The Screams of Kitty Genovese (1999)
90 minute music-theatre work
story and libretto David Simpatico Based on the true 1964 story of New Yorker Kitty Genovese who was stabbed to death outside her home while 38 neighbours watched from their windows
1 hour 30 minutes
Developed at Opera Lab and the Eugene O'Neill National Music Theatre Conferences between 1998 and 2000 and workshopped as a full version at The ENO Works in 2000 and 2001. In September 2001, Kitty was chosen for the National Alliance of Music Theatre Conference in New York City, and had its first full production in a student showcase at the Boston Conservatory in October 2001. A workshop performance took place at New York's Public Theater in November 2004, and several staged performances at the New York Music Theater Festival in September 2006. 26 September - 1 October 2006 - New York Music Theater Festival director - David Edwards 18 & 19 November 2004 - Public Theater, New York director - John Caird 25-28 October 2001 - Boston Conservatory, Boston Director - Neil Donohoe Musical Director - Bill Casey Cast: Cori Pfeffer, John Michael Dias, Adam Souza, Robin Dutra, Mary Webster, Holly Hendricks, Scott Napier, Trevor Little, Charles Parker, Tori Scott, Ariel Black, Kasey Marino September 2001 - National Association of Musical Theater Annual Conference, New York 10-12 August 2000 - The National Music Theater Conference at the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center, New York
“What ultimately stays with you is the score. Though, mostly dissonant and unmelodic, it suits its material and makes for an intense and powerful experience”
Julia Furay/ Curtain Up/ 2006
“The music (Will Todd) is exceptional in its evocation of what these people were thinking and feeling, reflecting all the tensions in every one of their lives.”
Oscar E Moore/ Talk Entertainment/ 2006
“So allow me to be among the first to shout from the rooftops in support of Todd and Simpatico's score. Alone of those I've been exposed to at NYMF this year, this one would not be inappropriately compared to the greats of the layered, theatrical-collage form . . . if it's any indication of what they're capable of, Todd and Simpatico could have glorious careers ahead of them.“
Matthew Murray/ Talkin’ Broadway/ 2006
”In addition to being one of the most powerful operas of the last decade, The Screams of Kitty Genovese gave me hope for the renewal of musical theater.”
Robert Brustein/ New Republic/ 2001