PLACEBO, written by Danny Abosch and Joshua Borths while students at the University of Michigan, was the winner of the 2012 PMTP Development Award, resulting in a fully produced workshop at the Pasadena Playhouse directed by Ryan Scott Oliver. PLACEBO has had additional workshops at the University of Michigan, Oklahoma City University, Emerson College, and Pace University. Songs from PLACEBO were featured in the cult favorite 2014 film “Waiting In The Wings”, and the award-winning sequel, “Still Waiting In The Wings”, starring Chita Rivera, Seth Rudetsky, Sally Struthers, Ed Asner, Bruce Vilanch, and Lee Meriwether. The Original Concept Cast Recording is available on iTunes, Amazon, and more.
According to the show’s description:
Robert Wilson and his brother Blake persuade their town to purchase what they claim to be a miracle pill, invented by their late father, the scientist Dr. Wilson. The pill is actually a placebo made of nothing but sugar, but the town, believing it to be real, becomes carried away with the ‘miracles’ that the pill is reportedly responsible for. Robert and Blake’s plan is wildly successful…but at what cost? PLACEBO is a story about dreams, and questions the idea of reality in a world where what isn’t ‘real’ often appears more promising.
“PLACEBO is unique, clever and tuneful, venturing into new musical theatre territory never mined before.”
-Jason Fortner, Broadway Cafe Society
“Danny Abosch’s tunes are an infectious, ear-pleasing joy, particularly the exuberant “Everything You’ve Ever Dreamed Of” in which the population of Silverville falls into the thrall of the titular drug.”
–Andy Propst, Theatermania.com
The Bologna production marks the show’s second European production, following a 2017 production in the United Kingdom, and the show’s first production in Italian.
Check out the teaser trailer here.
MUSICHE E LIRICHE (Music and Lyrics)
DANNY ABOSCH
LIBRETTO (Book)
JOSHUA BORTHS & DANNY ABOSCH
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REGIA E ADATTAMENTO (Direction and Adaptation)
STEFANO BONSI
AIUTO ALLA REGIA (Associate Director)
ELEONORA QUARTA
COREOGRAFIE (Choreography)
SILVIA GHIRARDI FRILLI
ARRANGIAMENTI E DIREZIONE BAND (Arrangements and Orchestra Direction)
ALESSANDRO LECHIARA
ARRANGIAMENTI E DIREZIONE CORI (Arrangements and Vocal Direction)
ANDREA MARONGIU
PREPARAZIONE VOCALE E CORALE (Vocal and Choral Preparation)
MARTA DE ZAIACOMO