Cuccioli, Morton, Etc. to Have Cameos on 'Breaking In'

The upcoming irreverent backstage sitcom "Breaking In" has confirmed the following cameo appearances for Episodes 2 and 3 of the series:  Robert Cuccioli (Jacques Brel..., Tony nomination for Jekyll & Hyde), Rodney Hicks (Jacques Brel..., Rent), Euan Morton (Tony nomination for Taboo), Vince Rimoldi (Camp, The Hillz), Barbara Rosenblat (Talk Radio, The Secret Garden), Sarah Saltzberg (Spelling Bee), and Max von Essen (Les Miserables, Dance of the Vampires).

Details of the episodes are being kept mostly under wraps, but according to the creative team, Episode 2 will feature Robert Cuccioli teaching an intensive workshop on auditioning for Jekyll & Hyde, and Episode 3 will showcase Max von Essen's flying trapeze skills.

"'Breaking In' is a new comedy about struggling young theater professionals, by struggling young theater professionals, filmed by young people for under $3000.  Breaking In is about the shows you'd rather forget and the people you should avoid at all costs, the ones who will put you up in front of an audience under fluorescent lighting singing church-basement music after you've been sexually harassed in the wings. It's about the theater world not as we'd like it to be, but as it is. Petty. Sleazy. Crass. Dehumanizing.  And funny. We hope. Series regulars include Brandon Bales as wannabe director Michael, Justin Lamb as Michael's writer/collaborator Chris, Jeff Hiller as goofy struggling actor Tommy, Tracee Chimo as obsessive stage manager Virginia, and Lindsay Wolf as their constantly manhandled female lead.

In addition to the New York City launch, Breaking In will be screened at college campuses across America on Sunday, April 1st. Campuses such as Yale, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, San Diego State University, University of Arizona, and The University of Michigan have joined a dozen other schools hosting their own parties. 

College students interested in hosting a party can e-mail breakinginrsvp@gmail.com by Tuesday, March 27th for a free party kit. Please include college name, mailing address, and contact e-mail. 

The student who throws the largest "Breaking In" party will be flown to New York and will appear in the season finale, to be filmed in June. 

"Breaking In" is executive produced and created by Ryan J. Davis (director/conceiver White Noise) and written and executive produced by Joe Drymala (book/music/lyrics for White Noise). Eric Svejcar (composer of Caligula) serves as Executive Producer and Music Supervisor. Jeffery Self, Justin Thomas, and Alex Jensen all serve as producers.   
 
The sitcom released a promotional trailer for the pilot episode last week -- since that time, thousands of people have viewed it on YouTube, MySpace video and at www.breakinginblog.com.

Limited seating is still available for the screening of the "Breaking In" pilot episode this Sunday, April 1 at 9:00 p.m. The free screening will take place at Stage 1 of New World Stages (340 West 50th St.). A launch party will follow the event. Reservations are free and may be made by e-mailing breakinginrsvp@gmail.com.

Episode 2 will premiere on Sunday, May 6, and Episode 3 will premiere one month later on Sunday, June 3.  Both episodes will be screened at Stage 1 in New World Stages at 9:00 p.m., and will be available simultaneously online at www.breakinginblog.com. The show may also be accessed on iTunes, YouTube, MySpace and Google Video. 

Photo of Robert Cuccioli by Linda Lenzi