Rowe, Simpkins, and Bienskie To Speak at Industry Night of THE FIX at NYU 10/4

Composer Dana P. Rowe, Director John Simpkins, and Actor Stephen Bienskie (recipient of a Helen Hayes Award for his performance in the 1998 production) will be participating in a pre-show discussion prior to the 10/4 performance of The Fix. The event will take place at New York University's Frederick Loewe Theatre on Monday, October 4 at 6:30 pm and will be held in conjunction with that evening's 8 pm performance. The pre-show discussion has no additional admission price, but a ticket for the 8pm performance is required. That evening is also "Industry Night" at NYU's production. The general public is welcome - but anyone attending that presents a theatrical union card will be admitted free for any or all of the evening.

NYU's production of The Fix runs September 30, October 1 - 2, and 4 at 8 pm and October 3 at 3 pm at the Frederick Loewe Theatre (35 West 4th Street). Tickets are $20 general admission and $5 for students/senior citizens. For tickets, contact NYU Ticket Central at www.nyu.edu/ticketcentral/calendar, 212.352.3101, or in person at 566 LaGuardia Place (at Washington Square South).

The show features book and lyrics by John Dempsey, music by Dana P. Rowe (writers of Zombie Prom, The Witches of Eastwick), and was originally produced by Cameron Mackintosh. John Simpkins directs. This production will feature a great many recent changes made to the script/ score - and the writers have been collaborating with Simpkins and the cast throughout the entire process.

A hard-edged commentary on the American political machine, The Fix opens with sitting Senator and Presidential candidate, Reed Chandler, dying unexpectedly while in bed with his mistress. At Reed's funeral, his widow Violet encourages her brother-in-law to mentor her son, Cal, so that he might follow in his father's footsteps and make a run at the presidency. The scheming duo will stop at nothing to see Cal elected. The Fix will convince you of the power of spin in American politics past, present and future.

The show originally opened at London's Donmar Warehouse in 1997 directed by Sam Mendes. It was nominated for 4 Oliver awards - Best New Musical, Best Lighting Designer, Best Actor in a Musical (John Barrowman), and Best Actor in a Musical (Philip Quast - who won the award for his portrayal of Grahame). The Fix made its American debut at the Signature Theatre in 1998, garnering 10 Helen Hayes nominations.

The Fix features music direction by Stan Tucker, choreography by MK Lawson, scenic design by Michael Schweikardt, lighting design by Chris Dallos, costume design by Michelle Eden Humphrey and sound design by Craig Kaufman. The production stage manager is Alix Claps. The cast features NYU Steinhardt Department of Music and Performing Arts Professions' students Kristen da Costa, Danielle Gimbal, Blair Goldberg, Kanoa Goo, Natalie Hinds, Kevin Mueller, Wilmari Myburgh, Jared Nepute, Melissa Rapelje, Allison Robinson, Will Roland, Matt Savoca, Tim Shea, William Spinnato, Jordan Stanley, Matthew Tracey, Bryan Welnicki and Joshua Wright.