Off-Broadway's Perfect Crime and The Office: A Musical Parody have been forced to temporarily pause performances due to a theft and damages at the Theater Center, which houses both productions.
According to production representatives, burglars broke into the space through a vacant storefront below the theatre and made off with much of the Center's copper piping, leaving the facility without water or heat, which is run by a boiler. The vandals reportedly returned in the early morning hours January 24 and also smashed the Center's main front doors. Both productions hope to be able to resume January 27. For the latest on the productions' performance schedules, visit Perfect-Crime.com and TheOfficeMusicalParody.com.
Playing continually since 1987, Perfect Crime is the longest-running play in NYC history, and was, in April 2020, the first Equity-approved production to re-open following the COVID-related ban on large gatherings that shuttered most live performances for more than a year.
"We will be getting new and improved pipes," shares long-time Perfect Crime star Catherine Russell. "The owners have installed better locks and lots of extra security in the building, and instead of going onstage myself this weekend, I went to see a Broadway show!"
Written by Warren Manzi and produced by Armand Hyatt, Perfect Crime is a whodunit-style play that tells the story of a brilliant and money hungry psychiatrist who is also a suspected cold blooded killer, her wealthy husband, deranged patient, and a handsome detective. The production currently stars Mark Campbell, David Butler, and Charles Geyer, along with featuring a filmed cameo from Broadway restauranteur Patrick Robustelli. The production is directed by Jeffrey Hyatt. Jay Cail Stone serves as technical director and graphic designer.
The Office! A Musical Parody, which resumed performances April 9, 2021, currently features Caleigh Lozito, Nathan David Smith, Ben S. Daniel, Hanna Shykind, Logan Graye, Miranda Luze, Rita Posillico, and Christian Fary, with Alex Schecter, Nick Drivas, Excelsa de Jesus, Hannah Spaulding, and Marissa Hecker serving as swings. An homage to the TV series, the work features a book and lyrics by Toby and Bob McSmith, music by Assaf Gleizner, and is directed by Donald Garverick. The production also features music direction by Tegan Miller, scenic design by Josh Lacovelli, lighting design by Alex Stevens, sound design by Matthew Fischer, and costume design by Dustin Cross. Casting is by Lindsay Brooks, with Cassie Renee Holzum serving as production manager.
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