The libretto is by Ted Sod whose musical 27 Rue de Fleurus, based on the domestic partnership of Alice B. Toklas and Gertrude Stein, recently played Off-Broadway's Urban Stages. The music and lyrics are by the award-winning composer/lyricist team Dan Martin and Michael Biello whose previous Chicago productions include their musical Breathe and their revue Q.
According to Bailiwick, "The Cousins Grimm is an original new musical that reworks the timeless fairy tales of the Brothers Grimm into contemporary urban fables filled with lesbian and gay characters. These stories of love, death, friendship, betrayal, and families of all kinds are beautifully interwoven with edgy humor and memorable songs.
"Leon Grimm is a frustrated playwright who dreams of success and immortality. When his lesbian cousin Jackie magically shows up on the scene his life is changed forever as he and Jackie spin hilarious and moving versions of some of the greatest fables ever told."
Scott Ferguson, who directed Bailiwick's Jeff Award-nominated A Man of No Importance, returns to direct. Musical direction is by Robert Ollis, who won a Non-Equity Jeff for musical direction for Bailiwick's Kiss of the Spider Woman. Assistant director is Jonathan Verge.
The cast includes Chad (he only uses his first name) as Leon Grimm, with Danni Smith as Jackie. Others in the ensemble are Christopher Slavik, Peter Buckley, Harmony France and Kate Andrulis. The Cousins Grimm had developmental readings at The York Theatre Company, The Philadelphia Gay and Lesbian Theatre Festival, New York Musical Theatre Festival (NYMF) and The Eugene O'Neill Theatre Center's Cabaret Conference.
The Cousins Grimm previews July 10-11 and opens July 12.
Regular performances are Thursday and Saturday at 8 PM, Sunday at 2 PM until Aug. 23. Tickets are $25 Thursdays and Sundays, and $30 Saturday.
For tickets call (773) 883-1090 or visit www.bailiwick.org. Tickets are also on sale at www.brownpapertickets.com or (800) 838-3006.
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Bailiwick Rep has long been committed to voices representing the gay, lesbian, transgender and bisexual community.
