“THE BLUE LAGOON: A MUSICAL” IS SET TO MAKE A SPLASH IN THE HOLLYWOOD FRINGE FESTIVAL

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 7, 2011

LOS ANGELES – Following popular runs in Washington, New York and Orlando, “The Blue Lagoon: A Musical” will make its L.A. debut at Theatre Asylum, with six performances June 21 to June 26.

The show, a subversively funny take on the classic tale of shipwrecked teen cousins in lust, is based on Henry de Vere Stacpoole’s 1908 novel “The Blue Lagoon: A Romance,” which has inspired several stage and screen adaptations over the years, including the infamous 1980 film starring Brooke Shields and Christopher Atkins.

The latest incarnation – featuring book, music and lyrics by Jonathan Padget – premiered at the Capital Fringe Festival in Washington, where it enjoyed a sold-out run and an enthusiastic response from audiences and critics. Nelson Pressley of The Washington Post praised the show for its “lovely melodic themes” – in numbers such as “Dick, Are We Doomed to Die in This Dinghy?,” “(Even Though We’re Related) My Heart Palpitates When I See You” and “Follow the Sky” – and its playful, alternative style: “two goofy performances and an inflatable baby pool as the lagoon in question – how Fringe is that?”

“The Blue Lagoon: A Musical” was subsequently produced in New York at CringeFest, where – in a lineup of more than 20 shows – it won three audience awards: best actor for Anthony Johnson (in the role of Richard); best actress, second place, for Shayna Albertson (as Emmeline); and best production, second place.

Johnson, Albertson and New York director Kenny Howard reprised the show in Orlando at the Parliament House Resort’s Footlight Theater, and the talented trio is reuniting for the Hollywood Fringe production.

L.A. performances are scheduled for Tuesday, June 21, at 8:30 p.m.; Thursday, June 23, at 11:30 p.m.; Friday, June 24, at 8:30 p.m.; Saturday, June 25, at 4 p.m. and 10 p.m.; and Sunday, June 26, at 5:30 p.m.

Theatre Asylum is located at 6320 Santa Monica Blvd. Tickets are $12 and may be purchased in advance by phone at 323-455-4585, online at www.hollywoodfringe.org or in person during the festival at Fringe Central, 6585 Santa Monica Blvd.

To learn more about “The Blue Lagoon: A Musical,” visit www.hollywoodfringe.org/projects/442.

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MEDIA CONTACT: Jonathan Padget, 202-460-9332, [email protected]