Ars Nova, under the leadership of Artistic Director Jason Eagan, will present the world premiere of the new musical BLOODSONG OF LOVE with book, music & lyrics by multi-award winner Joe Iconis, and directed by John Simpkins. BLOODSONG OF LOVE, which was commissioned and developed by Ars Nova, will begin previews on April 1st prior to an official press opening of April 15th at Ars Nova (511 West 54th Street, between 10th and 11th Avenues) in Manhattan.
In a blood and whiskey-soaked world of shoot 'em ups, stolen brides and kazoo-wielding villains, a rogue musician with a killer guitar is out to set things right. Joe Iconis infuses BLOODSONG OF LOVE with his infectious musical style, making this rocked out spaghetti western the wildest funeral in town.
Directed by John Simpkins, the cast of BLOODSONG OF LOVE features Katrina Rose Dideriksen (Broadway -- Tracey Turnblad in HAIRSPRAY; Jerry Springer THE OPERA at Carnegie Hall), MK Lawson (42ND STREET), Eric William Morris (Broadway - MAMMA MIA!, CORAM BOY), Jeremy Morse, Lance Rubin (THINGS TO RUIN at Second Stage) and Jason 'SweetTooth' Williams (Mac Wellman's HARM'S WAY). The creative team includes Michael Schweikardt (set design); Michelle Humphrey (costume design); Chris Dallos (lighting design); Jonathan Weston (sound design); Eric Reynolds (prop design); Jen Werner (choreography); and Matt Hinkley (music direction).
A 2003 graduate from NYU's Tisch School of the Arts Graduate Musical Theatre Writing Program, Joe Iconis is already the recipient of a 2007 Ed Kleban Award for the most promising musical theater lyricist and for the most promising musical theater librettist; a 2006 Jonathan Larson Award which honors emerging composers, lyricists and book writers; the 2006 The Daryl Roth Creative Spirit Award for his musical PLASTIC! The Musical; and both a 2007 Backstage Bistro Award and a 2007 Nightlife Award for TRIUMPHANT BABY!. Mr. Iconis' credits include, THE BLACK SUITS (SPF - The Public), PLASTIC! The Musical (York Theater), TRIUMPHANT BABY!, REWRITE (Urban Stages), THE PLANT THAT ATE DIRTY SOCKS (TheatreworksUSA - Lucille Lortel) and THINGS TO RUIN (Second Stage , Zipper Factory). Additionally, Mr. Iconis is a concert performer, performing with his musical theater family or as part of the "Joe Iconis Rock and Roll Jamboree" at The Laurie Beechman Theater and Joe's Pub.
John Simpkins (Director) has directed four additional works of Joe Iconis - REWRITE (Urban Stages); THE PLANT THAT ATE DIRTY SOCKS (TheatreworksUSA - Lucille Lortel); THINGS TO RUIN (Second Stage, Zipper Factory); THE BLACK SUITS (SPF - The Public). Additional directing credits include: ANNIE and CABARET (Sacramento Music Circus); EVITA (Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma); NEXT THING YOU KNOW (Ars Nova); HALF MARRIED and YOU DON'T KNOW JACK (York Theatre); etc. Mr. Simpkins is part of the music theatre faculty at NYU.
Ars Nova is committed to developing and producing theatre, comedy and music artists in the Early Stages of their professional careers. Our unique development programs are designed to support outside-the-box thinking and encourage innovative, genre-bending work. By providing a safe environment where risk-taking and collaboration are paramount, Ars Nova gives voice to a new generation of artists and audiences, pushing the boundaries of live entertainment by nurturing creative ideas into smart, surprising new work. For more information on Ars Nova's programs, visit www.arsnovanyc.com.
