JUDGE JACKIE JUSTICE - A NEW MUSICAL COMEDY Debuts at CLO Cabaret Theater Tonight

Pittsburgh CLO has announced that the world premiere of Judge Jackie Justice - A New Musical Comedy will debut at the CLO Cabaret Theater today, January 30 and will run through April 27. CMU graduates Michael Kooman and Christopher Dimond are writing the musical, commissioned for the CLO's Cabaret Theater with dramaturgy by Mary Jane Brennan. The show is conceived and will be directed by Pittsburgh CLO Executive Producer Van Kaplan with choreography by Kiesha Lalama and musical direction by Michael Moricz.

The CLO Cabaret is downtown's hippest venue for the hottest new shows starring the area's finest local talent in months-long runs that often extend due to audience demand. As an alternative to Pittsburgh CLO's large-scale Broadway musicals at the 2800-seat Benedum Center, the CLO Cabaret offers an intimate, less formal environment for theatergoers to take in many first-run, sometimes lesser-known shows. Since its inception in 2004, the CLO Cabaret has produced 12 area premieres and in 2010 its first world premiere, 'S Wonderful, which after its Pittsburgh debut went on to a successful multi-city tour. Judge Jackie Justice is Pittsburgh CLO's latest new work.

"We are truly excited to be creating another new musical," said Executive Producer Van Kaplan, "especially one created for our enthusiastic cabaret audience. Judge Jackie Justice has zany humor and some "breaking the fourth wall" moments in store. I consider the CLO Cabaret to be our "Off-Benedum" venue, like Off-Broadway, though lots more fun because you can eat and drink during the show."

Tickets to this world premiere will go on sale on November 8 and will be available online at CLOCabaret.com, by calling 412-456-6666 or in person at the Theater Square Box Office. Groups of 10 or more should call 412-325-1582 for information on group discounts and special event planning.

Judge Jackie Justice - A New Musical Comedy
January 30 - April 27, 2014

The musical courtroom of Judge Jackie Justice is now in session at the CLO Cabaret. Behold "real" cases involving zombies, spaceships, furries and more! TV's hottest Judge relishes in ruling on the personal affairs of people just like you, but what happens when the tables are turned? You won't "object" to this brand new musical comedy with a book and music by award-winning songwriters Kooman and Dimond, conceived and directed by Van Kaplan.

About the Writing Team:

Michael Kooman (music) and Christopher Dimond (book & lyrics) received the 2010 Jonathan Larson Grant and are the first recipients of the Lorenz Hart Award. Between them, they have received the Burton Lane Award, the Harold Adamson Award, the KC/ACTF Musical Theatre Award, a NYFA Fellowship, an Anna Sosenko Grant, and numerous ASCAP Plus awards.

In addition to Judge Jackie Justice, they are currently working on the original musicals The Noteworthy Life of Howard Barnes (developed at the O'Neill Music Theater Conference and the Village Theater) and Orphie & the Book of Heroes (commissioned by the Kennedy Center and set to premiere in February, 2014).

Their first collaboration, Dani Girl (licensed by Samuel French) has been workshopped at the Kennedy Center, American Conservatory Theatre, Cherry Lane Theatre, the ASCAP/Disney Musical Theater Workshop, the Festival of New American Musicals, and was featured in the 2011 NAMT Festival of New Musicals. The show has seen productions in Toronto, Dallas, Boston, and Australia, and is currently enjoying a free, invite-only lab presentation at New York's Exit, Pursued by a Bear (www.epbb.com).

The duo's other works include Golden Gate (Williamstown Theatre Festival), Homemade Fusion (London's Ambassadors Theater, Edinburgh Fringe Festival), the family-friendly Christmas musical Junior Claus (licensed by Dramatic Publishing) and the short film Flour Baby.

Michael and Chris are members of the Dramatists Guild and ASCAP, and are proud alumni of Carnegie Mellon University. They were Dramatists Guild Fellows, received a fellowship at the O'Neill National Music Theater Conference, and attended the Johnny Mercer Songwriting workshop.

Their debut album, Out of Our Heads, featuring an all-star lineup of Broadway performers, is now available on iTunes. Learn more at www.koomandimond.com

2014 CLO Cabaret Series

The premiere of Judge Jackie Justice will join the Pittsburgh CLO premiere of Ring of Fire and the hilarious return of Dixie's Tupperware Party to complete the 2014 Cabaret Series. Three-Show Cabaret Series Subscriptions are on sale now and can be purchased by calling 412-281-2822. Tickets for Groups of 10 or more are now available by calling 412-325-1582. Individual tickets for Ring of Fire and Dixie's Tupperware Party will be on sale in February.

Ring of Fire
May 22 - August 17, 2014

Ring of Fire is a journey into the heart and heartland of America, courtesy of one of our most beloved musical poets--Johnny Cash. In Ring of Fire, a remarkable cast of performers and musicians take us on a rousing adventure of love and faith, struggle and success--all with the strength, humor and honesty that made Johnny Cash one of the greatest songwriters and most revered storytellers in American music. Ring of Fire features over 30 of the music legend's songs such as "Country Boy," "A Thing Called Love," "Five Feet High and Rising," "Daddy Sang Bass," "I Walk the Line," "I've Been Everywhere," "The Man in Black" and his final hit, "Hurt."

Dixie's Tupperware Party
September 4 - October 12, 2014

Dixie's Tupperware Party stars Dixie Longate as the fast-talking Tupperware Lady who has packed up her catalogues, and left her children in an Alabama trailer park to journey back to Pittsburgh. Over 8,000 audience members howled with laughter during her last visit to the CLO Cabaret. Join Dixie and her good old fashioned Tupperware Party filled with outrageously funny tales, heartfelt accounts, FREE giveaways, audience participation and the most fabulous assortment of Tupperware ever sold on a theater stage! Loaded with the most up-to-date products available for purchase, Ms. Longate will share the many alternative uses she has discovered for her plastic products!

The CLO Cabaret Series Subscription is available for $100 and includes:

• Tickets to Judge Jackie Justice, Ring of Fire and Dixie's Tupperware Party
• Choice of show dates and times
• Convenient ticket exchange
• The above price includes up to a 25% discount

CLO Cabaret Series Performances:

Wednesdays 7:30pm
Thursdays 7:30pm
Fridays 7:30pm
Saturdays 2:00pm & 7:30pm
Sundays 2:00pm

Since 1946, the Pittsburgh CLO has been the driving force behind live musical theater in Pittsburgh and the entire Southwestern Pennsylvania region. Under the direction of Van Kaplan since 1997, this not-for-profit arts organization appreciates the support of nearly 200,000 patrons each year and produces a subscription series, educational programs, national tours and develops and invests in new works, including 18 Broadway shows (24 Tony Awards) featuring the Current Productions of Cinderella, Kinky Boots and Matilda. Its dedication to the musical theater art form extends to include such programs as the CLO Academy, the CLO Mini Stars, the Gene Kelly Awards, the Richard Rodgers Award the National High School Musical Theater Awards, the Construction Center for the Arts and the CLO Cabaret.

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