Issue date: 7/31/08 Section: Arts

Media Credit: Theatre & Interpretation Center Hollis Resnik and Jenny Powers in the American Music Theatre Project's world premiere musical production of Dangerous Beauty, running from July 25-August 17.

Media Credit: Theatre & Interpretation Center Jason Heymann and Powers in AMTP debut.

The American Music Theatre Project premieres Dangerous Beauty this summer. AMTP, established in May 2005 is, according to their website, "dedicated to nourishing the vitality of American music theatre through the development and production of new musicals by music theatre's leading artists."

The story follows Veronica Franco, a young Venetian poet in the Renaissance. Franco, whose family has little money, becomes enamored with an aristocrat, Marco Venier. To make herself more eligible to marry Venier, Franco becomes a courtesan. Venier is played by Jason Heymann, who recently starred as Billy Bigelow in the Dolphin Show's production of Carousel. He says that Venier is a much more challenging role. "[Bigelow] was so closed off and internalized," Heymann said. "This character is so over the top, huge, and confident." Heymann noted the special constraints the time period places on the cast. "[Venier's] in a gondola singing madrigal. How do I justify that; a 22 year old in 2008?"

AMTP's Dangerous Beauty, in addition to featuring many Northwestern students, has also attracted the likes of local and national celebrities. Jenny Powers, who plays Franco, graduated from Northwestern in 2003 and has gone on to star in Grease and Little Women on Broadway. Hollis Resnick, a Chicago theater veteran, takes on the role of Paolo Franco, Veronica's mother. In addition to welcoming well-known writer Amanda McBroom, the lyricist for the show, and upcoming New York director Sheryl Kaller, Robert LaFosse, a Tony award winner, has provided the choreography for the show; AMTP may have outdone themselves this summer.

Laura Huizenga, who plays a courtesan named Libya, says working with the professional actors and creative team has been a great experience. "I think it's interesting because I would've thought they were untouchable. But, they are all down to earth and very driven. They put in a lot of hours," Huizenga said. The show, which is Huizenga's first full production with AMTP, has been exciting for the entire cast. "It's fun watching a lot of the young actors performing alongside the veterans," Huizenga said.

Dangerous Beauty, run July 25-Aug 17 at the Ethel M. Barber Theatre, promises to be an enjoyable experience for the audience. "It's the biggest show at Northwestern that I've seen put on at my time here," Heymann said.

j-waytz@northwestern.edu

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