Sweet Smell of Success, presented by NYU Steinhardt’s Program in Vocal Performance, will have performances September 29 - October 3, 2011. The show features book by Tony Award winner John Guare, music by Tony, Oscar, Emmy, Grammy, and Pulitzer Prize winner Marvin Hamlisch, and lyrics by three time Tony Award nominee Craig Carnelia. John Simpkins directs.

NYU Steinhardt Announces Production of Sweet Smell of Success

Sweet Smell of Success, presented by NYU Steinhardt’s Program in Vocal Performance, will have performances September 29 - October 3, 2011.  The show features book by Tony Award winner John Guare, music by Tony, Oscar, Emmy, Grammy, and Pulitzer Prize winner Marvin Hamlisch, and lyrics by three time Tony Award nominee Craig Carnelia.  John Simpkins directs. 

Based on the 1957 film, Sweet Smell of Success tells the story of powerful gossip columnist JJ Hunsecker and struggling press agent Sidney Falcone.  With sixty million readers across America, JJ’s power extends beyond the pages of the newspaper, and he has the goods on everyone from the President to the latest starlet.  When his younger sister Susan falls in love with an unknown piano player named Dallas, JJ offers Sidney a shot at the big time to help break up the couple. But is the price of JJ’s approval one that Sidney is willing to pay?

The show originally opened at the Martin Beck Theatre on Broadway in March 2002, directed by Nicolas Hytner.  It was nominated for 7 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical, Best Original Musical Score, and Best Featured Actor in a Musical for Brian d’Arcy James in his role as Sidney Falcone.  John Lithgow won a Tony for Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical and a Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Actor in a Musical for his portrayal of JJ Hunsecker.

NYU’s production of Sweet Smell of Success runs Sept. 29 & 30, Oct. 1 & 3 at 8 pm and Oct. 2 at 3 pm at the Frederick Loewe Theatre (35 West 4th Street). Tickets are $20 general admission and $5 for students/senior citizens.  The performance on Monday, Oct. 3 is a special “Industry” performance. Anyone attending that night and presenting a union card (AEA, SDC, USA, Local 802, etc.) will be admitted free.  For tickets, contact NYU Ticket Central at www.nyu.edu/ticketcentral/calendar, 212.352.3101, or in person at 566 LaGuardia Place (at Washington Square South).

Sweet Smell of Success features music direction by Stan Tucker, choreography by MK Lawson, scenic design by Sonoka Fukuma Gozelski, lighting design by Chris Dallos, costume design by Michelle Eden Humphrey and sound design by Craig Kaufman.  The production stage manager is Christina M. Hagan.  The cast features NYU Steinhardt Department of Music and Performing Arts Professions’ students Drew Berezowitz, Livie Casto, Kenny Francoeur, Tricia Giordano, Jarrad Green, Alex Hunnell, Jane Kivnick, Aaron Komo, Rebecca Kostell, Luke Lords, Christian Lowery, Maria Malanga, Christopher McMahon, Wilmari Myburgh, Max Pallman, Melissa Rapelje, Brett Rigby, Tim Russell, Sophia Sapronov, Elizabeth Sauter, and Tim Shea.


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Richard Pierce
Richard Pierce
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