Sondheim Elected Fringe Festival Mayor

By Matt Windman
01 Aug 2005

One of the biggest issues explored at this year's New York International Fringe Festival will be the complex relationship between contemporary American politics and Stephen Sondheim's showtunes.  

    The Mayor Who Would Be Sondheim, a new comedy by John Doble, will be presented as part of the festival, Aug. 12-28. The play is loosely based on Doble's earlier career in politics, which most recently involved working for the John Kerry campaign.

  Described as "whimsical and hard-boiled," the play follows the mayor of a small New Jersey city who is obsessed with Broadway show tunes. He addresses major concerns like bankruptcy, sanitation strikes, civil unrest, and police misconduct by carefully choosing his favorite lyrics from Broadway musicals. Will songs like "The Ballad of Sweeney Todd," "Maria," and "Rose's Turn" help our hero win re-election?

  The production, directed by Tom Rowan features a cast of six including Stu Richel, Nina Daniels, Scott Giguere, Craig Anthony Grant, Larry Greenbush, and Mitch Poulos.

  Shows are at the Mazer Theatre, 197 East Broadway between Clinton and Jefferson Streets. Call 212-279-4488 or visit www.fringenyc.com(http://www.fringenyc.com/) for more info.