GRINDR The Opera to Premiere at The West End Cabaret, 5/2-3

Libertine Idol Productions and Charles Czarnecki are presenting the world premiere of Erik Johannes von Ransom's GRINDR The Opera in concert on May 2nd and 3rd at The West End Cabaret, with direction by Rachel Klein. GRINDR is an unauthorized musical parody of the eponymous gay hook-up app that has sweepingly altered the course of modern gay intimacy.

Described as a show, "Where class meets crass comes camp!" GRINDR The Opera follows the story of four gay men of different 'Tribes', each searching for a different form of human connection from the notorious hookup app, which serves as the fifth character in the piece. Employing the sort of bawdy humor the subject matter demands, Von Ransom's libretto also explores many issues of great depth that have become common themes as the human heart struggles to catch up with the age of the smart phone. With concert staging by Rachel Klein (Around the World in 80 Days, and upcoming: The Anthem) and music direction by Charles Czarnecki (Jersey Boys, Broadway Rox), the opera pays homage to operatic greats like Mozart, Puccini and Gilbert & Sullivan, while also giving musical nods to more recent artists, such as The Village People.

The ensemble cast consists of William Michals (B'way: Phantom, Beauty & The Beast) DJ Bucciarelli (Tour: Jesus Christ Superstar), Olle Roberg (Sweden: Bröderna Lejonhjärta) and Erik Ransom (Off B'way: My Big Gay Italian Funeral) with Belgian pop Diva Aline Queen in the role of GRINDR itself.

GRINDR The Opera in Concert will be presented at The West End (955 West End Ave. NY, NY) at 11pm on Friday, May 2nd and 6:30pm on Saturday, May 3rd. There is a $25 cash-only cover charge and limited, first-come-first-serve seating. Content may not be suitable for minors. More information on the show and this event can be found at www.facebook.com/GrindrTheOpera