A reinvention of the classic comedic opera Don Giovanni, Going Down Swingin' follows Dean Newhouse, "a boozing, womanizing radio icon haunted by the misdeeds of his past in this sexy & swingin' comedy, set at the end of Radio's Golden Age. It's 1956, and caddish crooner Dean Newhouse's variety show is facing a dangerous new foe...TELEVISION. Dean has abused everyone on his show, including the tragic soap queen, the All-American teen couple, the hard-boiled detective, his wisecracking sidekick, to mention a few! Dean struggles to keep his show afloat - and his bitter cast from killing him."
Also featured in the production are Stacie Bon, Tom Deckman, George McDaniel, Hardy Rawls and James Stovall.
Drawing on the musical styles of the 1940's and 50's, Going Down Swinging features a score by Peter Hilliard and book and lyrics by Matt Boresi. Hilliard and Boresi continue to revive the operatic form with contemporary stylings, including their successful opera buffa Don Imbroglio - An Opera You Can't Refuse as well as The Filthy Habit, The Brazilian and Empty Plates.
Jenny Lord will direct the NYMF production, having previously worked with Hilliard and Boresi on Don Imbrogilo. The creative team includes Maiko Chii (set/prop design), Kate Cusack and Zane Pihlstrom (costume design), Burke Brown (lighting design) and Amy Altadonna (sound design).
Beth Morrison and New Sounds Theatre produce Going Down Swingin', which runs Sept. 24–Oct. 6 at the TBG Theatre, located in Manhattan at 312 West 36th Street. Tickets are available by calling (212) 352-3101 or by visiting www.nymf.org. For further information visit www.goingdownswingin.com.