This looks like a cool show and I have heard great things about the performance.

“ESCAPE FROM BELLEVUE”

A ROCK ‘N’ ROLL ODYSSEY
WRITTEN & PERFORMED BY
CHRISTOPHER JOHN CAMPION

WITH LIVE MUSIC BY
KNOCKOUT DROPS

DIRECTED BY
ALEX TIMBERS

Escape From Bellevue, a rock ‘n’ roll odyssey written and performed by Christopher John Campion with music by Knockout Drops, is set to kick off performances on Thursday, May 31st. Directed by Alex Timbers, this live music-driven multi-media production is slated for an open-ended run at The Village Theatre (158 Bleecker Street).

With driving rock ‘n’ roll and darkly comic monologues, Escape From Bellevue takes audiences on a whirlwind ride as Knockout Drops’ dynamic front man Christopher John Campion chronicles the band’s travails in the music biz as well as his own surreal escapades under the influence. The story centers on Campion’s three trips to the world’s most foreboding and infamous mental institution, Bellevue Hospital, and climaxes with his infamous escape during his second stay – rumored to be the first to escape from the notorious establishment since 1963. Propelled by the songs of Knockout Drops performed live, Campion’s monologues and outrageous video segments come together in this combustible cocktail, blitzing the senses in a wild rock-theater hybrid.

Knockout Drops are stalwarts on New York’s rock music scene, frequently performing and selling out shows at some of the City’s most notable venues. The band recently performed three tours in Europe, where they have built a fan base since the 2003 critically acclaimed release of “Killed By the Lights” (Top 10 Albums of the Year, Newsday). In 2005, they recorded “Escape From Bellevue and Other Stories,” which is available on CD and online. Knockout Drops are: Christopher John Campion (lead vocals), Tom Licameli (guitar/vocals), Phil Mastrangelo (bass vocals) and Vinny Cimino (drums).

Escape From Bellevue is helmed by OBIE-winning Alex Timbers, Artistic Director of New York-based company Les Freres Corbusier. His directing credits include: Dixie’s Tupperware Party (Ars Nova), Gutenberg! The Musical! (2007 Lortel nominee for Best Musical and Drama Desk nominee for Outstanding Director of a Musical; The Actor’s Playhouse; 59E59), A Very Merry Unauthorized Children’s Scientology Pageant (New York Theatre Workshop; Powerhouse Theatre, Los Angeles), Hell House (St. Ann’s Warehouse – 2007 Drama Desk nominee for Unique Theatrical Experience), underground (BAM; US Tour), Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson (Williamstown Theatre Festival) and Heddatron. He also wrote and directed Boozy, a comic fantasia on urban planning, which was named “Ten Best of 2005” by the New York Daily News and Time Out New York. He has been honored with an OBIE Award, two Garland Awards, a Williamstown Directing Fellowship, and a Drama League Directing Fellowship.

Presented by R & P Productions and Executive Produced by WestBeth Entertainment and Kirsten Ames, this production features Set Design by Cameron Anderson (Tall Grass, Widower’s Houses), Lighting Design by David Weiner (Butley, Suburbia), Sound Design by Tom Licameli and Phil Palazzolo, Projection Design by Jake Pinholster and Video by Chris Cassidy.

Escape from Bellevue premiered at The Paradise Factory Theater in New York in December 2005. Originally slated for a 4-week run, the show extended twice due to popular demand and ran for 13 weeks. Additionally, the show sparked a book deal for Christopher John Campion with Gotham Books/Penguin Publishers (Escape From Bellevue and other stories will be released in early 2009).

Escape from Bellevue plays Wednesday through Saturday @ 8 PM. The Village Theatre is located at 158 Bleecker Street (between Sullivan & Thompson Streets). Tickets are $30 advance / $35 door for Wednesday & Thursday @ 8 PM; and $35 advance / $40 door for Friday & Saturday @ 8 PM. Taxes/surcharges applicable. To purchase tickets, visit www.ticketmaster.com or call (212) 307-7171. For more info, check out www.KnockoutDrops.com.