Theater Close-Up, the collaboration between Thirteen and the community of New York City-area Off-Broadway and regional theatres, continues November 26 with the 9 PM broadcast of the critically acclaimed Off-Broadway musical Ernest Shackleton Loves Me.
The production features a book by Tony winner Joe DiPietro and a score by GrooveLily’s Valerie Vigoda and Brendan Milburn.
Wade McCollum (Priscilla, Queen of the Desert) and Vigoda starred in the New York premiere, under the direction of Lisa Peterson. Prior to its run at the Tony Kiser Theatre, the musical played Seattle Repertory Theatre, New Brunswick’s George Street Playhouse, and The Paramount at ArtsEmerson.
The innovative, high-tech show follows a sleep-deprived single mom who struggles to work as a video game music composer. Unexpectedly, she is contacted across time by the famous polar explorer, Ernest Shackleton. Inspired by her music, he shares his epic Antarctic journey with her in video and song.
The creative team included musical director Ryan O’Connell, production designer Alexander V. Nichols, costume designer Chelsea Cook, and sound designer-composer Tony winner Rob Kaplowitz.
The broadcast was directed for television by Emmy Award winner David Horn, executive producer of Theater Close-Up and the PBS series Great Performances. The production was originally captured by BroadwayHD.
