NewsOff-Broadway Rock Musical Murder Ballad Closes July 21Murder Ballad, the new musical by Julia Jordon and Juliana Nash, which stars John Ellison Conlee, Rebecca Naomi Jones, Will Swenson and Caissie Levy, plays its final performances at the Union Square Theatre July 21 at 3 PM and 7 PM.
By
Andrew Gans, Adam Hetrick
July 21, 2013
Rebecca Naomi Jones
Photo by Joan Marcus
Murder Ballad officially opened May 22 following previews that began May 7 at the Union Square Theatre. When it closes, the show will have played 17 preview performances and 70 regular performances. (The engagement had previously been extended to Sept. 29.)
The current Off-Broadway run followed an acclaimed, sold-out engagement at Manhattan Theatre Club's The Studio at Stage II last fall. The production features three cast members from the MTC run, Conlee, Jones and Swenson, who are joined by Levy.
Murder Ballad was conceived by Jonathan Larson Award winner and two-time Susan Smith Blackburn Prize finalist Jordan with book and lyrics by Jordan and music and lyrics by indie rock singer/songwriter Nash. Drama Desk Award nominee Trip Cullman directs.
Read a recent interview with Rebecca Naomi Jones, who plays the Narrator, here. "A love triangle gone wrong," Murder Ballad, according to press notes, "centers on Sara, an Upper West Sider who seems to have it all, but whose downtown past lingers enticingly and dangerously in front of her. This sexy, explosive new musical explores the complications of love, the compromises we make, and the betrayals that can ultimately undo us."
The creative team included Mark Wendland (scenic design), Jessica Pabst (costume design), Ben Stanton (lighting design), Leon Rothenberg (sound design), Doug Varone (choreography) and Justin Levine (music director, vocal arranger and orchestrator).
The musical was produced at the Union Square Theatre by Manhattan Theatre Club Productions, Inc.; Niclas Nagler; Richard Frankel; Tom Viertel; Steven Baruch; Marc Routh; Simone Genatt Haft; Scott M. Delman; and Susanne Adamski.
The original Off-Broadway cast recording of Murder Ballad was released May 28 on the Yellow Sound label.
Tickets are available via Ticketmaster.com or by calling (800) 982-2787 or by visiting the Union Square Theatre Box Office (100 East 17th Street).
PHOTO EXCLUSIVE: "We Light a Match..." A Two-Show Day at Murder Ballad With Rebecca Naomi Jones
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PHOTO EXCLUSIVE: "We Light a Match..." A Two-Show Day at Murder Ballad With Rebecca Naomi Jones
PHOTO EXCLUSIVE: "We Light a Match..." A Two-Show Day at Murder Ballad With Rebecca Naomi Jones
Rebecca Naomi Jones (Passing Strange, American Idiot) stars as the mysterious Narrator in Off-Broadway's Murder Ballad, the new musical by Julia Jordon and Juliana Nash, playing the Union Square Theatre. Jones shares a recent two-show day with Playbill.com
28 PHOTOS
Good Morning, Buddha! I'm not Buddhist. I bought this Buddha at Daffy's on sale.
Rebecca Naomi Jones
Good Morning, Brooklyn!
Rebecca Naomi Jones
Ran outta coffee so I gotta go to the coffee shop. On my way I get to marvel at my front yard, which is known publicly as Prospect Park.
Rebecca Naomi Jones
Sometimes I like to look at the above ground train tracks as the trains are rolling in. These are the same trains I hear rolling in as I'm TRYING TO SLEEP!
Rebecca Naomi Jones
It's the day of the famous Mermaid Parade in Coney Island, and these people are READY.
Coffee in hand, I snap another quick shot of the 'hood.
Rebecca Naomi Jones
Back at home I make a healthy breakfast to complement the caffeine. Eggs and greens!
Rebecca Naomi Jones
Time to massage my stiff neck before warming up. Many thanks to the camera timer for helping me with this selfie!
Rebecca Naomi Jones
I warm up to a recorded session with Liz Caplan every day. Thanks, Liz!
Rebecca Naomi Jones
I need Claritin. Summertime is showing me who's boss.
Rebecca Naomi Jones
It's been a few hours since breakfast, and it's time for a smoothie!
Rebecca Naomi Jones
Bam!
Rebecca Naomi Jones
Washin' dishes. Isn't this fascinating? Ah, the glamorous life.
Rebecca Naomi Jones
This album is really good, y'all.
Rebecca Naomi Jones
Waiting for the train to work! Taking forever. Rude.
Rebecca Naomi Jones
And we've made it to Union Square. Beautiful!
Rebecca Naomi Jones
The Murder Ballad sign welcomes me from across the street. "Get thy butt to work, Rebecca!"
Rebecca Naomi Jones
We have a sign-in sheet contest each week, honoring the cast member with the most clever sign-ins. I won't win this week.
Rebecca Naomi Jones
But I did last week, and the sign still bears my name! Take that, Swenson.
Rebecca Naomi Jones
Fight call! My fellow actors Caissie Levy, John Conlee and Will Swenson prepare for battle as Stage Manager Rachel Motz supervises.
Rebecca Naomi Jones
One of the best seats in the house.
Rebecca Naomi Jones
First show, complete. On the left you can see the remains of the ridiculous amount of coconut water I drank before curtain. On the right you can see the ridiculously huge bottle of another brand of coconut water I'll drink before the second show!
Rebecca Naomi Jones
Mics.
Rebecca Naomi Jones
Some essentials found backstage.
Rebecca Naomi Jones
Blackboard shenanigans.
Rebecca Naomi Jones
They keep us entertained here.
Rebecca Naomi Jones
Beet, Carrot, Ginger, Pear. These forces combine to give me energy for one more show! Wish me luck!
Rebecca Naomi Jones
We made it! After the second show I look in the fridge backstage to find what? MORE COCONUT WATER for replenishment. I can admit I have a habit. Come see us! Show runs through July 21!
