Playwright David Ives has three musicals on his full plate.
With Jim Steinman and Michael Kunze, he has written the book for Dance of the Vampires, the new Michael Crawford vehicle, which begins previews Oct. 14 at the Minskoff Theatre prior to an official opening on Nov. 21. Ives' Vampire bio reveals that he is also writing the books for two upcoming productions: Disney's The Little Mermaid, which is scheduled for a 2004 Broadway bow; and Batman: The Musical, which should arrive some time in 2005.
Perhaps best known for his one-act comedies — All in the Timing and Time Flies — Ives has adapted 11 musicals for the City Center Encores! series, including The Pajama Game, Strike Up the Band, Wonderful Town, The Boys From Syracuse and Do Re Mi; he will also adapt one of this season's Encore! presentations, The New Moon.
Ives' newest play, Polish Joke, will be presented by the Manhattan Theatre Club this spring. John Rando will direct.
—By Andrew Gans
