Thrill Me: Difference between revisions

Browse history interactively ← Previous edit Next edit →Content deleted Content addedVisual WikitextInline

Revision as of 02:55, 9 September 2007 edit72.65.8.54 (talk) corrected incorrect information, added complete information, removed irrelevant/wrong facts.← Previous edit		Revision as of 03:01, 9 September 2007 edit undoMusicMaker5376 (talk \| contribs)Extended confirmed users, Rollbackers12,289 edits Revert to revision 156563597 dated 2007-09-08 21:48:18 by MusicMaker5376 using popups Next edit →
Line 3:		Line 3:
	\|subtitle=The Leopold & Loeb Story		\|subtitle=The Leopold & Loeb Story
	\|image=Playbill_coverthrill.jpg		\|image=Playbill_coverthrill.jpg
			\|image_size=175px
	\|caption=Original Playbill & Poster Art		\|caption=Original Playbill & Poster Art
	\|music= ]		\|music= ]
	\|lyrics= ]		\|lyrics= Stephen Dolginoff
	\|book= ]		\|book= Stephen Dolginoff
	\|basis= The ] ~~true crime story~~		\|basis= The ] murders
	\|productions= ~~New York ]~~ ] <br> ] ]~~<br> ] worldwide~~		\|productions= 2003 Midtown Int'l Theater Festival<br>2005 ]
			<!-- Please do not include production-specific (acting, directing, etc.) awards -->
			\|awards=
	}}		}}
	'''''Thrill Me: The Leopold & Loeb Story''''' is a ~~two character ]~~ ] ~~written~~ by ]. It is based on the true story of ], the so-called "thrill killers," who murdered a young boy in 1924 in order to commit "the perfect crime." ~~The script is published in paperback by ] and the cast album was recorded by Original Cast Records.~~		'''''Thrill Me: The Leopold & Loeb Story''''' is a ] with a book, music, and lyrics by ]. It is based on the true story of ], the so-called "thrill killers" who murdered a young boy in 1924 in order to commit "the perfect crime."

			The show premiered in 2003 at the Midtown International Theater Festival in ]. It was staged ] in 2005 by the York Theatre Company. Since then, ''Thrill Me'' has been staged in a variety of US and international cities. A recording with Kreeger and Stephen Dolginoff was released by Original Cast Records in April 2006.
	The show premiered in New York City at the ] in 2003. The run was extended and all seven performances were sold out. The show then had its Off-Broadway premiere on ] ] at the ] co-produced by ]. It was well-received throughout its New York run and was extended three times (with Dolginoff taking over the role of "]" a few weeks into the run), finally closing on August 21, 2005. Since then, ''Thrill Me'' has had productions in Chicago at the ], Dallas, Orlando, Tampa, Los Angeles, Seattle, Melbourne Australia, Boston, Richmond, Philadelphia, Sioux City, Nashville, and a long-running production in South Korea (Seoul) with more productions to follow in London, Berlin, San Francisco, Cincinnati, Colorado and Buffalo.

	==~~Plot~~ ~~Summary~~==		==Production history==
			The original production at New York City's 2003 Midtown International Theatre Festival was directed by ], and it was performed in concert form several times in 2004. It was then staged off-Broadway by the York Theatre Company, opening on ] ] and running until ]. Directed by ], the production featured Matt Bauer as Leopold and Doug Kreeger as Loeb. ], ], and Rupert himself were heard in ]s.<ref></ref> Dolginoff replaced Bauer later in the run.
	''Relationships can be murder. THRILL ME: THE LEOPOLD & LOEB STORY is a two-character musical drama that recounts the chilling true story of the legendary duo who committed one of the most infamous and heinous crimes of the twentieth century. Focusing on their obsessive relationship, utilizing Leopold’s 1958 parole hearing as a framework, and featuring a shocking twist ending, THRILL ME reveals the series of events in 1924 Chicago that led about-to-be law students Leopold and Loeb to be forever remembered as “the thrill killers.”''

			Dolginoff has appeared as Leopold in productions staged in ], ], and ]. Internationally, the musical has been produced in ] and ].
	It is 1958 at ], Illinois, where Nathan “Babe” Leopold faces the Parole Board for the fifth time. He tells them the facts of the “crime of the century” that sent him to prison thirty-five years earlier ("Why"). But this time he reveals more than ever, hoping it will lead to his release. In his memory, he goes back to 1924 Chicago, where as a nineteen year old boy, he anxiously meets up with Richard ], a classmate with whom he has shared friendship, sex and participation in minor crimes. Richard, who has been away at college, treats Nathan indifferently. Nathan begs to renew their relationship before separating again after the summer to attend different law schools ("Everybody Wants Richard"). Richard relents and allows Nathan to join in his activity for the evening – setting an abandoned warehouse on fire. In front of the blaze ("Nothing Like a Fire"), which arouses Richard, Nathan finally gets what he wants. The next day, Nathan implores Richard, who is voraciously reading Nietzsche, to stop the criminal activity. Instead Richard, now empowered by the theory of the Superman, threatens to drop Nathan completely unless they create "A Written Contract" detailing that Richard will satisfy Nathan’s sexual needs only in exchange for Nathan’s expertise as his accomplice in petty crimes. Reluctantly, Nathan agrees. They sign in blood and their crime spree continues until Richard fails to live up to his end of the agreement ("Thrill Me"). Richard explains that he is bored with the misdemeanors and wants to commit a “superior” crime: the murder of a young boy ("The Plan") and a phony ransom scheme after the killing. Richard insists that their intellect and meticulous plotting will prevent them from being caught. Nathan has no choice but to agree or risk Richard’s wrath. Back in 1958 at Joliet before the Parole Board, Nathan explains his feelings ("Way Too Far") as he recalls how Richard prepared the murder weapons and supplies: rope, a crowbar and a bottle of acid. Richard lures the victim by promising a ride in his "Roadster". While cleaning up the murder scene, Richard extols the virtues of being "Superior" to a shaken Nathan. Back at Richard’s house they compose the bogus "Ransom Note" and proceed with their plans. The next day, the newspapers reveal that, despite their careful planning, the body has been found. As a few more days go by, Nathan’s missing eye-glasses are discovered near the scene of the crime. While Nathan panics, Richard tries to calm him ("My Glasses/Just Lay Low") over the phone. When the glasses are eventually traced to Nathan, Richard helps him concoct an emergency alibi and coaches him in how to answer the cops ("I'm Trying to Think"). After Nathan is successful with the police, Richard declares their relationship over so he can protect his future as a lawyer. He reminds Nathan that everything would have been fine if the glasses hadn’t been dropped. Feeling betrayed, Nathan cuts a deal with prosecutors, turning in Richard in exchange for a lighter sentence. When arrested, Richard realizes there is no way out and works his charms on Nathan ("Keep Your Deal With Me") by convincing him to give up the deal and accept the same punishment. While awaiting the penalty trail in his jail cell, Richard doesn't realize Nathan can hear him muttering to himself that he is truly "Afraid" despite his strong façade. Thanks to the cunning strategies of their lawyer, ], they escape the death penalty and are sentenced to prison. Behind bars, Nathan finally reveals his own shocking plan: fearing the loss of Richard, he went along with the murder but stayed one step ahead the entire time, even deliberately planting his glasses, knowing that all this would ensure his desire to be together forever, or at least for "Life Plus 99 Years". Now that the whole truth has finally been exposed, back at Joliet prison Nathan is granted parole. It is a bittersweet victory; since Richard was murdered by another inmate years before, Nathan must face the outside world alone ("Finale").
	]

	==~~Songs~~==		==Plot Summary==
			It is 1958 at ], Illinois, where Nathan “Babe” Leopold faces the Parole Board for the fifth time. He tells them the facts of the “crime of the century” that sent him to prison thirty-five years earlier ("Why"). But this time he reveals more than ever, hoping it will lead to his release. In his memory, he goes back to 1924 Chicago, where as a nineteen year old boy, he anxiously meets up with Richard ], a classmate with whom he has shared friendship, sex and participation in minor crimes. Richard, who has been away at college, treats Nathan indifferently. Nathan begs to renew their relationship before separating again after the summer to attend different law schools ("Everybody Wants Richard"). Richard relents and allows Nathan to join in his activity for the evening – setting an abandoned warehouse on fire. In front of the blaze ("Nothing Like a Fire"), which arouses Richard, Nathan finally gets what he wants.
	As recorded on the Original Cast Album featuring ] and ], available at www.thrillmethemusical.com:'''
	#Prelude
	#Why
	#Everybody Wants Richard
	#Nothing Like a Fire
	#A Written Contract
	#Thrill Me
	#The Plan
	#Way Too Far
	#Roadster
	#Superior
	#Ransom Note
	#My Glasses/Just Lay Low
	#I'm Trying to Think
	#Keep Your Deal With Me
	#Afraid
	#Life Plus 99 Years/Finale
	#Bows

			]The next day, Nathan implores Richard, who is voraciously reading Nietzsche, to stop the criminal activity. Instead Richard, now empowered by the theory of the Superman, threatens to drop Nathan completely unless they create "A Written Contract" detailing that Richard will satisfy Nathan’s sexual needs only in exchange for Nathan’s expertise as his accomplice in petty crimes. Reluctantly, Nathan agrees. They sign in blood and their crime spree continues until Richard fails to live up to his end of the agreement ("Thrill Me"). Richard explains that he is bored with the misdemeanors and wants to commit a “superior” crime: the murder of a young boy ("The Plan") and a phony ransom scheme after the killing. Richard insists that their intellect and meticulous plotting will prevent them from being caught. Nathan has no choice but to agree or risk Richard’s wrath.
	The two stars of ''Thrill Me'', ] ("Nathan Leopold") and ] ("Richard Loeb") performed the song "Superior" on the ] national broadcast of the 51st Annual Drama Desk Awards in May of 2006. They were introduced by Harvey Fierstein.

			Back in 1958 at Joliet before the Parole Board, Nathan explains his feelings ("Way Too Far") as he recalls how Richard prepared the murder weapons and supplies: rope, a crowbar and a bottle of acid. Richard lures the victim by promising a ride in his "Roadster". While cleaning up the murder scene, Richard extols the virtues of being "Superior" to a shaken Nathan. Back at Richard’s house they compose the bogus "Ransom Note" and proceed with their plans. The next day, the newspapers reveal that, despite their careful planning, the body has been found. As a few more days go by, Nathan’s missing eye-glasses are discovered near the scene of the crime. While Nathan panics, Richard tries to calm him ("My Glasses/Just Lay Low") over the phone. When the glasses are eventually traced to Nathan, Richard helps him concoct an emergency alibi and coaches him in how to answer the cops ("I'm Trying to Think"). After Nathan is successful with the police, Richard declares their relationship over so he can protect his future as a lawyer. He reminds Nathan that everything would have been fine if the glasses hadn’t been dropped. Feeling betrayed, Nathan cuts a deal with prosecutors, turning in Richard in exchange for a lighter sentence.
	==Reviews==

			When arrested, Richard realizes there is no way out and works his charms on Nathan ("Keep Your Deal With Me") by convincing him to give up the deal and accept the same punishment. While awaiting the penalty trail in his jail cell, Richard doesn't realize Nathan can hear him muttering to himself that he is truly "Afraid" despite his strong façade. Thanks to the cunning strategies of their lawyer, ], they escape the death penalty and are sentenced to prison. Behind bars, Nathan finally reveals his own shocking plan: fearing the loss of Richard, he went along with the murder but stayed one step ahead the entire time, even deliberately planting his glasses, knowing that all this would ensure his desire to be together forever, or at least for "Life Plus 99 Years". Now that the whole truth has finally been exposed, back at Joliet prison Nathan is granted parole. It is a bittersweet victory; since Richard was murdered by another inmate years before, Nathan must face the outside world alone ("Finale").
	*“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.” — Linda Winer, NY ''Newsday''.
	*“A soaringly intense, propulsively melodic musical. Chillingly well-told, in all of its dark complexity.” — 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.” — ''TheaterMania.com''.
	*“A brilliant, unforgettable musical...Sends chills down the spine. Uncompromising and intoxicating.” —''Talkin’ Broadway''.

			==Song list==
	== Awards and nominations ==
			*Prelude
			*Why
			*Everybody Wants Richard
			*Nothing Like a Fire
			*A Written Contract
			*Thrill Me
			*The Plan
			*Way Too Far
			*Roadster
			*Superior
			*Ransom Note
			*My Glasses/Just Lay Low
			*I'm Trying to Think
			*Keep Your Deal With Me
			*Afraid
			*Life Plus 99 Years/Finale

			==Critical reception==
	*The New York/Off-Broadway Production was nominated for two ]: Best Musical and Best Music Score (Stephen Dolginoff). (A song from "Thrill Me" was presented on the PBS broadcast of the ceremony.)
			The piece garnered some positive reviews. At Musicals101.com, John Kenrick observed, "With it's two character format and intimate physical production, ''Thrill Me'' looks and feels like a chamber opera, but the music is very much in a contemporary musical theatre idiom. It is damned hard to make such material sing, but Stephen Dolginoff succeeds brilliantly. His sparing use of humor in this piece is unusually effective, as is his refusal to stoop to titillation or true crime story clichés."<ref></ref> The '']'' wrote, "The story is familiar, the script and lyrics are not especially innovative, but somehow . . . Stephen Dolginoff's pocket musical about the Leopold and Loeb murder case lands like a well-placed punch, arresting and a bit breathtaking . . . Credit lean approach to the storytelling . . . Others have told the tale in plays and films, but there is something brazenly satisfying about Mr. Dolginoff's rendition . . . ’s a reminder that evil often looks and sounds beautiful."<ref></ref>

			==Awards and nominations==
	*The New York/Off-Broadway Production received an ] nomination for Best Off Broadway Musical.
			*] for Best Musical (nominee)

			*Drama Desk Award for Best Musical Score (nominee)
	*Stephen Dolginoff won an ] Music Award for the "Thrill Me" score.
			*] for Best Off-Broadway Musical (nominee)
			*] Music Award ('''winner''')

			==References and notes==
	*The Boston production received 4 IRNE Award nominations including Best Production of a Musical.
			{{reflist}}

	*The Australian production (Melbourne) received 3 Green Room Award nominations including Best Staging of a Musical.

	*The Chicago production received a ] recommendation.

	*The Dallas production received 9 Dallas Theater Column Awards including Best Musical ''(and won for Best Actor, Best Scenic Design, Best Lighting Design and Best Sound Design).''

	*Scott Gryder (Nathan) in the Bailiwick Production received a Joseph Jefferson Citation Nomiation for Best Actor in a Musical.

	*The Korean production was nominated for 6 Best of Korean Theatre Awards (Known as "The Musical Awards") including Best Foreign Musical, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor, Best Director and Best Lighting.
	==Production History==
	'''2003'''-''New York City''-Midtown International Theatre Festival, directed by Martin Charnin '''2004'''-''New York City''-York Theatre Concert Version '''2004'''-''Chicago'' Historical Society/Timeline Theatre '''2005'''-''New York City''-York Theatre Major Off Broadway Production (Dolginoff as Leopold) '''2005'''-''Boston'' - Stoneham Theatre '''2005'''-''Melbourne Australia'' Production, Theatreworks '''2005'''-''Orlando'', Fringe Festival '''2006'''-''Tampa'' ''Florida'' Suncoast Theatre/Gypsy Prods – Dolginoff as Leopold '''2006'''-''Chicago'', Bailiwick Repertory Theatre '''2006'''-''Los Angeles/Orange Country'', Theatreout '''2006'''-''Dallas'', Uptown Players '''2007'''-''Philadelphia'', Media Theatre '''2007'''-''Richmond Virginia'', Richmond Triangle Players 2007-''Seattle'', ArtsWest - Dolginoff as Leopold '''2007'''-''Seoul South Korea''-Production in Korean Language-Musical Heaven Productions, Art Hall '''2007'''-''Clarksville Tennessee'', Roxy Theatre 2007-''Souix City Iowa'' Lamb Theatre '''2007'''-''Seoul South Korea'' - Second Run at Artmadang 2007-One city “Tour” of Korean prod. in city of ''Busan'' on University Campus '''2007'''-''Cincinnati OH'', Know Theatre '''2007'''-''Buffalo NY'', New Phoenix Theatre -Dolginoff as Leopold '''2008'''-''San Francisco'' CA, New Conservatory Theatre '''2008'''-Return engagement Art Hall, ''Seoul South Korea'' '''2008'''-''New Jersey'' , Brookside Theatre

	==External links==		==External links==
	*		*
			*
	*
	*		*
	*		*
	*
	*
	*
	*
	*
	*
	*
	*
	*
	*
	*
	*
	*
	]
	*
	*
	*
	*
	*
	*
	*
	*
	*
	*
	*
	*
	*
	*
	*
	*
	*
	*
	*
	*
	*
	*
	*
	*
	*

			]

	==References and notes==
	*
	]
	]		]

Revision as of 03:01, 9 September 2007

Musical by Stephen Dolginoff

Thrill Me
The Leopold & Loeb Story
File:Playbill coverthrill.jpgOriginal Playbill & Poster Art
Music	Stephen Dolginoff
Lyrics	Stephen Dolginoff
Book	Stephen Dolginoff
Basis	The Leopold and Loeb murders
Productions	2003 Midtown Int'l Theater Festival 2005 Off-Broadway

Thrill Me: The Leopold & Loeb Story is a musical with a book, music, and lyrics by Stephen Dolginoff. It is based on the true story of Nathan Leopold and Richard Loeb, the so-called "thrill killers" who murdered a young boy in 1924 in order to commit "the perfect crime."

The show premiered in 2003 at the Midtown International Theater Festival in New York City. It was staged off-Broadway in 2005 by the York Theatre Company. Since then, Thrill Me has been staged in a variety of US and international cities. A recording with Kreeger and Stephen Dolginoff was released by Original Cast Records in April 2006.

Production history

The original production at New York City's 2003 Midtown International Theatre Festival was directed by Martin Charnin, and it was performed in concert form several times in 2004. It was then staged off-Broadway by the York Theatre Company, opening on May 16 2005 and running until August 21. Directed by Michael Rupert, the production featured Matt Bauer as Leopold and Doug Kreeger as Loeb. Stephen Bogardus, John McMartin, and Rupert himself were heard in voice-overs. Dolginoff replaced Bauer later in the run.

Dolginoff has appeared as Leopold in productions staged in Tampa, Seattle, and Buffalo. Internationally, the musical has been produced in Seoul, South Korea and Melbourne, Australia.

Plot Summary

It is 1958 at Joliet Prison, Illinois, where Nathan “Babe” Leopold faces the Parole Board for the fifth time. He tells them the facts of the “crime of the century” that sent him to prison thirty-five years earlier ("Why"). But this time he reveals more than ever, hoping it will lead to his release. In his memory, he goes back to 1924 Chicago, where as a nineteen year old boy, he anxiously meets up with Richard Loeb, a classmate with whom he has shared friendship, sex and participation in minor crimes. Richard, who has been away at college, treats Nathan indifferently. Nathan begs to renew their relationship before separating again after the summer to attend different law schools ("Everybody Wants Richard"). Richard relents and allows Nathan to join in his activity for the evening – setting an abandoned warehouse on fire. In front of the blaze ("Nothing Like a Fire"), which arouses Richard, Nathan finally gets what he wants.

Stephen Dolginoff (foreground) as Nathan Leopold and Doug Kreeger as Richard Loeb in the off-Broadway production of *Thrill Me*

The next day, Nathan implores Richard, who is voraciously reading Nietzsche, to stop the criminal activity. Instead Richard, now empowered by the theory of the Superman, threatens to drop Nathan completely unless they create "A Written Contract" detailing that Richard will satisfy Nathan’s sexual needs only in exchange for Nathan’s expertise as his accomplice in petty crimes. Reluctantly, Nathan agrees. They sign in blood and their crime spree continues until Richard fails to live up to his end of the agreement ("Thrill Me"). Richard explains that he is bored with the misdemeanors and wants to commit a “superior” crime: the murder of a young boy ("The Plan") and a phony ransom scheme after the killing. Richard insists that their intellect and meticulous plotting will prevent them from being caught. Nathan has no choice but to agree or risk Richard’s wrath.

Back in 1958 at Joliet before the Parole Board, Nathan explains his feelings ("Way Too Far") as he recalls how Richard prepared the murder weapons and supplies: rope, a crowbar and a bottle of acid. Richard lures the victim by promising a ride in his "Roadster". While cleaning up the murder scene, Richard extols the virtues of being "Superior" to a shaken Nathan. Back at Richard’s house they compose the bogus "Ransom Note" and proceed with their plans. The next day, the newspapers reveal that, despite their careful planning, the body has been found. As a few more days go by, Nathan’s missing eye-glasses are discovered near the scene of the crime. While Nathan panics, Richard tries to calm him ("My Glasses/Just Lay Low") over the phone. When the glasses are eventually traced to Nathan, Richard helps him concoct an emergency alibi and coaches him in how to answer the cops ("I'm Trying to Think"). After Nathan is successful with the police, Richard declares their relationship over so he can protect his future as a lawyer. He reminds Nathan that everything would have been fine if the glasses hadn’t been dropped. Feeling betrayed, Nathan cuts a deal with prosecutors, turning in Richard in exchange for a lighter sentence.

When arrested, Richard realizes there is no way out and works his charms on Nathan ("Keep Your Deal With Me") by convincing him to give up the deal and accept the same punishment. While awaiting the penalty trail in his jail cell, Richard doesn't realize Nathan can hear him muttering to himself that he is truly "Afraid" despite his strong façade. Thanks to the cunning strategies of their lawyer, Clarence Darrow, they escape the death penalty and are sentenced to prison. Behind bars, Nathan finally reveals his own shocking plan: fearing the loss of Richard, he went along with the murder but stayed one step ahead the entire time, even deliberately planting his glasses, knowing that all this would ensure his desire to be together forever, or at least for "Life Plus 99 Years". Now that the whole truth has finally been exposed, back at Joliet prison Nathan is granted parole. It is a bittersweet victory; since Richard was murdered by another inmate years before, Nathan must face the outside world alone ("Finale").

Song list

Prelude
Why
Everybody Wants Richard
Nothing Like a Fire
A Written Contract
Thrill Me
The Plan
Way Too Far
Roadster
Superior
Ransom Note
My Glasses/Just Lay Low
I'm Trying to Think
Keep Your Deal With Me
Afraid
Life Plus 99 Years/Finale

Critical reception

The piece garnered some positive reviews. At Musicals101.com, John Kenrick observed, "With it's two character format and intimate physical production, Thrill Me looks and feels like a chamber opera, but the music is very much in a contemporary musical theatre idiom. It is damned hard to make such material sing, but Stephen Dolginoff succeeds brilliantly. His sparing use of humor in this piece is unusually effective, as is his refusal to stoop to titillation or true crime story clichés." The New York Times wrote, "The story is familiar, the script and lyrics are not especially innovative, but somehow . . . Stephen Dolginoff's pocket musical about the Leopold and Loeb murder case lands like a well-placed punch, arresting and a bit breathtaking . . . Credit lean approach to the storytelling . . . Others have told the tale in plays and films, but there is something brazenly satisfying about Mr. Dolginoff's rendition . . . ’s a reminder that evil often looks and sounds beautiful."

Revision as of 03:01, 9 September 2007

Production history

Plot Summary

Song list

Critical reception

Awards and nominations

References and notes

External links