Many have, of course, heard of the infamous Lizzie Borden, a young woman, who was charged with---but later acquitted of---the brutal axe murders of her father and stepmother in 1892. Strong curiosity and speculation remain til this day about the tragic events that took place more than a century ago, resulting in countless retellings of Borden's story using a variety of different mediums---everything from movies and television to literature and, yes, stage works. The latest iteration of her story is, arguably, its most out-of-the-box depiction yet: LIZZIE THE MUSICAL, an engaging, ferociously explosive punk rock opera first presented in 2010 and is now having its regional premiere performances at Chance Theater in Anaheim through March 3, 2019. While certainly not the definitive retelling for the Borden scandal, the show itself is an entertaining show elevated by a quartet of fierce women with a lot of feelings to express.
Faust Theatre continues their 2018-2019 season with LIZZIE a Rock Opera, by Steven Cheslik-deMeyer, Tim Maner, & Alan Stevens Hewitt in their first-even co-production with The Arts Asylum, their longtime venue partner!
LIZZIE is four women fronting a six-piece rock band. LIZZIE is rage, sex, betrayal, and bloody murder. LIZZIE is American mythology set to a blistering rock score. LIZZIE is a new American musical with a sound owing less to Sondheim and Andrew Lloyd Webber than to Bikini Kill, the Runaways, and Heart. Performances run Friday, February 15th, at 7:30pm, Saturday, February 16th, at 2:00pm, and Saturday, February 16th, at 7:30pm at The Park Street Theatre (512 North Park Street). Tickets can be purchased at the door or by calling the CCT ticket office at 614-224-6672.
Chance Theater, Anaheim's official resident theater company, is delighted to produce the Regional Premiere of Lizzie, The Musical. With music by Steven Cheslik-deMeyer and Alan Stevens Hewitt, lyrics by Steven Cheslik-deMeyer and Tim Maner, a book by Tim Maner, with additional music by Tim Maner, additional lyrics by Alan Stevens Hewitt, based on an original concept by Steven Cheslik-deMeyer and Tim Maner, this musical's orchestrations are done by Alan Stevens Hewitt. Lizzie, The Musical will preview from February 1st through February 8th; regular performances will begin February 9th and continue through March 3rd on the Cripe Stage at the Bette Aitken theater arts Center.
Columbus is going to get the axe this Valentine's day weekend as Bloody Good Productions Theatre Company presents its premiere production, LIZZIE by Steven Cheslik-DeMeyer (music and lyrics), Tim Maner (book, lyrics, and additional music), and Alan Stevens Hewitt (music, additional lyrics, and orchestrations). This production marks the Columbus premiere of LIZZIE.
Shapes: Mountains is the latest in Tru Thoughts' series of label compilations put together by A&R, label co-founder and renowned DJ Robert Luis. After 19 years of independently releasing music, the Shapes LPs continue to encompass the best of the Brighton-based label's wide-ranging and international roster. Featuring the finest of Tru Thoughts' classic cuts, recent releases and inspired remixes, Shapes: Mounatins is out on digital and limited edition transparent green vinyl (with full 32 track download card) on October 12, 2018.
5th Wall Theatre is proud to announce the selection of four eminently talented actresses to take on the bloody tale of accused axe murderess Lizzie Borden in LIZZIE, a rock opera musical filled with the adrenaline of a rock concert and the intrigue of one of America's most blood-curdling murder mysteries. LIZZIE puts a unique spin on the Lizzie Borden tale, reimagining it through a lens that combines Victorian era propriety and a give-no-cares riot girl attitude with book by Tim Maner, music by Steven Cheslik-DeMeyer, and lyrics by Steven Cheslik-DeMeyer and Tim Maner. Reviewers have praised the LIZZIE, calling it "a furiously performed declaration of feminist strength and survivorship" (Chicago Tribune) and "presented with wall-rattling glee...deliciously watchable" (New York Times).
Ahead of their opening in just under two weeks, the cast of LIZZIE took to the streets of Downtown Los Angeles' Arts District to offer a glimpse of what the rock musical has in store.
Romance of the Rose Productions announces the first casting for the new West End musical Knights of the Rose. Directed by Racky Plews and created by Jennifer Marsden, Knights of the Rose opens on 29th June for 9 weeks only at The Arts Theatre. Leading the noble Knights is Adam Pearce (King Aethelstan) who is joined by Chris Cowley (Palamon), Oliver Saville (Hugo), Rebecca Bainbridge (Queen Matilda / Bess), Rebekah Lowings (Isabel), Matt Thorpe (Horatio), Ruben Van keer (John), Katie Birtill (Hannah) and Bleu Woodward (Emily). Ian Gareth-Jones, Kelly Hampson and Tom Bales make up the ensemble.
Bill Kenwright presents Martin Shaw in the West End premiere of Gore Vidal's sharp political drama The Best Man, at The Playhouse Theatre from Saturday 24 February, with press night Monday 5 March at 7.00pm.
Thinking Cap Theatre presents a raucous, rock retelling of the tale of alleged axe murderess Lizzie Borden, with Lizzie: the Musical. Written in the style of Riot Girl, the musical features music by Steven Cheslik DeMeyer and Alan Stevens Hewitt, lyrics by Tim Maner and Steven Cheslik DeMayer, and book by Tim Maner.
On a sweltering summer morning in 1892, in Fall River Massachusetts, a prominent business man and his wife were brutally axed to death in their home. Their daughter, Lizzie Borden, was the prime suspect. Lizzie's trial was a coast-to-coast media sensation, and her story has become an integral part of American criminal mythology. Lizzie: The Musical the vibrant, rollicking, rock musical telling of this legendary crime will open Thinking Cap Theatre at the Vanguard's 2017-2018 season on October 20th. The production will run through November 4th.
LIZZIE is a unique musical experience, and I was absolutely blown away by it. The product of the team of Steven Cheslik-deMeyer, Alan Stevens Hewitt, and Tim Maner, who all contributed to the book, music, lyrics and orchestrations; it's a true rock opera. Watching and listening to this powerful show is like discovering a forgotten concept album from the past, and I'm amazed that no group from rock's rich history ever tackled the subject of Lizzie Borden before, although I could be wrong about that. But you have to realize that none of those predominately male-dominated groups of the late 60's, 70's and early 80's, who were churning out double or triple albums with a narrative thread, had four female vocalists who could take on the various roles that are present here, and not with such a degree of variety. Some selections remind me of blistering Iron Maiden type material, and some have that Runaways vibe, and some are definitely arena rock, but there are also songs that are chamber-pop in style; delicate and rich with harmony. New Line Theatre has put together a production that's like the coolest rock concert ever, and I cannot recommend it highly enough.
Neck and neck, the only thing that separates the candidates are the endorsements from a respected Ex-President (Jack Shepherd) and party big-wig (Gemma Jones).
"Lizzie," the rock musical, based on the Lizzie Borden murder mystery, is as much rock concert as theatre, represents the movement in musicals to take on modern trends in music, e.g., rock and rap, and appeal to a younger, modish audience.
