Photo Flash: THE TOXIC AVENGER Opens in Houston!

The Alley Theater's production of The Toxic Avenger, starring American Idol and Rock of Ages alum Constantine Maroulis alongside Nancy Opel, opened on January 20. With books & lyrics by Joe DiPietro, music & lyrics by David Bryan, based on the film The Toxic Avenger by Lloyd Kaufman, and directed by John Rando, the production will run through Sunday, February 12, 2012. Check out photos from the opening night celebration below!

The Toxic Avenger is a zany musical comedy featuring a chorus of an unlikely hero, his beautiful girlfriend, a corrupt New Jersey mayor, an onstage band, and two guys who play ... well, everyone else ... bullies, mobsters, old ladies, and stiletto-wearing back-up singers. Get a first look at the production in performance below!

Constantine Maroulis plays Melvin Ferd the Third who, after getting dumped in a barrel of toxic waste, becomes The Toxic Avenger. Constantine made his Broadway debut in 2006 in the Tony Nominated production of The Wedding Singer and recently performed in the acclaimed national tour of the Tony Award Nominated Best Musical, Rock of Ages. He originated the role of Drew on Broadway in April 2009 and received a Best Actor Tony nomination. He was a finalist on the fourth season of American Idol.

Nancy Opel reprises her off-Broadway role as the corrupt Mayor Babs Belgoody as well as Ma Ferd and Nun. Opel received Drama Desk, Drama League, Outer Critics, and Lortel nominations for her performance in The Toxic Avenger. She was Tony-nominated for her role in Urinetown and is coming to the Alley direct from the Broadway production of Memphis.

The cast for The Toxic Avenger also features Mara Davi as Sarah, Toxie's hot love interest, Mitchell Jarvis as White Dude and Antoine L. Smith as Black Dude.

The Toxic Avenger will feature Choreography by Kelly Devine, Music Direction by Doug Katsaros, Scenic Design by Beowulf Boritt, Costume Design by David C. Woolard, Lighting Design by Jason Lyons, Sound Design by Robert Kaplowitz, Mask Design & Prosthetics by Louis Zakarian, Fight Direction and Special Effects by Waldo Warshaw/Fusion Special Effects and Hair and Makeup Design by Mark Adam Rampmeyer.

Photo Credit: Kim Coffman