Press Release: Small Local Production of Dr. Horrible – Live Makes National Impression
With over 3000 fans on Facebook, Chinese Pirate Productions’ fan adaptation of Dr Horrible’s Sing Along Blog has made quite a splash! After a 10 – show week coinciding with Comic Con International, and fans from literally around the world stopping by the 100 seat 10th Avenue theater, reviews and excitement for the small yet professional production has been bubbling all over the internet!
“As soon as it was over my first and immediate thought was, “I want to see that again.” -Chriss Cornish, http://conventionfansblog.com/
“This cast is very talented… and doesn’t get lost in the large shadows cast by the originators of their roles”-Erin Reiter, San Diego Theater Examiner
“…while the core of the show mostly intact, it’s the touches on the margins that give it some extra spark…” -Arturo R. Garcia, geekypleasures.com
“[Brian Hammond's] live musical score… [had] a feeling akin to hearing the orchestra at the Pantages, but downsize that number to four members and up the intimacy by tenfold. -JR Cajigas, http://nerdreactor.com
“This one’s a little too fun to ignore… director Andy Lowe’s… eye-catching show…features a hard-rocking band, excellent tech effects and a savvy young cast…” -James Hebert, San Diego Union Tribune/http://www.signonsandiego.com
In addition to being featured in “geek news” blogs around the country, the small production also caught the attention of industry professionals having been featured in this month’s issue of American Theatre Magazine.
Even the musical tragi-comedy’s original creators have taken notice. After seeing a performance last friday night, co-writer/creator Zack Whedon (Deadwood) tweeted:
“If you are a dr horrible fan the live production is AMAZING. 10th Ave Theater. It runs through the 30th. Go! @IWant2SingAlong #drhorribleSD” -Zack Whedon, twitter.com/@ZDubDub.
Shortly thereafter, he assured the San Diego cast that he would “…make Joss feel really guilty for not attending…” He refers to brother Joss Whedon, a third generation television writer and geek guru responsible for Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, Firefly, Serenity, and currently hard at work directing the Marvel Studios superhero extravaganza, the Avengers due out in 2012. Joss created the original with brothers Zack and Jed, and Sister-in-law Maurissa Tancharoen, during the 2008 WGA strike.
“Just the opportunity to genuinely impress one’s own heros is kind of amazing! You just can’t put a price on that…” Says director/producer Andy Lowe.
This stage production is also adapted by Lowe (former Artistic Director and founder of the San Diego Asian American Repertory Theatre) who has assembled a team of fans and friends, who also happen to be accomplished theatre artists; including musical arrangements and orchestrations by Musical Director Brian Hammond, sets by Scenic Designer David F. Weiner (700 Sundays – La Jolla Playhouse and Broadway), Projection Design by Michael Lowe (YellowFace – Mo’olelo), Lighting design by Chris Rynne (Plaid Tidings – the Old Globe Theatre), Sound Design by Paul Peterson (How the Grinch Stole Christmas-the Old Globe Theatre), costumes by Jannifer Mah (the Crucible – MOXIE/Intrepid), and introducing choreographer Karen Li (UCSD).
Dr. Horrible LIVE will have its final performances Friday July 29th at 8pm and 10pm, and Saturday July 30th at 2pm and 8pm
For a complete list of reviews and media coverage go to iwanttosingablog.blogspot.com
