Theatreworks USA Kicks Off Summer Program with Iconis Dirty Socks Musical

Theatreworks USA, a not-for-profit theater for family audiences, will kick off its 20th Annual Free Summer Theatre Program with The Plant That Ate Dirty Socks, a new musical with book, music and lyrics by Joe Iconis. Performances begin on July 16 at the Lucille Lortel Theatre and continue through August 22. An opening night benefit performance is scheduled for July 24.

Based on the children's book by Nancy McArthur, the production is directed by John Simpkins and choreographed by Jennifer Werner. It stars Jason Williams as Michael and Lance Rubin as Norman.

A ten-year-old neatnik, Norman hates sharing a room with his messy older brother, Michael. One day, Norman sends away for some "Amazing Beans," and before long, the boys are the proud owners of two giant plants. But as the plants grow taller and taller, the boys realize that their socks are mysteriously disappearing! As the plants' hunger for socks gets bigger, Norman and Michael must try to conceal their botanical secret from the rest of the kids on Levitt Lane, especially the frighteningly nosey cheerleader, Patty Jenkins.

The Plant That Ate Dirty Socks also features Lorinda Lisitza as Mom, Lauren Marcus as Patty Jenkins, Jeffrey Omura as Jason / Mackenzie and Kilty Reidy as Dad.

The production features scenic design by Michael Schweikardt, costume design by Tracy Christensen, lighting design by Chris Dallos, sound design by Eric Shim, puppet design by Eric Wright and music direction by Jana Zielonka.

Joe Iconis is a graduate of the NYU/Tisch Graduate Musical Theater Writing program. He is the recipient of an Ed Kleban Award and a Jonathan Larson Award, and is the composer-in-residence at Ars Nova. His garage-rock musical The Black Suits will be performed this summer at SPF at the Public Theater.