Globop, Inc. Presents new [glob] opera …

THE KILLER NEWS

Book, Music and Lyrics by Steven P Reed Musical arrangements by Mikel Prester
The Multi-Media Rock & Roll Theatrical Extravaganza for our Times

November 10th, 2003 (New York City) – Globop, Inc. is proud to present the World Premiere of the sensory stage experience, The Killer News, beginning Wednesday, December 3rd running through Sunday, December 21st at the Abington Theatre located at 432 West 42nd Street, 4th Floor (on the corner of Dyer Street between 9th/10th Avenues), performances are given Wednesdays – Saturdays at 8pm, Sundays at 6pm. Tickets are $28 for Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, $32 for Fridays and Saturdays and can be purchased by calling SmartTix at 212.868.4444 or by going to www.smarttix.com. For more information, please visit www.globopinc.com.

Underscored by a live band and surrounded by TV and video screens continuously airing the evening’s news, as well as what’s happening outside (as if they were windows) and other psychedelic imagery, The Killer News, is a sensory assault for the “Viewers” of a farcical world of which there’s reason to be afraid. The story opens with “The Big Bang” depicted on the screens. As the history of the universe unfolds through the ages to present day the Killer News Network (KNN) report begins. The major headlines are announced live by two anchorpersons who interact with the roving reporters via video (and who essentially narrate the lives of the Viewers and the world in which they live), while the the male and female Viewers ready themselves for a trip to the airport – however, she is the only one flying. The Killer News tells a simple, cautionary tale reflecting the changing psycho-geographic impacts of post-modern info-media on our lives!

“The Killer News” is basically a story I threw together under the impression I was being attacked by a newspaper swirling around in the wind. It is a collection of stories designed to evoke emotionally healing responses to new events we have difficulty describing or are unable to describe,” says SPR. The Killer News uses a pioneering design format called “Digital Conductor” created by Reed and engineer Thomas Burns. This design utilizes Digital Video (DV) technology to collect and control screen images and song tempos, which also cue the actors and musicians.

Cast includes (live performers): Linnea Redfern and Pete Stickel as Male and Female Viewer, Alex Emmert and Brigitte Beniquez as Anchors R. “Buzz” Frayes and Houda Thunket, L. H. “Starborn” Bryant as Ted “The Tip” Topper and Andrew Kletjian as Prince Gritty. Also includes (“on-screen” characters): Joseph Emil and W. B. Riggins as Sports and Weather, “Chief” Editor Steve Penser, Roving Reporters G. Curtis Smith, John Lee, Gillian Fallon, Leighbarry Harvard, and Christine Mogle, and with appearances by Miriam Lopez, Michele Burnett, Chris Cotten, and George Grauer.
Written and Directed by Steven P. Reed. Creative Design team includes: Thomas Burns (Cinematography), John Keese (Lights), Josh Parrish and Jim Kerr (Sound), Tara Murphy and Brendan Coyle (Stage). Band includes: Mikel Prester – Saxophone, Vincent DuPuy – Guitar, Joel Guilbert – Bass, Darryl Baker – Drums, R. M. Soccolich – Electronica, Steven Company – Synthesizer.

Globop, Inc. is a multi-geographic, interactive omni-media entertainment production company. It is highly mobile, extremely adaptable, and very visible. It is the mission of Globop to serve as a forum for people worldwide to freely exchange culturally creative ideas as expressions of peace, goodwill and understanding.