Preview: “Himself and Nora” at the Minetta Lane Theatre (Opens June 6, 2016)
Book, Music, and Lyrics by Jonathan Brielle
Directed by Michael Bush
Preview by David Roberts
Theatre Reviews Limited
James Joyce, one of the most provocative and influential writers of all time, had his creativity, imagination, and desire transformed by Nora Barnacle.
“Himself and Nora,” a new musical with book, music, and lyrics by Jonathan Brielle will play the Minetta Lane Theatre (18 Minetta Lane, between Sixth Avenue and MacDougal Street) beginning on May 14th. Directed by Michael Bush, produced by Cherie King and executive produced by R. Erin Craig, “Himself and Nora” will officially open on June 6th.
It was one of the world’s great romances. She was the country girl from Galway whose burning sexuality and acerbic wit inspired the genius of James Joyce. “Himself and Nora” is a passionate musical that reveals the private life of one of modern literature’s most controversial figures and illustrates the untold story of Joyce’s lifelong love and muse Nora.
“Himself and Nora” stars Matt Bogart (“Jersey Boys,” “Miss Saigon”) as James Joyce. Further casting will be announced in the coming weeks.
Developmental productions of “Himself and Nora” were produced by the Old Globe Theatre; Hamilton Stage and the New York Musical Theatre Festival (NYMF). Additional developmental work was done with the James Joyce Center in Dublin, Ireland.
Writer Jonathan Brielle said “As I began to explore the life of James Joyce, the more I read, the more I became fascinated how Nora, an uneducated woman, seduced, satisfied and enlightened this brilliant, Catholic Dubliner who became one of the greatest writers in the English language. Joyce was an intellectual, it took Nora to spiritually lift him with her words, humor, sex and love. This is their story…and how James Joyce learned to love by loving.”
“Himself and Nora” has choreography by Kelli Barclay, set design by Paul Tate dePoo III, costume design by Amy Clark, lighting design by Jason Lyons, and sound design by Keith Caggiano. Casting is by Geoff Josselson, general management by DR Theatrical Management, production management by Production Core and production stage management by CJ LaRoche.