity at the hands of a power-mad mayor and its ultimate ruin, tragedy and rebirth.

The heart of REVOLUTION IN THE ELBOW OF RAGNAR AGNARSSON FURNITURE PAINTER lies in its songs, which were written over the course of several years by Ívar Páll Jónsson - a gifted Icelandic songwriter who pursued fronting a rock band several years ago and released an album, but felt confined in the spotlight. He worked as a journalist but kept writing songs, and ultimately, with the encouragement of his younger brother Gunnlaugur, found his comfort zone behind the curtain. He wrote the entire score and, with his brother, the book for the musical.

Unlike many musicals, the songs, which can be heard on the musical's new concept recording, stand independently of the story, evoking influences from David Bowie, Radiohead, Grizzly Bear, the Pixies, Sufjan Stevens, and more. The album is performed by singers from an array of Icelandic bands, as well as Liam McCormick from The Family Crest.

Creator Ívar Páll Jónsson is an Icelandic songwriter whose collaborations with other acclaimed Icelandic artists have culminated in the concept album for REVOLUTION IN THE ELBOW OF RAGNAR AGNARSSON FURNITURE PAINTER and this world premiere production. Ívar is thrilled to bring his first major musical to New York City.

Director Bergur Ingólfsson directed the Disney/Cameron Mackintosh production of Mary Poppins at the Reykjavík City Theater. Mary Poppins is Iceland's highest-grossing theater production of all time. Following the opening of REVOLUTION IN THE ELBOW OF RAGNAR AGNARSSON FURNITURE PAINTER, Bergur is set to direct Billy Elliot at the RCT.

Lee Proud was resident choreographer for the West End production of Billy Elliot and his other UK choreography credits include Carousel, Hairspray, Victor Victoria, Mack & Mabel, and Guys and Dolls.

Set & projection design for REVOLUTION IN THE ELBOW OF RAGNAR AGNARSSON FURNITURE PAINTER are by Petr Hloušek, with lighting design by Jeff Croiter (Tony winner for Peter and the Starcatcher) and Cory Pattak, and sound design by Carl Casella. Costume design is by Hrafnhildur Arnardottir (aka Shoplifter) and Edda Gudmundsdottir, who have collaborated with Björk several times as artists, stylists and designers.

REVOLUTION IN THE ELBOW OF RAGNAR AGNARSSON FURNITURE PAINTER is being produced Off-Broadway by Karl Pétur Jónsson and Theater Mogul. The playing schedule will be Mondays at 7 PM, Tuesday through Friday evenings at 8 PM, and Saturdays at 4 & 8 PM. Tickets are available by calling Ticketmaster 800-745-3000 or through www.RevolutionElbow.com.