BWW Exclusive: Staged Readings of GRINDR The Opera to be Held Next Month in NYC

Libertine Idol Productions and Charles Czarnecki present a staged reading of the world premiere of Erik Johannes von Ransom's GRINDR The Opera in concert on April 7th at 11:30am and April 9th at 3:00pm at Roy Arias Studios, 777 8th Avenue, New York. With direction by Rachel Klein (Around the World in 80 Days, The Anthem, Symphony of Shadows, The Tragedy of Maria Macabre), GRINDR The Opera is an unauthorized musical parody of the eponymous gay hook-up app that has sweepingly altered the course of modern gay intimacy. Randy Jones, the original Village People Cowboy, will host the readings.

Described as a show, "Where class meets crass comes camp!" GRINDR The Opera follows the story of four gay men of different 'Tribes', each searching for a different form of human connection through the notorious hookup app, which serves as the fifth character in the piece. Employing the sort of bawdy humor the subject matter demands, Von Ransom's libretto also explores many issues of great depth that have become common themes as the human heart struggles to catch up with the age of the smart phone. With concert staging by Rachel Klein and music direction by Charles Czarnecki (Jersey Boys, Broadway Rox), the opera pays homage to operatic greats like Mozart, Puccini and Gilbert & Sullivan, while also giving musical nods to more recent artists, such as The Village People.

The ensemble cast consists of William Michals (B'way: Phantom, Beauty & The Beast) DJ Bucciarelli (Tour: Jesus Christ Superstar), Olle Roberg (Sweden: Bro?derna Lejonhja?rta) and Erik Ransom (Off B'way: My Big Gay Italian Funeral) with Courter Simmons (B'way: Jersey Boys) in the role of GRINDR itself.

A recent sneak peek of the show at The West End sold out and has since been tightened and revised for this next phase which plans an Off-Broadway run in Fall of 2015.

Reserve your complimentary seats to this staged presentation of GRINDR The Opera.

April 7th @ 11:30am
April 9th @ 3:00pm
Roy Arias Studios, 777 8th Avenue, New York
90 minutes

General Admission RSVPs contact libertineidol@gmail.com