"Possibility Junkie" is a new musical theater work by David Ippolito (music, lyrics, book) and directed by Gretchen Cryer ("I'm Getting My Act Together and Taking It On the Road"), who co-authored the book. The story is based loosely on the career of David Ippolito, who is known to hundreds of thousands of people across the country and around the world as "That Guitar Man from Central Park." Part singer/songwriter, part storyteller, part social-commentator and humorist, Ippolito has become famous for his simple catch phrase, "It's just us," and his ability to turn a large crowd of strangers into a group of friends. Theater for the New City will present the world premiere September 28 to October 20, 2013.
Since 1992, David Ippolito has established himself as perhaps the City's leading troubadour. Articles have described him as an "organic celebrity," meaning that his following congealed spontaneously after he turned up in Central Park 22 years ago, shirtless and shoeless, with nothing but precise musicality and boyish good looks (and a small amplifier). His performance space--a lakefront area a few blocks north of Strawberry Fields and West 72nd Street--is now indicated on Central Park maps and his reputation as a New York attraction is international. Regulars join in, "Rocky Horror" style, for spirited sing-alongs to many of Ippolito's own compositions and cover tunes like "American Pie" and "Country Roads." When his playing and that of many others were blocked (temporarily) by zealous City officials, "That Guitar Man" brought his sounds indoors to venues including Merkin Concert Hall and The Leonard Nimoy Thalia for regular sold-out performances. Other recurring venues have been Soho Playhouse and Hudson River Park's Pier 45 at Christopher Street. Among the New Yorkers he's won over was Sid Bernstein, the late rock manager who brought the Beatles to NYC in 1964 and was a fan for years.Photo by Jonathan Slaff
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