ROOMS, a rock romance cast album CD is NOW AVAILABLE

ROOMS, a rock romance cast album is now in stores and on Amazon.com, BarnesAndNoble.com, TowerRecords.com and iTunes.

Broadway World.com review >

TheaterMania review >

ROOMS is about to "explode on the theater scene"

Check out photos that were featured in BROADWAY.COM's story, "Inside Rooms: Rehearsing a New Rock Musical"
by clicking here >

Previews for ROOMS, a rock romance begins February 27 at New World Stages with the opening on March 16. Performances are Monday, Wednesday, Thurday, Friday at 8 pm; Saturday at 2 pm & 8 pm; Sunday at 3 pm & 7 pm.

If you are in New York, get tickets to this new musical which had it's world premiere here at MetroStage last Summer. MetroStage will continue with ROOMS as an associate producer. Theatre-goers will recognize the set from the MetroStage production...

roomsmusical.com

newworldstages.com

telecharge.com

ROOMS goes to New York City!

We are pleased to announce that the 350 seat theater (Stage 2) at New World Stages has been selected as the venue for ROOMS' Off-Broadway run. Previews will begin February 27 with the opening on March 16.

Joining Doug Kreeger (Signature Theater’s The Visit, world premiere of ROOMS at MetroStage) in the cast will be Leslie Kritzer (A Catered Affair, Legally Blonde).

New World Stages, originally Dodger Stages, is constructed on (and under) the site of the former Madison Square Garden. This newly renovated underground facility is centered on a large common lobby and gallery, serviced by two bars, a coat check, generous bathroom facilities and a separate public lounge. Five distinct stages ranging in size from 199 to 499 seats convenient to hotels, restaurants, transportation and parking.

An award winning state-of-the-art theatrical venue just west of Times Square (340 West 50th Street between 8th and 9th Avenue), it is currently home to 8 shows, including Altar Boyz.

Show times will be Monday and Wednesday - Friday at 8PM, Saturdays at 2 & 8PM and Sundays at 3 & 7PM. Tickets, priced $10-$69.50, are available by calling (212) 239-6200 or by visiting www.telecharge.com.

www.newworldstages.com

Joel Markowitz interviews Natascia Diaz and Doug Kreeger

"Minutes after accepting their standing ovations, their Scottish accents still on the tips of their tongues, the stars of the new bound-for-NYC musical Rooms: a rock romance sat down with Joel to talk about the show, the characters they play, and take us behind the scene of this new Paul Scott Goodman musical, directed by Scott Schwartz and musical direction by Jenny Cartney.

No one knows Rooms or its creators better than Natascia Diaz, recently seen in the starring role of Signature’s Kiss of the Spider Woman, who originated the role at the 2005 New York Musical Theatre Festival. 'Monica is a fictional representation of Paul Scott Goodman. …He is a rampantly creative poet, an effervescent explosive comet of energy and creativity.'

Doug Kreeger debuts in the role of Ian Wallace. 'He is just what we were missing.' Monica tells us. Doug says of Ian: 'It’s about pushing his boundaries, stepping out of his comfort zone, and getting out of his room mentally and emotionally and physically, and letting this weirdo get into his life…'

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST >

http://dctheatrescene.com/2008/08/29/rooms-natascia-diaz-and-doug-kreeger/

WETA's Around Town Theater Review

http://weta.org/watchonline/?playlist=/at_theatre&videoid=50053

Feature Article at BroadwayWorld.com

Room to Room: A Musical's Journey from NYMF to MetroStage

by Jena Tesse Fox

While Altar Boyz and [title of show] have gone from the New York Musical Theatre Festival (aka NYMF) to off-Broadway and Broadway, respectively, Rooms' journey has been a bit more meandering. After several readings and workshops, Paul Scott Goodman and Miriam Gordon's two-person rock musical opened under Scott Schwartz's direction at the 2005 NYMF with Natascia Diaz and Jeremy Kushnier as the struggling Glaswegian musicians who travel the world to find their artistic home. This month, Rooms finally made its formal premiere at MetroStage in Washington, D.C., reuniting Schwartz and Diaz and introducing newcomer Doug Kreeger to the project.

In a way, the journey of Rooms from Festival to Washington mirrors the journey of its two young protagonists. In the show, two young musicians strike sparks first as artists and then as lovers, but, with personalities and styles that alternately complement and contradict one another, they find fulfillment elusive. Similarly, Rooms' development has been gradual, incorporating the talents of many artists over many years. Schwartz has been involved with the project for five years, and Diaz for three...

Read the complete article here:

http://broadwayworld.com/viewcolumn.cfm?colid=31234

A Montage of Musical Moments from ROOMS

More reviews from the critics...

SEE ALSO:

http://www.roomsmusical.com/reviews.html

What Everyone Is Saying About Rooms

"It is the best theatre production I have seen in a long time! This is the kind of performance that I would expect to see in NYC and London. Thank you, MetroStage, for bringing it to the DC metro area!" -Christina

"...a delightful surprise. Composer-lyricist Paul Scott Goodman and his wife and collaborator, Miriam Gordon, drew on Goodman's experiences in the punk rock scene of the late 1970's to create a gemlike intimate portrait of creative partners in music and love, by turns empathetic, funny and moving." -Susan Berlin, TalkinBroadway.com

"The show is terrific! ...folks should jump at the opportunity to catch this one! Congratulations to MetroStage!" -Cheryl

"It was absolutely amazing! Best play I've seen in YEARS! ...The characters are well-developed, the actors are brilliant. ...set was perfect, costumes [and] lighting [were] top-notch. ...There were some really beautiful moments. ...I will definitely be back for more." -Ann Marie

"Rooms is the most emotionally real and authentic musical this reviewer has ever seen. Imagine if Rent or Spring Awakening was condensed down to an intimate two person show and you'll understand the appeal of this powerful rock romance." -Steven McKnight, DC Theatre Scene

"...energetic...funny... Rooms is a great play to go to if you like musicals that rock." - Nathan P.

"The two actors give luminous performances, with the strong support of director Scott Schwartz." -Susan Berlin, TalkinBroadway.com

"I could scarcely sleep as the images, expressions, nuances and story floated in my mind... These two people were BORN to do this show. I doubt there are another two humans more suitable, capable, perfectly sculpted to perform this 'opposites attracted' rock opera! Kudos, kudos, kudos on a mega talented cast and band..." -Donise

"The two actors were outstanding... A very powerful rock musical."

"Natascia Diaz and Doug Kreeger are splendid together. They have a credible romantic chemistry and their Broadway voices blend well... every single moment between them feels honest." -Steven McKnight, DC Theatre Scene

"What a great show! Both of the performers were exceptional and very endearing. The band was fantastic!... MetroStage has done itself proud with this show." -Jim S.

"Great acting, great singing - I thought I was seeing a Broadway production..." -Barbara

"All of the production elements are top notch. Several of the numbers get classic rock concert lighting treatment keyed to the beat. This talented work by lighting designer Herrick Goldman really amps up the excitement of the show. Daniel Erdberg's perfectly balanced sound design helps you enjoy the sense of being at a concert while still keeping the lyrics and dialogue understandable. Alejo Vietti's costume design is an authentic representation of what the hip crowd wore back in the day." - Steven McKnight, DC Theatre Scene

"This World Premiere should not be missed and this 80 minutes intermissionless play flies by. MetroStage has themselves a real jewel. It's moving, funny, with a nice message at the end." -CharlesShubow, BroadwayWorld.com

"Beautiful, brash and bountiful play.. [that] features electric performances by a pair of musical theater powerhouses - Natascia Diaz and Doug Kreeger - of Paul Scott Goodman's rock 'n' roll and punk-infested score." -Lisa Traiger, Washington Jewish Week

Opening/ Press Night Reception

Sunday was the official opening/ press night for the world premiere of ROOMS, a rock romance. MetroStage, director Scott Schwartz and the creative team from New York have all been committed to this story, the music and the artists involved, particularly composer Paul Scott Goodman and his wife, writer Miriam Gordon. It was especially exciting as MetroStage introduced this new work to our audience comprised of VIPs: MetroStage supporters, regular theatre-goers, several dozen theatre critics and our special guests - New York producers who are interested in investing in this show and taking it to New York. The excitement was palpable and the energy was infectious.

Sound Designer Daniel Erdberg and Lighting Designer Herrick Goldman

Doug Kreeger, Miriam Gordon, Natascia Diaz, Hillary Cutter, Scott Schwartz,

Paul Scott Goodman and Van Dean

ROOMS' Producing Team

Photos from the preview performances

Joel Markowitz attends a rehearsal for ROOMS in NYC

MAKE ROOM FOR ROOMS

by Joel Markowitz

"I fell in love with Natascia Diaz at the Kennedy Center’s 2001 Sondheim Festival, when she played the role of Petra in A Little Night Music, and stole the audience’s hearts with her gorgeous rendition of “The Miller’s Son." Since then, I have followed her career closely, and have seen her in the Broadway productions of Man of La Mancha, Capeman and Seussical. Off-Broadway, I saw Natascia in the Zipper Theatre’s production of Jacques Brel Is Alive and Well and Living in Paris three times. My copy of that cast CD is one of my most cherished possessions. And who could forget Natascia’s performance as Rosalie in The Kennedy Center’s recent gorgeous production of Carnival?

So, when MetroStage’s Artistic Director Carolyn Griffin called me a few months ago to tell me Natascia was going to recreate her 2005 NYMF (New York Music Festival) performance as Monica in Rooms at MetroStage, that Doug Kreeger, who I had seen in last year’s revival of Les Miserables on Broadway as Jean Pouvaire, and recently in the glorious production of The Visit at Signature Theatre, where he played Evgen, was going to play Ian, and that Scott Schwartz was going to direct the show again, this musical theatre crazy was ecstatic...

What did I see and hear?
I heard two glorious voices filling a rehearsal room with sheer beauty and emotion with musical director Jesse Vargas tickling the ivories for them. I watched director Scott Schwartz, husband and wife co-book writers Miriam Gordon and Paul Scott Goodman, (who also wrote the music and lyrics), stage manager Jessica Winfield and assistant stage manager Dannielle Hutchinson, producer Van Dean and Paul Cozby - all beam while their two stars, Natascia Diaz and Doug Kreeger rehearsed three songs from Rooms...

It was an exciting hour watching teamwork at its best, and experiencing the yearning and dedication of a director, two actors and producers, a musician, a composer/lyricist and co-book writers and stage managers striving to make a show they believe in come alive in that rehearsal room, and enjoying every moment of it..."

READ COMPLETE ARTICLE AT DCTHEATRESCENE.COM:

http://dctheatrescene.com/2008/07/08/make-room-for-rooms/

Set Design for ROOMS

Adam Koch, from New York City, will once again be designing the set for MetroStage's production of ROOMS, a rock romance. Here's a look at the preliminary model....

He previously designed the set for tick, tick...BOOM! at MetroStage in the Fall of 2007...

and Kiss of the Spider Woman at nearby Signature Theatre in the Spring of 2008.

ROOMS photo shoot

Colin Hovde photographed Natascia Diaz and Doug Kreeger at The Red and The Black.

The Red & The Black is a cozy tavern and live music venue located in the H Street "Atlas" shopping district of North East, Washington, DC. Decorated inside with "New Orleans" style tin ceilings, walls covered in doors, and red velvet drapes. The Red & The Black is a comfortable place to have a drink and some Jambalaya with friends or see some local live entertainment.

http://www.redandblackbar.com/

Tickets are on sale for ROOMS

Starring Natascia Diaz and Doug Kreeger
Directed by Scott Schwartz
Music Direction by Jesse Vargas

July 25 - September 7, 2008

Pay-What-You-Can:
Friday, July 25th at 8:00pm

Special Preview $25 Tickets:
Saturday, July 26th at 8:30pm
Sunday, July 27th at 3:00pm and 7:00pm

Previews:
Thursday, July 31st at 8:00pm

Friday, August 1st at 8:00pm
Saturday, August 2nd at 5:00pm and 8:30pm

Opening/ Press Night:
Sunday, August 3rd at 7:00pm

Tickets may be purchased online at BoxOfficeTickets.com.

For groups/ more information, call 703-548-9044.

The cast of ROOMS, a rock romance

Natascia Diaz (Monica) BROADWAY: (Original Cast): Man of La Mancha (Antonia/Aldonza), Capeman, Seussical. OFF-BROADWAY: Jacques Brel (cast recording); tick, tick…BOOM! (Susan); Sondheim’s Saturday Night; Bright Lights, Big City (Vicky). LOCAL: Kennedy Center: Carnival (Rosalie), A Little Night Music (Petra); Arena Stage: Agamemnon and His Daughters (Elektra); Wolf Trap: West Side Story (Anita). REGIONAL: Signature Theatre: Kiss of the Spider Woman (Spider Woman/ Aurora); Papermill: Pippin (Catherine); Studio Arena: Hail Mary!. CONCERT: Library of Congress: Jonathan Larsen. TV: Law and Order, Law and Order SVU, Damages, HBO’s Leonardo da Vinci, A Dream of Flight, Oz, Voice of Miss Chiquita Banana. FILM: Tiny Dancer, How to Seduce Difficult Women (Angelica). UPCOMING: Film documentary: Every Little Step. AWARDS: Joseph Jefferson Award, 2006 Kevin Klein Award, Ovation Award nomination.

Doug Kreeger (Ian) BROADWAY: Les Misérables (Jean Prouvaire/Marius u/s - Original Revival Cast). OFF-BROADWAY: York Theatre: Thrill Me: The Leopold and Loeb Story (Richard Loeb, also Cast Recording). REGIONAL: Signature Theatre: The Visit (Evgeny); Old Globe Theatre: The Times They Are ‘A-Changin’ (Coyote Standby, director Twyla Tharp); Barrington Stage: The Human Comedy (Spangler); Arkansas Rep: Children of Eden (Cain/Japheth); Bay Street Theatre: Hair. INTERNATIONAL TOUR: Grease (Danny Zuko), Hair (Berger). NATIONAL TOUR: Peter Pan (Slightly). NEW YORK: NYMF: Yank! (Stu), Fringe: Swimming Upstream (Todd, Outstanding Actor Fringe Award). EDUCATION: BFA, NYU Tisch School of the Arts; RADA.