Hired as Musical Director for the Plexiglass Slipper

Nick’s been contracted to be the musical director of The Plexiglass Slipper, for the Asolo Theatre in Sarasota. The Asolo’s 500-seat main theatre is a lovely 16th Century Scottish opera house that was scheduled for demolition in the 1920’s, but was cut up, carefully packed and shipped across “the pond” and lovingly reconstructed in the beautiful gulf coast town of Sarasota, FL.  The show will run in rep, from November 25 – Jan 4, 2007 and rehearsals begin October 10. Based on the classic story of Cinderella, it was written by Jim Luigs and composed by Scott Warrender, the same team who created Das Barbicu, the highly successful Off -Broadway hit based on Wagner’s Ring cycle and set to country music. Scott Warrender is currently re-writing the orchestrations for this production’s 6 piece band.  Slipper has a highly original and very beautiful score and a clever and funny book with unexpected and delightful twists and turns throughout. Everyone is expecting a big hit. Danny Scheie will direct and AC Ciulla, Tony nominated choreographer for the Broadway hit Footloose, will choreograph. Casting is nearly completed and the cast is shaping up to be superb.

The NJ Theatre Alliance Gala will be held at the Pleasantdale Chateau in West Orange NJ on October 19. Nick is arranging and orchestrating the show as well as conducting from the piano. He’s also been contracted to write music and lyrics for the opening of the show: a specialty number which will be performed by Susie Speidel, Director of Education at Paper Mill Playhouse and a real dynamo on the boards. Acts from Paper Mill, George Street Playhouse, NJ Shakespeare, Crossroads Theatre Company and McCarter Theatre will be arranged and conducted by Nick, as well as a special performance by the evening’s host and emcee, John Lloyd Young, 2006 Best Actor Tony winner for Jersey Boys.

Nick is also working on the recording of his and Scott Guy’s Cinderella: The True Story. Commissioned by the Nine O’Clock Players and opening in Los Angeles in February of 2007, C:TTS is a refreshingly snarky take on the traditional tale. Samantha Hahn, Miss Teen NJ of several years ago will be singing the title role and David Murgittroyd, an acting fellow at DC Shakespeare is her Prince. Hollywood producer, Bud Schaetzle is currently working on putting together a three-show package of Nick and Scott’s Happily Ever After, After All, Cinderella: The True Story and a third title, yet to be named. The plan calls for a video shoot of the shows coupled with a national touring company to begin in Spring of 2007. Everyone is very excited about the possibilities for these wonderful new shows.