The production, which recently announced a second extension, will also present two talk-back sessions this month. Following the 5 PM performance on July 23 will be a discussion titled "Relationships Can Be Murder." Author Laura Kipnis, who penned "Against Love: A Polemic" and "Bound and Gagged: Pornography and the Politics of Fantasy in America," will be on hand to discuss "the media's fascination with toxic relationships and how our desire for fidelity can be at odds with personal freedoms."
Following the 8 PM performance on July 28 will be a talkback titled "The Crime of the Century." Hal Higdon, the author of "Leopold & Loeb: The Crime of the Century," will discuss the famed case and its relevance today.
The composer of Thrill Me — Stephen Dolginoff — recently stepped into the role of Nathan Leopold, which was originated in this production by Matt Bauer. Directed by Tony Award winner Michael Rupert, the musical also stars Doug Kreeger as Richard Loeb. The pre-recorded voices of John McMartin and Stephen Bogardus — playing members of the Parole Board — are also part of the production.
Thrill Me: The Leopold & Loeb Story premiered in 2003 as part of the Fourth Annual Midtown International Theatre Festival in New York City. The musical features book, music and lyrics by Stephen Dolginoff; Eugene Gwozdz is the musical director for the York run. The remainder of the creative team comprises James Morgan (set design), Thom Weaver (lighting design) and Jennifer Paar (costume design).
The musical drama, according to production notes, "recounts the chilling tale of the legendary duo who committed one of the most infamous and heinous crimes of the 20th century. Set in 1924 Chicago, it chronicles the events that led childhood friends Nathan Leopold and Richard Loeb to forever be remembered as 'the thrill killers.'" Thrill Me plays Monday, Thursday and Friday evenings at 8 PM with Saturday shows at 5 PM. Tickets, priced at $55, are available by calling (212) 868-4444 or by visiting www.smarttix.com.
The York Theatre Company at Saint Peter's is located at 619 Lexington Avenue with the entrance at 54th Street. Visit www.yorktheatre.org for more information.
