Writer and Director Randy Johnson Talks A NIGHT WITH JANIS JOPLIN at Drama Book Shop Tonight

Steve Cuden, Co-Creator of Jekyll & Hyde, The Musical, and author of BEATING BROADWAY: How to Create Stories for Musicals That Get Standing Ovations, will interview "A Night with Janis Joplin" writer/director Randy Johnson, tonight, October 19 at 5 PM in The Drama Book Shop, 250 West 40th Street, NYC. Admission is free.

Mr. Cuden and Mr. Johnson, long-time friends and colleagues, will have an in-depth discussion of Randy's journey in creating the new musical A Night with Janis Joplin, which opens October 10th at Broadway's Lyceum Theatre.

The discussion will include such topics as:

1. The process of conceptualizing and structuring a show around existing, beloved songs.

2. Breaking down A Night With Janis Joplin's into its basic plot points.

3. How to secure rights for underlying existing work.

4. How to find the perfect leading performer.

5. What happens to a script as a show is rehearsed and then performed for a long time on the road.

6. Last minute changes a show undergoes as it approaches various opening nights - especially on Broadway.

There will also be a brief Q&A. This event is free and open to the public. No reservations required.

After the conversation, Steve Cuden will sign copies of his new book, Beating Broadway: How to Create Stories for Musicals That Get Standing Ovations.

Together with renowned composer, Frank Wildhorn, Steve Cuden co-conceived Jekyll & Hyde, The Musical, writing the show's original book and lyrics. Steve and Frank also co-conceived the international hit musical, Rudolf, Affaire Mayerling. Steve has written ninety teleplays including episodes for such TV series: X-Men, The Batman, Iron Man, Xiaolin Showdown, Pink Panther, and many others. He directed and co-produced the multi-award-winning movie, Lucky. Steve currently teaches screenwriting at Point Park University in Pittsburgh.

A NIGHT WITH Janis Joplin is a musical journey celebrating Janis Joplin and her biggest musical influences - trailblazers like Aretha Franklin, Etta James, Odetta, Nina Simone and Bessie Smith, who inspired one of Rock 'n' Roll's greatest legends.

The production arrives at Broadway's Lyceum Theatre following acclaimed engagements at Portland Center Stage, Cleveland Play House, Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater, Pasadena Playhouse, and Milwaukee Repertory Theater.