Alone in the Universe? Henry Noodle Explores Space in Sci-Fi Musical at NY Fringe Aug. 20-28
By Kenneth Jones
20 Aug 2004
The Cosmic Calamities of Henry Noodle, a sci-fi musical comedy adventure, will blast off in the New York International Fringe Festival Aug. 20-28 at Pace University's Schaeberle Studio Theatre.
Five Eye Productions presents the staging of composer- lyricist-librettist Tim McCanna's musical about "Henry Noodle, a kooky, lovable loser" who is stranded in
space after Earth explodes.
"Searching for friendly life forms, Henry encounters greedy space monsters and evil alien vixens," according to the announcement. "But only after risking everything does
Henry's quest finally come to an end."
The staging, directed by Stephen Tomac, features Matt Wilson of PBS' "Cyberchase"; Ken Kleiber of the cult local cable show "That's Kentertainment!"; and Meara McIntyre and Stephanie Sine.
Henry Noodle was first performed as a one-man show (featuring the writer-composer) during an evening of short works in Dallas. Three separate "episodes" followed, including a special Christmas show. Now, elements from all four pieces have been reworked and combined along with new songs, characters, and a full story arc to complete the pop-music-flavored Cosmic Calamities of Henry Noodle.
A native of Kansas City, MO, Tim McCanna followed his undergrad experience at TCU in Ft. Worth, TX by singing and playing accordion with the "titanically annoying" rock band Snap Floosie, then joined a Dallas-based theatre collective where he wrote and performed the first three installments of the Henry Noodle adventures.
In 1997, he moved to New York to attend NYU's Tisch School of the Arts Graduate Musical Theatre Writing Program where he received an MFA in Dramatic Writing for Musical Theatre.
His other writing credits include The Golden State, a musical based on "The Octopus" by Frank Norris (book, lyrics) with music by Mike Shaieb; under Milquetoast, a musical parody of Under Milk Wood by Dylan Thomas (book, music, lyrics); The Crow and the Pitcher, a musical written in gibberish (nook, lyrics) with music by Matt Marks; and Kentucky Fried Chicken Little, a "funky bluegrass musical" based on Chicken Little (in progress).
By day, McCanna is a graphic designer at Roundabout Theatre Company.
The Henry Noodle choreography is by Wendy Seyb. Music direction is by Allison Leyton Brown.
Designers are Sean Kane (lighting), Marisa LeRette (costume), Shannon Slaton (sound), Ryan Scott (set).
Performances play Aug. 20 at 7 PM, Aug. 22 at 2:15 PM, Aug. 24 at 5:15 PM, Aug. 26 at 3 PM, Aug. 28 at noon.
Pace University's Schaeberle Studio Theatre is at 41 Park Row (facing City Hall Park between Spruce St. & Beekman St.).
For tickets, visit www.fringenyc.org or call (212) 279 4488.
For more information, visit www.henrynoodle.com.
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