Dolginoff was Drama Desk nominated for his compositional work for Thrill Me's Off-Broadway premiere in 2005. The Thrill Me creator would go on to succeed original cast member Matt Bauer in the role of Nathan Leopold for the remainder of the musical's Off-Broadway engagement as well as its Seattle premiere. For the Phoenix production, Dolginoff reprises his portrayal of Leopold, alongside Joseph Demerly as Richard Loeb. Thrill Me is based on the true story of Nathan Leopold and Richard Loeb, who "scandalized Chicago by murdering 14 year old Bobby Franks to prove their 'superior intellects' in 1924; the duo were saved by Clarence Darrow from the death penalty. Dolginoff's musical explores the psycho-sexual relationship between the two young men through an award-winning score and lyrics distinguished by pith and wit," according to press notes.
New Phoenix artistic director Robert Waterhouse helms Thrill Me with a creative team including musical direction by Michael Hake and set and lighting design by Kurt Schneiderman.
The New Phoenix Theatre, located at 95 Johnson Park, in Buffalo, NY, presents Thrill Me Sept. 6-30. Tickets are available by calling (716) 853 1334 or by visiting www.newphoenixtheatre.org.