Troy Civic Theatre Presents "Murder Ballad" in Real Bar

TROY -- Troy's newest restaurant will be the setting for a rock 'n' roll musical next week.

On Tuesday, March 17 at 7 p.m., Troy Civic Theatre will present "Murder Ballad" at Peck's Arcade, located at 217 Broadway in downtown Troy. An off-Broadway rock musical sensation, "Murder Ballad" features a four-member cast who sing and act using wireless microphones along with a live house band.

Audiences at the Peck's performance will be immersed in the story, set in a working bar in New York.

"Peck's Arcade is the perfect venue for a show like this," said Michael Ciaravella, managing artistic director, of Troy Civic Theatre. "This show was originally performed in a working bar in New York City and it will really come to life for audiences in a real tavern setting here in Troy."

Actors in the one-night only performance at Peck's will make use of the working bar on the first floor as their set and stage, while servers will provide table service from a limited menu to theatergoers during the show. (Showgoers can also order from the full Lucas Confectionery wine bar menu before the show and during intermission.)

**Please note: Peck's Arcade is not normally open on Tuesdays and this event will be staffed by employees of the adjacent Lucas Confectionery wine bar. A limited food and drink menu with table service will be available during the performance, featuring wine, beer, sparkling water, meat and cheese and small plates by Lucas Confectionery. A credit card is required for table service during the performance. Theatergoers are encouraged to arrive early and enter through Lucas Confectionery at 12 Second St. in downtown Troy. **


THE STORY

Murder Ballad is the dramatic story of a love triangle gone wrong centering on Sara, an uptown girl who seems to have it all, but whose downtown past lingers enticingly and dangerously in front of her.

Writing for the New York Times in 2012, critic Ben Brantley said of the show: "If you find yourself guiltily mesmerized by Lifetime killer-of-the-week movies, then 'Murder Ballad' should be just your ticket."


THE CAST
For Peck's Arcade, March 17, 7 p.m.

Peter Darling as "Michael"
Laura Tortorici as "Sara"
Ken Kasch as "Tom"
Lauren Kerr as "the Narrator"

The house band is Schenectady-based Knights Revival. Members include: Maurice Calis on drum; Ronald Mayfield on guitar; Domicik Petrocci on keyboard; and Carl "Dr. Funkathumpolus" West on bass.


BRINGING THEATER TO THE BAR STOOLS
Capital Region Bars Invited to Book Touring Performance

"Murder Ballad" is the theater group's third consecutive show in a nonconventional performance space in Troy. Last spring the troupe performed Shakespeare’s "Much Ado About Nothing" in Troy's downtown Barker Park, a small pocket park at a busy urban intersection. This fall the group presented "Evil Dead: The Musical" in the Uncle Sam Atrium, an enclosed shopping mall in the heart of the city.

Now, Troy Civic is touring "Murder Ballad" throughout the Capital Region, with a future performance date to be announced, at The Rustic Barn in Speigletown.

Restaurant/bar owners are invited to contact Troy Civic Theatre to book performances at their venue.

"This is our first show available for touring," said Ciaravella. "We're wiling to go as far as people are willing to see it."

Ciaravella said he’s particularly eager to find a venue in Schenectady, where the show's house band, Knights Revival, is based.

TICKETS

Tickets for the March 17 performance of "Murder Ballad" at Peck's Arcade in Troy are $15 for adults and $13 for students/seniors. Purchase at the door or online at:

https://www.troycivic.org/shows/murder-ballad/

Note: Patrons are encouraged to arrive early through the Lucas Confectionery wine bar at 12 Second St.