THE SOUND OF MUSIC LIVE's Michael Nigro to Star in AMERICAN IDIOT at NJSDA

Cranford, NJ native Michael Nigro, known to many viewers as Friedrich from THE SOUND OF MUSIC LIVE with Carrie Underwood, is now starring as Johnny in NJSDA's production of AMERICAN IDIOT at the Westminster Arts Center in Bloomfield, NJ.

Reflecting on THE SOUND OF MUSIC, Nigro said, "It's a work ethic I have developed that I have never forgotten since that day. It's been three years and I bring that work ethic wherever I go."

When asked about the recent telecast of THE WIZ, Nigro stated, "I was completely blown away by how fantastic THE WIZ was. I watched it with my whole family and we all agreed that it would be our second favorite musical. The talent and heart that was recognized by audiences across America was almost overwhelming. I'm so proud of all the work that my colleagues had done to make this production so outstanding. I understand how nerve-wracking it can be to perform live in front of millions of people with no applause or laughter and I can assure the performers in "The Wiz'' that we were all clapping and smiling for them in our homes."

Since THE SOUND OF MUSIC, Nigro has portrayed 'Angel' in RENT at NJSDA and returns this winter to NJSDA as Johnny in AMERICAN IDIOT.

"Johnny represents the 'Jesus of Suburbia'," Nigro said. "I felt that going into the rehearsal process, I already had an idea of the research and preparation I would need to do to portray him. I started my own adventures into NYC in seventh grade, naturally wanting to expand my horizons. I remember listening to some Green Day songs here and there when I was younger, a song that I could connect with even at a young age, and I still relate to today is 'Wake Me Up When September Ends'. Now that I've gotten the chance to dive into the themes of the show, I get to explore the songwriter Billie Joe Armstrong's suffering and what was going on with the times, as well as meet my director's vision of the show. Now when I perform the song, I feel like I'm a hopeful soul, emerging from a pit of tragedy and loss."

When asked about the production, he continued: "My cast and I want the audience to walk away with a new sense of hope and open-mindedness. We want everyone who sees this show to be able to be grateful for the good things in their lives and not to wallow in their misfortunes. We also want audience members to understand their own purpose in this world and that there's always something to look forward to."

The crew includes: Producers Beth Baur and NJSDA, Directed and Choreographed by Alex Perez, Musical Direction by Charles Santoro, Stage Manager - Dawn D'Arrigo, Assistant Director- Carey Gsell, Lighting Design - Nik Marmo, Sound Design - Nick Von Hagel, Set Design - Miguel Urbino and Lilian Sun, ASM/Projections- Roseann Fakhoury, and Production Manager- Ted Wrigley.

The cast features: Michael Nigro, Tyler Moscaritola, Thomas Short, Susan Ramirez, Nisa Betancourt, Kelly Baron, Andy WInters, Robert Stevens, Jr., Rob WIlson, Chris Taramelli, Xander Fiedler, Jesse Bush, Annalise Mendez, Rachel Spillane, Angela Romano, Katerina Farese, Dani Morris, Nicole Boscarino, and Audrey Russelman.

AMERICAN IDIOT will be presented by NJSDA (New Jersey School of Dramatic Arts) and runs Friday, January 8, 2016, 8pm; Saturday, January 9, 2016, 3pm; Saturday, January 9, 2016, 8pm; and Sunday, January 10, 2016, 3pm at The Westminster Arts Theatre, 449 Franklin Street, Bloomfield, NJ. Tickets are $20 at Brownpapertickets.com (www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2226532).

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