Photo Flash: Idol the Musical Opens Off-Bway 8/12

Idol: The Musical, a satire on the worship of former "American Idol" finalist, Clay Aiken, opens Sunday, August 12 at 8:15PM off-Broadway at the 45th Street Theatre (354 West 45th St).

The opening night cast features Katy Reinsel, Jillian Giacchi, Kierstyn Sharrow, Kaitlin Mercurio, Philip Deyesso, Saum Eskandani, Stephanie Robinson, Joe Walker, Shadae Smith and Dawn Barry.

"Idol: The Musical is a satirical musical comedy that focuses on the outrageous and delusional fan base of the hit television show," states press notes, "The musical takes place in Steubenville, Ohio where a group of misfit students are preparing for their community college graduation after which they are determined to drag themselves out of the dregs of the middle-of-nowhere.  There are ten of them; all belonging to the same cult-like club that meets daily in a garage that doubles as a shrine to Clay Aiken.  They are viciously ridiculed by the rest of Steubenville; a humiliating situation that doesn't deter their quest for all things Clay.  They are victims of A.D.D., Ritalin, their misguided obsessions and their innocent longing for their elusive 15 minutes…"

Performances are Wednesdays, Saturdays & Sundays at 3:15 & 8:15PM; and Thursdays & Fridays at 8:15PM. For tickets ($60 general; $25 student rush) are available by calling 212-868-4444 or visiting www.smarttix.com.

Photos by Carol Rosegg

Philip Yesso

Jillian Giacchi, Shadae Smith and Kailtin Mercurio

Kierstyn Sharrow and Philip Deyesso

(l-r): Philip Deyesso, Shadae Smith, Stephanie Robinson, Jillian Giacchi, Joe Walker, Dawn Barry, Kierstyn Sharrow, Katy Reinsel, Saum Eskandani and Kaitlin Mercurio

Kaitlin Mercurio

Katy Reinsel

Stephanie Robinson, Jillian Giacchi, Saum Eskandani, Kaitlin Mercurio, Jillian Giacchi, Katy Reinsel, Joe Walker, Philip Deyesso, Kierstyn Sharrow and Shadae Smith

Philip Deyesso

Stephanie Robinson

(front) Kierstyn Sharrow; (background, l-r:) Kaitlin Mercurio, Saum Eskandani, Philip Deyesso and Joe Walker