MARCUS JOHNS TO MAKE DIRECTORIAL DEBUT AT HOLLYWOOD FRINGE FESTIVAL JUNE 2019

Viral The Musical

[Los Angeles, CA] Former Vine Star Marcus Johns has announced his next project – Viral: The Musical, a musical theatre show which is set to premiere at The Hollywood Fringe Festival in June 2019 at The Assistance League Theatre. Written and to be directed by Johns, the musical is an autobiographical story that chronicles Johns’ rise to social media fame through the lens of the main character, Kyle, who is played by Johns himself. The musical will take the audience on an honest yet comedic journey through the life of the new generation of celebrity. The show wrapped casting in May 2019 with Michael Donovan Casting and will include a variety of award winners and Broadway veterans – the full cast list has not been disclosed.

“Writing this musical was cathartic because it made me reflect upon and process what internet fame can do to a person. The story throughout the show is the most accurate representation of what I have been through in Hollywood. And I decided to write my story as a musical because, honestly, people breaking into song and dance seems more realistic than the things that actually happened to me.” – Marcus Johns

Viral: The Musical will mark Johns’ directorial debut, a space he is looking forward to exploring more with multiple projects in development across theatre and film. Johns’ has commissioned general manager, Lily Alia, who has worked on various Broadway productions and most recently worked at New York City Center managing the Encores! And Encores! Off-Center Series, Brock Baker and Andy Pagana as producers, Whitney Bezzant as choreographer, and newcomer Ryan Raines as musical director. General Admission and Premium Admission tickets are on sale online at www.viralthemusical.com with the option to add a VIP experience that includes a meet and greet with the cast and special guests.

About Marcus Johns: Johns is an actor, content creator, producer and writer/director. Johns began his career in entertainment on the platform Vine, where he amassed over 6.5 million followers – naming him one of their most followed users. Soon thereafter, Johns shifted his focus and fan base to other outlets such as YouTube and acting. On YouTube, Johns shares and directs a multitude of stories including Yard Boys, a docuseries that follows Johns and his friends who are set out on a journey to hop trains from Los Angeles to New York in one month. His brand on YouTube is closely tied to his wife Kristin Johns, with whom he makes videos chronicling their relationship on their collaboration channel. In the acting world, Johns has starred in the AwesomenessTV feature film Expelled, which was later distributed by 20th Century Fox and Netflix. Johns’ other film credits include Warner Brothers’ Grammy Nominated Rock of Ages, and Lionsgate’s’ box office hit The Punisher. He also starred in several notable series, including Astronauts Wanted’s HeyUSAx and Go90’s Cold alongside Annalise Basso. In addition, Johns has been tapped to create content for a number of big brands including MTV, Pepsi, HP, and Walmart.

About Fringe Festival: You can read more on the Hollywood Fringe Festival here.

Johns is repped by Scale Management, CAA, and Goodman, Schenkman & Brecheen, LLP.

Questions?
Clayton Santillo
323-713-0809
[email protected]

Kendall Creedon
323-713-0809
[email protected]