Rock Opera Escape from Bellevue Plays Final Show 8/4

Escape From Bellevue, a rock 'n' roll odyssey written and performed by Christopher John Campion with music by Knockout Drops, will play its final performance at the Village Theatre (158 Bleecker St.) on Saturday, August 4th at 8 PM.

The show began performances on Thursday, May 31. This live music-driven multi-media production is directed by Alex Timbers (Les Freres Corbusier Artistic Director, Dixie's Tupperware Party, Gutenberg! The Musical!).

"Born of the smoke-filled stages of countless bars comes a wildly entertaining account of rock 'n' roll misadventures, booze, and vicious freaks.  Escape From Bellevue is the true story that takes audiences on an uproarious ride as New York's Knockout Drops' dynamic front man Christopher John Campion recounts the band's travails in the music biz and his own escapades under the influence.  Centering on Campion's three trips to the foreboding and infamous mental institution, Bellevue Hospital, and climaxing with his infamous escape during his second stay (rumored to be the first to escape since 1963).  The songs of Knockout Drops fuse with Campion's darkly comic riffs in this combustible cocktail of live music on overdrive," state press materials.

Knockout Drops are stalwarts on New York's rock music scene, frequently performing and selling out shows at some of the City's most notable venues.  The band recently performed three tours in Europe, where they have built a fan base since the 2003 critically acclaimed release of "Killed By the Lights" (Top 10 Albums of the Year, Newsday).  In 2005, they recorded "Escape From Bellevue and Other Stories," which is available on CD and online.  Knockout Drops are: Christopher John Campion (lead vocals), Tom Licameli (guitar/vocals), Phil Mastrangelo (bass vocals) and Vinny Cimino (drums).                                                      

Presented by R & P Productions and Executive Produced by WestBeth Entertainment and Kirsten Ames, this production features Set Design by Cameron Anderson (Tall Grass, Widower's Houses), Lighting Design by David Weiner (Butley, Suburbia), Sound Design by Tom Licameli and Phil Palazzolo, Projection Design by Jake Pinholster and Video by Chris Cassidy. 

Escape from Bellevue premiered at The Paradise Factory Theater in New York in December 2005.  Originally slated for a 4-week run, the show extended twice due to popular demand and ran for 13 weeks.  Additionally, the show sparked a book deal for Christopher John Campion with Gotham Books/Penguin Publishers (Escape From Bellevue and other stories will be released in early 2009).

Escape from Bellevue plays Wednesday through Saturday at 8 PM.  The Village Theatre is located at 158 Bleecker Street (between Sullivan & Thompson Streets).  Tickets are $30 advance / $35 door for Wednesday & Thursday at 8 PM; and $35 advance / $40 door for Friday & Saturday at 8 PM.  Taxes/surcharges applicable.  To purchase tickets, visit www.ticketmaster.com or call (212) 307-7171.  For more info, check out www.KnockoutDrops.com.

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