The musical about "thrill killers" Leopold and Loeb — who murdered a young boy in 1924 in order to commit "the perfect crime" — will begin previews Jan. 25, 2008, at the Hudson Backstage Theatre with an official opening scheduled the following evening. The limited engagement will run through March 2.

The two-hander will feature Stewart W. Calhoun as Nathan Leopold and Alex Schemmer as Richard Loeb. Nick DeGruccio directs with musical direction by Michael Paternostro.

The design team comprises Tod Buderwitz (set design), Steven Young (lighting design), Drew Dalzell (sound design) and Rachel Myers (costume design). Art Brickman is the production stage manager.

Thrill Me — with book, music and lyrics by Stephen Dolginoff — began previews at the York Theatre Company in Manhattan in May 2005 and was extended three times, finally ending its run Aug. 21, 2005. The musical was nominated for Drama Desk Awards for Best Musical and Best Music.

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.'" Show times are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 PM and Sundays at 3 and 7 PM.

The Hudson Backstage Theatre is located at 6539 Santa Monica Blvd. in Hollywood, CA. For tickets call (323) 960-4429 or visit www.plays411/thrillme or www.havoktheatre.com.