The Sphinx Winx: new musical at the Beckett

Tifft Productions, in association with La Vie Productions presents the new musical The Sphinx Winx, a musical comedy misinterpretation of the classic love triangle between Cleopatra, Julius Caesar and Marc Antony, playing Off-Broadway at Theatre Row's Beckett Theatre.

The Sphinx Winx - Book and Lyrics by Philip Capice, Anne Hitchner, and Robert Keuch; music by Kenneth Hitchner Jr., - opens at the Beckett Theatre on 18 May 2011, following previews from 3 May, where it will play a limited 12 week engagement through to 24 Jul 2011.

The Sphinx Winx is a musical-comedy misinterpretation of ancient Egyptian history starring 'Cleopatra,' 'Julius Caesar' and 'Marc Antony.'

With the kingdom of Egypt horribly in arrears to the Roman government due to 'Caesar's' frivolous spending on lavish gifts for his Queen of the Nile, 'Marc Antony' arrives to uncover the cause and mete out justice. When the court's Soothsayer mistakenly forecasts that 'Antony' will fall in love with 'Cleopatra,' he unwittingly sets into motion a series of comic events the likes of which won't be found in any history books.

Directed by Matthew Hamel with choreography by Tara Jeanne Vallee, The Sphinx Winx features Jim Walton and Bret Shuford, along with Erika Amato, Rebecca Riker, Beth Cheryl Tarnow and Ryan Williams.

The design team features Robert Kovach (scenic design), Gail Baldoni (costume design), Annmarie Duggan, (lighting design) and David Lawson (sound design).

Bios:

Erika Amato's (actor) credits include 'Signs of Life' (Amas Musical Theatre), '(In)Fidelity' (WOW Café Theatre), 'S;eeping Beauty Wakes' (Center Theatre Group - LA Ovation Nomination). Rebecca Riker's credits include the national tours of 'A Chorus Line' and 'The Wedding Singer.'

Bret Shuford (actor) was last seen on Broadway in 'The Little Mermaid,' 'Chitty Chitty Bang Bang,' and 'Beauty and the Beast.' Beth Cheryl Tarnow's credits include Edwina in 'Dear Edwina' and the National Tour of 'The Wizard of Oz.'

Jim Walton (actor) has appeared on Broadway in numerous musicals including the recent revivals of 'Bye Bye Birdie,' 'Birdie,' and 'Guys and Dolls,' along with the original production of '42nd Street' as well as in 'The Music Man,' Sweeney Todd,' 'Merrily We Roll Along,' 'StarDust,' and 'Perfectly Frank.'

Ryan Williams (actor) was last seen Off-Broadway in 'Evil Dead: The Musical,' other credits include the National Tour of 'Les Miserables' and 'Grease!'

Matthew Hamel (Director) won Best Director at the NY One-Act Festival for his direction of 'Knave of Hearts,' other credits include 'I Love You Mada President' (NYMF) and 'Utah's Crying.'

Tara Jeanne Vallee (Choreographer) has choreographed for 'Dance Break 2010,' 'She Can't Believe She Said That' (NYMF), Cirque Dreams 'Jungle Fantasy,' and more.

Kenneth Hitchner, Jr. (Score) - a member of The Dramatists Guild - co-wrote, along with wife Anne Hitchner (Book and Lyrics), the Off-Broadway musical 'Everything Right Here.' Additionally, Kenneth served as musical director and composer for the parody group "Admission Standards."

La Vie Productions (Producer) has served as General Manager on such projects as: 'Irena's Vow' (both on Broadway and Off-Broadway); the Broadway musical 'High Fidelity,' and Off-Broadway's 'Shockheaded Peter,' 'Capture Now' and 'Hurly Burly.'

Philip Capice (Book & Lyrics) won numerous awards - including an Emmy, two Peabody's, The Humanitas Prize, The Christopher Award and six People's Choice Awards - for his part in producing and developing television programing including "Sybil," "Eight Is Enough," and "Dallas."

Robert Keuch (Book & Lyrics) was instrumental in founding and establishing theatres in Fairfax, Falls Church and McLean Virgina as well as spear-heading a campaign to turn an abandoned movie theatre in Carlisle, Pennsylvania into a thriving performing arts center.