A new stage play is being produced right here in Memphis. Daniel Martine has announced that he along with co-producer, Marie Pizano of MVP3, will be bringing what they call a stage play/bluesical to the Memphis theatre scene. "Kid Diamond and the Devil" is scheduled to open in Memphis in 2013.
According to Daniel, he adapted this stage play from a short story that he wrote, called "Kid Diamond." His short story was published in "The Delta Blues," which was edited by Carolyn Haines, with the foreword being written by Morgan Freeman. Other noted authors contributing material to this book, include John Grisham, James Lee Burke, and Charles Harris, to name a few.
Also, Daniel stated that he wrote his short story in cinematic style, with hopes to make it into a stage play. Now, those hopes are becoming a reality as a cast has already been chosen, with Travis Stone playing the lead role, as well as composing the music for the play. Jackie Murray, another well known Memphis actress, will co-star in the bluesy stage play.
Daniel Martine writes, "the role of Kidd Diamond is one of the most demanding roles I've ever seen in theatre, requiring the actor to not only act at an incredibly high level, but also to be able to sing and play guitar live on stage at that same level." He further states that Stone has written almost all of the original music for the ‘Bluesical’, and that he and Stone have collaborated on the lyrics.
Marie Pizano states, "Pat Halloran, President & CEO of the Orpheum Theater is now on the advisory board for Kidd Diamond! Pat is the producer for 'Memphis the Musical,' that won a Tony Award! We are very thrilled to have his support, along with our other amazing board members that will help give this production some major strength and legs!"
According to the producers, the production is slated to open for a 5-week run starting Feb 21, 2013 at the Cooper-Walker Place at 1015 S. Copper, and after that they are planning to take the play on the road with equity actors. Daniel says, "The goal is to hit the Broadway stage at some point in the near future. And, a film screenplay is also in the works that MVP3/JND Films has the rights to, and will be developing the movie soon. The production started recording with Boo Mitchell at the legendary Royal Studios where Al Green, Tina Turner recorded here in Memphis. There are two other award winning music producers on board and they will be doing the finishing touches, and a soundtrack and will be released prior to the show’s opening."
Tickets will go on sale through the Orpheum Theatre so make sure to go to the website for details"
Pizano says "Kidd Diamond is just the tip of the iceberg. MVP3 and its team will be giving Memphis more superstar status in the entertainment world, so keep watching, there is more to come." You can stay informed of the action in Memphis by receiving free subscriptions to "Memphis Performing Arts" and "Memphis Film Industry" by clicking on the subscribe link above the photo section in each section.
Also, you can visit www.MVP3group.com for more information on MVP3 and also www.KiddDiamondandtheDevil.com.
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