Nancy Opel to Star in The Toxic Avenger

Tony Award nominee Nancy Opel is set to star in the New York premiere of The Toxic Avenger. A new musical adaptation of the classic 1985 cult film, the production features a book and lyrics by Joe DiPietro I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change and music by David Bryan of the platinum-selling rock band Bon Jovi. Previews begin on March 18 at New World Stages, with opening night is set for April 6, directed by John Rando. Complete casting and design team will be announced shortly.

Reprising the role she originated at the show’s world premiere at the George Street Playhouse in New Brunswick, New Jersey, Opel will play the mayor of the mythic Tromaville, Exit 13B off the New Jersey Turnpike, where an aspiring earth scientist/ecological activist is transformed into a seven-foot mutant after being tossed into a vat of radioactive goo. Armed with superhuman strength and a heart as big as Newark, he becomes New Jersey’s first superhero – determined to clean-up the town’s toxic waste, end global warming and woo Sarah, the prettiest, blindest librarian in town.

Opel earned a Tony Award nomination in 2002 for Urinetown, also directed by Rando. Her previous work includes The Drowsy Chaperone’s first national tour, Gypsy with Patti LuPone at City Center, My Deah OBIE award and Polish Joke Drama Desk nomination. Other Broadway credits include the 2004 revival of Fiddler on the Roof, Triumph of Love, Anything Goes, Sunday in the Park with George and Evita. Her Off-Broadway appearances include David Ives’ All in the Timing and Mere Mortals.