Know neWS

Tuesday, Nov 06 2:19 PM

Know Theatre Presents THRILL ME

Cincinnati, OH – Know Theatre, Cincinnati’s home for fresh, provocative entertainment is proud to add Stephen Dolginoff’s THRILL ME to its 10th anniversary season. This regional premiere musical will show Cincinnati audiences why relationships can be murder.

The two-man musical, which premiered at New York’s Midtown International Theatre Festival in 2003, is told from the point of view of Nathan Leopold. Leopold and his childhood friend Richard Loeb were convicted of the Chicagoland murder of Bobby Franks in 1924. Franks’ murder was billed as the “Crime of the Century” and immortalized the two would-be lawyers as the “Thrill Killers.” Though, there have been many more “crimes of the century,” the Leopold and Loeb story remains one of the most interesting stories of psychological manipulation in American history.

Dolginoff focuses on the relationship between the two young Chicagoans, against the backdrop of the crimes they committed. The dynamics of their relationship with its twists, turns, manipulations and shifts of power takes center stage throughout the taught and unencumbered musical performance; right up to the surprise conclusion. Large cast Broadway productions often miss the mark in creating the same dramatic tension that Dolginhoff creates with two actors on a minimalist set.
THRILL ME has been produced in cities all over the world, including Seoul, South Korea (Korean Best Musical Award nom.); Melbourne, Australia; (Green Room Award nom.), Seattle; Philadelphia; Buffalo; Chicago (Jeff Award rec.); Los Angeles; Dallas (Column Award winner); Orlando; Tampa; Boston (IRNE Award nom.); Richmond; San Francisco & Sioux City and was featured on the PBS national broadcast of the Drama Desk Awards.

This premier engagement, directed by Jason Bruffy features the acting talents of Mikhail Roberts and Steve Copps, under the musical direction of Michael Flohr. THRILL ME is an extra for the 2007/8 season which includes John Hartmere and Damon Intrabartolo's pop musical, Bare, Martin McDonough's Pillowman, Red Light Winter and the Pulitzer Prize winning Topdog/Underdog by Suzan Lori Parks.

“We’re continually searching for the freshest Off-Broadway programming for Cincinnnati audiences, and nothing could be more Know Theatre then this hot seductive and unsettling musical,” says Artistic Director Jason Bruffy. “Cincinnati is one of the country’s top markets for Reality TV viewership so this is a natural fit. It’s a beautiful score woven through a seductive tale of two individuals chasing the trill of a lifetime.”

THRILL ME runs August 9th to 26 at Know Theatre at 1120 Jackson Street, downtown. Tickets range $12 to $22 and can be purchased through the Know website (www.knowtheatre.com) or by calling 513.621.ARTS (2787). Student and senior discounts are available.

Bring in a ticket stub from New Stage Collective’s Hello Again or Transient Five’s A New Brain for $12 tickets to THRILL ME. THRILL ME ticket stubs can be brought in for a discount off general admission at A New Brain and Hello Again.
Know Chance: 10 FREE tickets given away by lottery at every show of THRILL ME. Know Theatre begins a new way to allow anyone to see a show free-of-charge. Audience members can sign up as early as one hour before show time. Drawings are held twenty minutes prior to show time.

About the Author
Stephen Dolginoff (Book, Music & Lyrics) received Drama Desk Award nominations for Best Musical and Best Music Score; an Outer Critics Circle Award nomination for Best Off-Broadway Musical; and won an ASCAP Music Award for the New York production of THRILL ME: THE LEOPOLD & LOEB STORY at the York Theatre Company. Stephen also wrote and composed ONE FOOT OUT THE DOOR (Backstage Bistro Award-Outstanding Book, Music & Lyrics), JOURNEY TO THE CENTER OF THE EARTH (MAC Award nom.) and MOST MEN ARE. He contributed music to the lyrics of Kenward Elmslie for the Off-Broadway revue LINGOLAND. Dolginhoff received his BFA in Dramatic Writing from NYU. Stephen is currently writing the musical PANIC, the story behind Orson Welles’ infamous “War of the Worlds” radio broadcast, which will have a World Premiere in the Fall of 2008.
Press for THRILL ME

“Stephen Dolginoff's pocket musical about the Leopold and Loeb murder case, lands like a well-placed punch, arresting and a bit breathtaking. Others have told the tale in plays and films, but there is something brazenly satisfying about Mr. Dolginoff's rendition. It’s a reminder that evil often looks and sounds beautiful. Credit the lean approach to the storytelling.”--New York Times

“Startling! Provocative! I can’t get enough of this! Will keep you spellbound …
THRILL ME freezes the blood and keeps you wanting more!”--Rex Reed, NY Observer

“Stylish! With a noir attitude, THRILL ME is a two-character slice of pulp fact-fiction by intriguing storyteller Stephen Dolginoff.”--New York Newsday

“A soaringly intense, propulsively melodic musical. Chillingly well-told, in all of its dark complexity.” -Jacques le Sourd, Gannet Newspapers

“Dangerously attractive! Powerful! Dolginoff is a smart craftsman with a knack for forging arresting tunes. The robust score is feverishly crafted.”--Star Ledger

“A taut, compelling, two-character musical. Stripping the event of the psychobabble that has surrounded it over the years, Dolginoff gets at the heart of it. The story sizzles!” --Backstage

“Dolginoff shows that unlikely musical subject matter can be mastered if the approach is strong enough. You will be intrigued!”--Peter Filichia, Theatremania

”A brilliant, unforgettable musical! Sends chills down the spine. Uncompromising and intoxicating!” - Talkin’ Broadway

“Fascinating! You must go see it!” --WOR radio

“Stunning! A major accomplishment! To miss THRILL ME would be a crime! – Broadway.com

Just The Facts, Ma’am
The Story:
THRILL ME explores the manipulations and power struggles between two thrill seeking Chicago law students. The Leopold and Loeb story remains one of the most intriguing tales of psychological manipulation, set against the backdrop of 1924’s “Crime of the Century.” This taut, raw musical proves that relationships can be murder!

If You Like:
THRILL ME appeals to individuals who gravitate to crime dramas and film noir detective stories. One could say it’s “Chicago meets L.A. Confidential.”

Dates/Times:
August 9 – August 26, 2007.
August 9 – 11, 16 – 18 & 23 – 25 @ 8 p.m.
Sunday(s) August 12, 19, 26 @ 4 p.m..
Tickets can be purchased by calling 513.621.ARTS (2787) or online at knowtheatre.com .
Tickets range from $12-$22, with student/senior discounts available.

Know Chance:
10 Free Tickets will be given away via lottery for each mainstage performance this season. Audience members can sign up as early as one hour before show time. Drawing at twenty minutes prior to show time.