By: Navjot Kaur Sobti
There’s something absurd yet simultaneously sweet about seeing former Anthrax guitarist, Dan Spitz, perform tunes by Aretha Franklin, Nirvana, Bowie, Janis, all the way through U2 (okay, I’ll admit to the awesome-ness factor being questionable on that last mention) in the pit of a – musical-. It has been confirmed that Spitz will be one of 12 rock and Broadway performers to partake “The 12,” which is a play-turned-musical written by Pulitzer-Prize-winning Robert Schenkkan, and adapted into its musical form by award-winning composer, Neil Berg; not to mention, to those of you closeted Abba and Broadway fans – musical direction by Wendy Bobbit Cavett – a.k.a. the conductor of Mamma Mia.
"Eclectic," to say the least.
The world premiere for “The 12” is set for tomorrow, April 1st, to be held at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts (Ft. Lauderdale, Florida). The musical itself interprets the popularly known story of twelve individuals, who come together after the death of their leader, to commemorate and conceive a movement in his name. What’s more is that it is an essentially rock and roll concert, starring a star-studded list of Broadway and rock performers alike, including:
•Ron Bohmer ("Phantom", "Les Mis", "Sunset Blvd", "Ragtime") as "Peter"
* Jeremy Kushnier ("Rent", "Footloose") as "Thomas"
* Patti Russo (featured singer from Meat loaf) as "The Roadie", "Mother Mary" and "The Devil"
* Michael Lanning ("The Civil War", toured with Larry Gatlin and George Harrison) as "Simon"
* Sophia Ramos (TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA) as "Mary Magdelene"
* Gerard Canonico (star of "Spring Awakening", upcoming "American Idiot") as "Jimmy"
* Dan Spitz (ANTHRAX) on guitar.
In addition the the aforementioned artists to be commemorated, the cast will also perform songs in the styles of The Beatles, Bruce Springsteen, Eric Clapton, The Who, and Led Zep – covering the full spectrum of early rock, punk, and grunge. So, if you’re craving a bit of theatre, and happen to be a devourer of good old rock n’ roll (or, simply jazzed by the prospect of seeing Dan Spitz all thespian-ed out), here’s your go-to for Spring 2010.
