New Musical 'REVOLUTION IN THE ELBOW' Begins Performances Tomorrow at Minetta Lane Theatre

Tony Award winner Cady Huffman and Kate Shindle head the cast of REVOLUTION IN THE ELBOW OF RAGNAR AGNARSSON FURNITURE PAINTER, a world premiere musical with book, music & lyrics by Ívar Páll Jónsson, based on a story by Ívar and Gunnlaugur Jónsson. Performances begin tomorrow, July 31st, with the official Opening Night on Wednesday, August 13th at the Minetta Lane Theatre, 18 Minetta Lane (just a few steps from Sixth Ave., one block south of W. 3rd St.)

Under the direction of Bergur Ingólfsson, the cast features Cady Huffman (Tony winner for The Producers, The Will Rogers Follies, The Nance, "Curb Your Enthusiasm," "The Good Wife"), Kate Shindle (Miss America '98, Cabaret, Jekyll & Hyde, Legally Blonde, Capote), Michael Biren (Billy Elliot), Patrick Boll (Mamma Mia!, Death of a Salesman, "Gossip Girl"), Zach Cossman (Band Geeks), Karli Dinardo ("Silversun"), Rick Faugno (Jersey Boys, The Will Rogers Follies, Wonderful Town), Danielle Kelsey (Young Frankenstein), Graydon Long ("The Carrie Diaries"), Brad Nacht (Billy Elliot, The Addams Family), Marrick Smith (Crossing Swords, Uncovering Eden), and Jesse Wildman (Ghost). Choreography for REVOLUTION IN THE ELBOW OF RAGNAR AGNARSSON FURNITURE PAINTER is by Lee Proud, with music direction by award-winning Icelandic Indie rock musician Stefán Örn Gunnlaugsson.

REVOLUTION IN THE ELBOW OF RAGNAR AGNARSSON FURNITURE PAINTER is a sonic journey set in a small village inside the elbow of Ragnar Agnarsson. Competing with villages in more dynamic regions of Ragnar's body, the townspeople of Elbowville seek their own sovereignty. They invent a means to prosperity and learn that the cost of doing business is built on the very backs, hearts and minds of those closest to them. Will true wealth be discovered and at what cost?

The heart of REVOLUTION IN THE ELBOW OF RAGNAR AGNARSSON FURNITURE PAINTER lies in its songs, which were written over the course of several years by Ívar Páll Jónsson - a gifted Icelandic songwriter who pursued fronting a rock band several years ago and released an album, but felt confined in the spotlight. He worked as a journalist but kept writing songs, and ultimately, with the encouragement of his younger brother Gunnlaugur, found his comfort zone behind the curtain. He wrote the entire score and, with his brother, the book for the musical.

The songs, which can be heard on the musical's new concept recording, evoke influences from David Bowie, Radiohead, Grizzly Bear, the Pixies, Sufjan Stevens, and more. The album is performed by singers from an array of Icelandic bands, as well as Liam McCormick from The Family Crest.

Creator Ívar Páll Jónsson is an Icelandic songwriter whose collaborations with other acclaimed Icelandic artists have culminated in the concept album for REVOLUTION IN THE ELBOW OF RAGNAR AGNARSSON FURNITURE PAINTER and this world premiere production. Ívar is thrilled to bring his first major musical to New York City.

Director Bergur Ingólfsson directed the Disney/Cameron Mackintosh production of Mary Poppins at the Reykjavík City Theater. Mary Poppins is Iceland's highest-grossing theater production of all time. Following the opening of REVOLUTION IN THE ELBOW OF RAGNAR AGNARSSON FURNITURE PAINTER, Bergur is set to direct Billy Elliot at the RCT.

Lee Proud was resident choreographer for the West End production of Billy Elliot and his other UK choreography credits include Carousel, Hairspray, Victor Victoria, Mack & Mabel, and Guys and Dolls.

Set & projection design for REVOLUTION IN THE ELBOW OF RAGNAR AGNARSSON FURNITURE PAINTER are by Petr Hloušek, with lighting design by Jeff Croiter (Tony winner for Peter and the Starcatcher) and Cory Pattak, and sound design by Carl Casella. Costume design is by Hrafnhildur Arnardottir (aka Shoplifter) and Edda Gudmundsdottir, who have collaborated with Björk several times as artists, stylists and designers.

REVOLUTION IN THE ELBOW OF RAGNAR AGNARSSON FURNITURE PAINTER is being produced Off-Broadway by Karl Pétur Jónsson and Theater Mogul. The playing schedule is Mondays at 7 PM, Tuesday through Friday evenings at 8 PM, and Saturdays at 4 & 8 PM. Tickets are available by calling Ticketmaster 800-745-3000 or through www.RevolutionElbow.com.

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