Also in attendance were composer Rowe and actor Stephen Bienskie, who won a Helen Hayes Award for his performance in the show's 1998 United States premiere at the Signature Theatre. They joined director John Simpkins onstage for a pre-performance discussion of the work.
The Fix, a loose adaptation of "Caligula," is based around the dark, seedy underbelly of American politics. It features music by Rowe, with book and lyrics by John Dempsey. The writing team, whose other musicals include Zombie Prom and The Witches of Eastwick, worked with Simpkins and cast during the rehearsal process.
Here is a look at composer, director, company and guests on the production's closing night:
Director John Simpkins (Bloodsong of Love, Things to Ruin) said of the experience, "The writers have created something in The Fix that remains topical and important (perhaps even more so than when it was written) and challenges the way we look at the people who run our country. To tackle the theatrical way in which that political machinery may be exposed is a daunting task that they have navigated with a sharp, biting book and rock influenced score that belongs squarely in the landscape of contemporary music theatre discussions. It was a tremendous opportunity and thrill to present a show that many feel continues to deserve a chance at a [professional] New York production."
The company of NYU students was led by Bryan Welnicki as Cal Chandler, Joshua Wright as Grahame, Blair Goldberg (Broadway's Annie Get Your Gun) as Violet, Jordan Stanley as Reed and Melissa Rapelje as Tina McCoy. Also featured were Kristen da Costa, Danielle Gimbal, Kanoa Goo, Natalie Hinds, Kevin Mueller, Wilmari Myburgh, Jared Nepute, Allison Robinson, Will Roland, Matt Savoca, Tim Shea, William Spinnato and Matthew Tracey. The Fix premiered at London's Donmar Warehouse in 1997. Produced by Cameron Mackintosh and directed by Sam Mendes, the cast was headlined by John Barrowman and Philip Quast (whose performance as "Grahame" earned him a second Olivier Award). The 1998 Signature Theatre U.S. premiere, staged by Eric Schaeffer, featured Stephen Bienskie, Sal Mistretta, Natalie Toro and Linda Balgord.
Songs in the musical include "One, Two, Three," "I See the Future," "America's Son," "Mistress of Deception," "Embrace Tomorrow" and "Don't Blame the Prince."
