Photo Flash: Inside 'REVOLUTION IN THE ELBOW' Concert at Rockwood Music Hall

The concept recording for REVOLUTION IN THE ELBOW OF RAGNAR AGNARSSON FURNITURE PAINTER is now available through iTunes. NYC's Rockwood Music Hall hosted a special launch party for the recording on July 15th featuring a concert by an all-star lineup of Icelandic artists including Liam McCormick (The Family Crest), Soffía Björg and Stefán Örn Gunnlaugsson.

The world premiere of REVOLUTION IN THE ELBOW OF RAGNAR AGNARSSON FURNITURE PAINTER, a new musical with book, music & lyrics by Ívar Páll Jónsson, based on a story by Ívar and Gunnlaugur Jónsson, is set to begin performances July 31st 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, Legally Blonde, Cabaret, Jekyll & Hyde, 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 newly released concept recording features the Revolutionary Cellular Orchestra and an array of guest vocalists including Liam McCormick, Hjalti Þorkelsson (Múgsefjun), Sigríður Thorlacius (Hjaltalín), Valdimar Guðmundsson (Valdimar), Arnar Guðjónsson (Leaves), Lára Rúnarsdóttir, Eyþór Ingi Gunnlaugsson, Soffía Björg (Orfia) and Ásdís Rósa Þórðardóttir. The recording weaves an emotional storyline with the energy of a soaring rock ensemble. From dark textural moments to full out rock anthems the musical influences run deep from Radiohead and Wilco to Queen and beyond.

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 includeCarousel, Hairspray, Victor Victoria, Mack & Mabel, and Guys and Dolls.

REVOLUTION IN THE ELBOW OF RAGNAR AGNARSSON FURNITURE PAINTER is being produced Off-Broadway by Karl Pétur Jónsson and Theater Mogul. The playing schedule will be 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.

Photos by David Burlacu

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