Project News
Current Writing Project - Falling to Earth w/composer David Sisco.
I brought the libretto to David when we met at the BMI Workshop. Going back to Ovid's Pygmalion & Galatea for my inspiration, Falling to Earth is a 4-characater musical, set in ancient Cyprus, which re-tells the myth through a contemporary lens. Pygmalion is a great artist who, to pay the rent, makes life-like sex toys while he pursues his true calling. His friend Paphos sells the toys for a small precentage. When Pygmalion receives a commission to create a statue of Venus, he finds his art isn't what he intended to be and falls in love with his perfect woman - someone he claims is "Better than Venus." Needless to say, Venus is a little miffed. Alternately farcical and touching, this version of the twice-told tale explores themes of self-identity, sensual pleasure vs. intimate love, and the illusion of perfection.
April 4 -14, 2008 - BAIT appears at the Left Out Festival Producer Cheryl King's brand new theatre festival for gay & lesbian artists at Stage Left Studios. BAIT, the award-winning comedy by David Sisco (see below) plays three benefit performances as part of the festival and extends for a sold out run through June 28.
December 11, 2007 - Arturo's Window by Cheryl King & Rod Menzies
Workshop Reading at THE YORK THEATRE. Original songs by John Mercurio. Starred as John Jerome, the corporate party planner convicted for embezzling $4 million from a major NYC-based investment company in 2002. John Jerome not only spent large amounts of money caring for AIDS patients but also formed Jerome Records which produced CD's for many well-known cabaret artists. The New Yorker dubbed him "King of Cabaret."
September 24-October 6, 2007 - Sherlock Holmes: The Early Years at NYMF. I was Associate Director w/ Director Nona Lloyd (Night of the Hunter, The Color Purple) and Producer LaVie Productions . Hilarious new musical parody of Sherlock Holmes' early life.
Monday, August 13, 2007 - Monday Nights/New Voices at The Duplex
Featured new works by Michael Cooper, Will Van Dyke and Steve Routman & Joy Son. I perfromed "Venice" from THE FISHER KING by Routman & Son. Musical Dir: Barbara Anselmi, Series Producer: Scott Alan
September 26-October 1, 2006 - The Night of the Hunter at NYMF. I played Ben Harper and was Associate Director to Nona Lloyd. Based on the novel and the classic film thriller starring Robert Mitchum, Lillian Gish and Shelley Winters, the story concerns an evil preacher who pursues two young children. Scary stuff. The film was the only movie directed by the great actor Charles Laughton and is highly regarded by film buffs (like me). I played Ben Harper (the crying and dying role - one scene and out), father of little John & Pearl, whose theft sets the play in motion. The musical featured Beth Fowler, Brian Noonan, Dee Hoty and Mary Stout.
September 14, 15, 16, 2006 - WINNER: Best Actor at the National Gay & Lesbian Theatre Festival in Columbus, Ohio. BAIT is David Sisco's hilarious 30-character play in which two best friends attend a "Gay Bait" singles event. BAIT won 5 other festival awards: Audience Favorite, Best Comedy, Best Director, Best Original Script and Best in Festival.
September 15, 16, 17, 2006 - A New Generation of Song cabaret at APAC. Works by Gualtieri & Sisco performed as part of in Queens as part of the New York Musical Theatre Festival (NYMF).
Monday, June 11, 2007 - NEO3 @ The York Theatre Company. A concert celebration of new/emerging/outstanding talent in the musical theatre to benefit The York Theatre. The concert features new works by emerging writers performed by a stellar cast of Broadway veterans. Tom performed "Venice" from Steve Routman & Joy Son's musical version of THE FISHER KING.
