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MURRAY HILL: ABOUT TO BREAK to Make World Premiere at Joe's Pub
By: Julie Musbach Aug. 20, 2018
Murray Hill: About To Break, a world premiere theatrical event marking the very first dedicated solo show in the long, storied career of "the hardest working middle-aged man in show business," Murray Hill, will be play six shows at Joe's Pub at The Public (425 Lafayette Street, NYC) this September. Commissioned as part of by Joe's Pub at The Public's "New York Voices" series, Murray Hill: About To Break is conceived and performed by Murray Hill, and written by Murray Hill and Scott Wittman. About To Break features additional material by Eric Kornfeld and new original songs written by Murray Hill with Scott Wittman, Marc Shaiman, Kyle Forrester, Eric Kornfeld, Jesse Elder, and Musical Director Paul Leschen. The swinging music is performed by THE EARLY BIRD SPECIALS (Leschen-piano, Frank Canino-bass, Scott Kreitzer-sax, Howie Gordon-drums), known on the Atlantic City and Vegas circuit backing the likes of Buddy Hackett and Don Rickles. Hill's former showgirls Murray Hill'S GOLD-DIGGERS (Frieda Williams, Francis Asher) are coming out of retirement to do some 1/2 high kicks and back-up singing
Murray Hill: About To Break will be performed Thursday, September 20 at 7 pm; Friday, September 21 at 7 pm; Saturday, September 22 at 9:30 pm; Thursday, September 27 at 9:30 pm; Friday, September 28 at 9:30 pm; and Saturday, September 29 at 9:30 pm.
Tickets (priced $25-$50) are now available at https://www.publictheater.org/Joes-Pub-at-The-Public/.
Murray Hill: About To Break is an ecstatic and heartfelt comedy show about a man who loves to perform and performs to live. Called "the reigning patriarch of downtown performance" by The New York Times, Murray Hill now shines a spotlight on the man who keeps going despite years of struggles and heartbreak. For the first time on stage, he flips the record and plays the B-side of his seemingly sparkly showbiz life. Detailing his chronic middle-aged crisis and numerous comebacks -- and featuring a healthy smattering of is infamous ad-libbing -- the show answers the questions, "What drives him to keep going? How did he get here? Who the hell is this guy they call Mr. Showbiz?"
Murray Hill has been honing his act and flexing his showbiz chops for more than two decades. From humble beginnings on Ave C and 4th street, running for Mayor of New York City against Giuliani in the 1990s, calling Bingo on the Bowery, hosting thousands of shows, to touring the country with Dita Von Teese, performing on the comedy circuit with Bridget Everett, slinging jokes at Bally's in Vegas, and starring in the hit cabaret Club Swizzle at The Sydney Opera House.
But somehow, he's still waiting for his big break.
"It's always right around the corner. I've been around so many corners, I'm walking in circles. I've paid my showbiz dues. And I'm still paying - on a monthly plan, with interest," says Hill.
But now, this Showbiz trooper is back home again in the city where he was born, and he's about to break. Literally. Mr. Murray Hill finally introduces himself. The Cameo King gets to star in his own show for the first time ever. One man. One story. One tuxedo. One middle-aged crisis...well, maybe three.
New York Voices is Joe's Pub at The Public's artist commissioning program. As part of The Public Theater's long history of cultivating the country's most celebrated artists, this program supports the creation of new works by critically-acclaimed musicians and performers. New York Voices encourages artists to explore their storytelling, narratives and songwriting processes, and includes a variety of developmental and practical resources. Each commission culminates with a run of live shows on the Joe's Pub stage. The program successfully connects artists with their contemporaries and significantly expands their ability to reach wider audiences. Many of the commissioned works have toured nationally and internationally.
Photo credit Gregory Kramer
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