Christopher Fitzgerald to Play Title Role in L.A. Premiere of Minsky's

Tony nominee Christopher Fitzgerald Young Frankenstein will play the title role in the world premiere of the new musical Minsky’s, which will begin performances on January 21 at L.A.’s Center Theatre Group/Ahmanson Theatre. Featuring music by Charles Strouse Annie, Bye Bye Birdie, lyrics by Susan Birkenhead Jelly’s Last Jam and a book by Bob Martin The Drowsy Chaperone, Minsky’s will open on February 6 and continue through March 1, directed and choreographed by Casey Nicholaw.

In addition to Fitzgerald Billy Minsky the cast will include Katharine Leonard Minsky’s love interest Mary, Rachel Dratch, George Wendt and Beth Leavel, along with John Cariani, Gerry Vichi, Kevin Cahoon and Paul Vogt. Ensemble members include Megan Nicole Arnoldy, Nathan Balser, Roxane Barlow, Jennifer Bowles, Kirsten Bracken, Jennifer Frankel, Linda Griffin, Blake Hammond, Philip Hoffman, Stacey Todd Holt, Marc Kessler, Sabra Lewis, Matt Loehr, Ariel Reid, Jeffrey Schecter, Angie Schworer, Sarrah Strimel, Charlie Sutton, Jennifer Werner and Patrick Wetzel.

Minsky’s is described as s a big, racy, romantic musical comedy set in Depression-era New York City. The king of burlesque, Billy Minsky Fitzgerald, reigns over the rollicking backstage world where profit margins are as skimpy as the costumes. Billy knows that to keep the customers coming you have to give them legs, laughs and spectacle that pushes the limits, but even he’s not prepared for the day he falls in love and the cops come banging on his door.

Presented by special arrangement with Bob Boyett and Kevin McCollum, Minsky’s will feature scenic design by Anna Louizos, costume design by Gregg Barnes, lighting design by Ken Billington, sound design by Acme Sound Partners and hair design by Josh Marquette. The musical direction and vocal arrangements are by Phil Reno, orchestrations are by Doug Besterman and arrangements are by Glen Kelly.