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Tony Award winner Cady Huffman and Kate Shindle head the cast of the world premiere musical Revolution in the Elbow of Ragnar Agnarsson Furniture Painter, with book, music & lyrics by Ívar Páll Jónsson, based on a story by Ívar and Gunnlaugur Jónsson. Opening Night was last Wednesday, August 13th at the Minetta Lane Theatre and the after party was held at Amity Hall.
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 (Cabaret, Jekyll & Hyde, Legally Blonde, Capote, Lucky Stiff), Michael Biren (Cinderella, Billy Elliot), Patrick Boll (Mamma Mia!, Death of a Salesman, "Gossip Girl"), Zach Cossman (Blue Man Group, 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 (The Producers, Billy Elliot, The Addams Family), Marrick Smith (Fun Home, Crossing Swords), and Jesse Wildman (Ghost). Choreography forREVOLUTION 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 surreal and philosophical story of a small and somewhat naïve nation located in the elbow of Ragnar Agnarsson and their desire for greatness. Roiled by passion and great ambition, what will this once-idyllic community find... riches, ruin or redemption?
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 most recently 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.
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.
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 produced Off-Broadway by Karl Pétur Jónsson and Theater Mogul. The playing schedule is Tuesday through Friday evenings at 8 PM, and Saturdays at 2 & 8 PM at the Minetta Lane Theatre, 18 Minetta Lane (just a few steps from Sixth Ave., one block south of W. 3rd St.)
Tickets are available by calling Ticketmaster 800-745-3000 or through www.RevolutionElbow.com.
Writer/Composer IVAR PALL JONSSON
Director BERGUR INGOLFSSON
Choreographer Lee Proud
Producers OSKAR EIRIKSSON, GUNNLAUGUR JONSSON, KARL PETUR JONSSON, with Director BERGUR INGOLFSSON
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