Parallel Exit Presents I LOVE BOB, 7/20-29

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New York City's Drama Desk-nominated Parallel Exit returns to the Joyce SoHo for the third time, to present the world premiere of I LOVE BOB, an evening-length comic ballet, from July 20-29, 2012 at 7:30pm at Joyce SoHo, 155 Mercer Street (between Houston & Prince). Tickets are $25 general admission ($15 student/senior) and are available by phone at JoyceCharge 212-242-0800 or online at joyce.org. The performance on Saturday, July 28 is a benefit and tickets are $150.

Inspired by the films City Lights and An American In Paris, the original dance musical I LOVE BOB follows the story of two desperately lonely characters attempting to connect within the speed and chaos of 21st century New York City. This new work was created by director Mark Lonergan, choreographer Ray Hesselink, and composer Wayne Barker, and features a live original score played by Barker.

Mark Lonergan (Co-creator/Director) is the Artistic Director of Parallel Exit, a two-time Drama Desk Award nominee for Unique Theatrical Experience. With Parallel Exit, he has created eight original works of physical theatre and received several grants and awards. Mark began his career in Canada, where he worked as a performer and director on many physical theatre productions, including Obie Award-winner Daniel MacIvor's JUMP. In New York, he has directed at The New Victory Theater, Lincoln Center Institute, 59E59 Theaters, the Atlantic Theater, the Duke on 42nd Street, Symphony Space, the Guggenheim Museum, Joyce SoHo, and the Tribeca Performing Arts Center. Mark also works as a freelance director in the United States and Canada.

Ray Hesselink (Co-creator/Choreographer) is a Director and Choreographer living and working in New York City. Ray has presented choreography at various festivals and venues around New York, most recently at Tap City and the New York Musical Theatre Festival. As a dance instructor, Ray has had the privilege to help train many of the children currently performing in Broadway's BILLY ELLIOT: THE MUSICAL and is featured in the documentary FINDING BILLY. Ray is on staff at Juilliard, Broadway Dance Center and STEPS on Broadway in NYC. He is currently collaborating with Mark Lonergan and Wayne Barker on a new project for Parallel Exit. www.rayhesselink.com

Wayne Barker (Co-creator/Composer) is an award-winning pianist, performer, voice-over artist, composer, lyricist, arranger and orchestrator. In 1997 he began writing arrangements for symphony pops; his work has been played by the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and the Chicago, Minnesota, San Francisco, Baltimore, St. Louis, Pittsburgh symphonies, among many others. In 2000 Wayne began his long association with Dame Edna Everage, as her on-stage pianist for her North American tours, leading to her return to Broadway in Back With A Vengeance! for which Wayne also wrote the music and co-wrote the lyrics with Barry Humphries. He has also appeared with Dame Edna onstage at the Metropolitan Opera and in the Strelna, the summer mansion of the Russian President. Wayne is a 2011 Drama Desk Award recipient for his original music for the production Peter and the Starcatcher, currently preparing for its Broadway run this coming spring.

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