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November 1, 2004
TT: Words to the wise
Here's something you shouldn't miss:Ben Katchor and Mark Mulcahy will present "The Rosenbach Company," their new music-theater production, Tuesday, November 9th at 7:30 p.m. at the Harry De Jur Playhouse in The Abrons Arts Center of The Henry Street Settlement, 466 Grand Street, Manhattan. One performance only. Running time: 2 hours, 15 min.
Katchor and Mulcahy's new sung-through pop-musical chronicles the life and times of Abe Rosenbach, the world's preeminent rare-book dealer in the first half of the last century, and his brother Philip, a savvy dealer of decorative arts. Their collection ranges from James Joyce's manuscript of "Ulysses" to John Tenniel's original illustrations for "Alice in Wonderland."
Mixing projected animated images with live actors, singers and musicians, the show explores such issues as the obsessive nature of collecting, the relationship between cultural and commercial pursuits and the men's historical significance as the owners of some of the world's greatest literary treasures.
"...a sung-through biodrama? a chamber rock opera? a meeting of the museum establishment with the music underground?--it is thrilling, charming, and altogether a knockout." – Variety.com
Earlier this year, Katchor and Mulcahy premiered their first collaboration, "The Slug Bearers of Kayrol Island," at the Kitchen in New York City.
Ben Katchor (projections, text and direction) is best known for his comic-strip series "Julius Knipl, Real Estate Photographer," "The Cardboard Valise," "Hotel & Farm" and "The Jew of New York." He produces a monthly strip for Metropolis Magazine and his drawings appear in The New Yorker. He is the recipient of a Guggenheim Foundation Fellowship and a MacArthur Foundation Fellowship.
Mark Mulcahy (composer and singer in the roles of Abe Rosenbach) has released two critically acclaimed albums ("Fathering" and "Smilesunset") and performs in the USA and Europe. Mr. Mulcahy also composed the music for the television series "The Adventures of Pete & Pete" with his fictional tv band, Polaris. He has written music for the films "Spring Forward," "The Crush," and "A Matter of Degrees." Mr. Mulcahy is featured in the new Nick Hornby collection, "Songbook."
Singers: Katie Geissinger, Ryan Mercy and Mark Mulcahy. Musicians: Ashley Grella, Brian Marchese, Henning Ohlenbusch and Dave Trenholm.
Tickets are $20. Please purchase your tickets in advance with a credit-card or Paypal here. The reserved ticket(s) will be held in your name at the door and can be picked up 1/2 hour before showtime. (If you purchase your ticket at the door it must be with cash.)
Alas, I've got a Broadway preview that same night, one I can't possibly wiggle out of. Seeing as how I'm the biggest possible fan of Katchor's "picture stories," I've been gnashing my teeth ever since I got this press release. You go, and tell me how good it was, and I'll eat my heart out. And if for some reason my Broadway show should blow up, look for me on the aisle.
Posted November 1, 2004 12:01 PM
