Where and When
NextStop Theatre presents "Gutenberg! The Musical!" at the Industrial Strength Theatre, 269 Sunset Park Drive, Herndon. Performances: Jan. 8 to Feb. 1. Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 10 and 17 at 8 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 24 and 31 at 2 p.m. & 8 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 11, 18 and Feb. 1 at 2 p.m., Sunday , Jan. 25 at 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. Tickets call 866-811-4111 or visit www.nextstop.org.
"This is the funniest musical script I have ever read. It leaves me crying with laughter every time I read it," said Evan Hoffmann, NextStop Theatre's artistic director as he described what is in store at the upcoming production of "Gutenberg! The Musical!"
"The show is a great fit for NextStop and our audiences."
"Gutenberg! The Musical!" is a two-actor, absurdest musical spoof of all things “Broadway.” It is built on a simple premise; a pair of aspiring playwrights and songwriters perform an audition of their new project for the well-heeled backers who they hope will invest money in the show. But are they ready for a prime time showing of their flashy, yet very earnest musical about Johannes Gutenberg, who invented the printing press over 500 years ago?
Local musical theater headliners play the fictional playwrights. They are Bud (played by John Loughney) and Doug (played by Ryan Burke). Both characters are chock-full of enthusiasm and sincerity as they sing all the songs and play all the parts in this history-tinged musical epic. All they want is to have a shot on Broadway.
"Gutenberg! The Musical!" is by Anthony King. He is an Emmy-nominated writer, director, and performer. Until recently he was the artistic director of the New York City-based comedy troupe, Upright Citizens Brigade. "Gutenberg" began its journey into life as a sketch routine that grew into an Off-Broadway show nominated for outstanding musical.
What makes it work? "The cast doesn't tell jokes as if in a comedy routine. They are just two very heartfelt and genuine people believing they have a musical hit on their hands and need to convince others," said Hoffmann who is directing "Gutenberg!" "They convey humor even when addressing issues that might not be suspected to bring laughter."
Patrons of the Industrial Strength Theatre may not recognize the place when they see the show. The usual risers are being removed; and the interior space reconfigured. The audience will be seated at tables for a very close-up connection with the performers including expert pianist Steve Przybylski.
In some ways, "Gutenberg! The Musical!" reminds Hoffmann of NextStop's growth as a professional theater company over the past year. "Through lots of sheer will, enthusiasm, and a 'we can do it attitude' we are building a dream."
So, join the fun with a musical show about two dreamers ready to become Broadway's next big thing.