News Summary
Knot Free Productions is set to debut ‘Pump Up the Volume, A New Rock Musical’ at the Hudson Backstage Theatre during the Hollywood Fringe Festival. Running from June 6 to June 15, the show, with a book by Jeremy Desmon and music by Jeff Thomson, adapts the 1990 film focusing on a teen’s struggle to find his voice through an underground radio station. Directed by Dave Solomon, the cast features Anthony Norman in the lead role. The festival will also showcase diverse performances, contributing to Los Angeles’ vibrant theater scene.
Los Angeles Set to Host Los Angeles Premiere of ‘Pump Up the Volume’
Knot Free Productions is gearing up to present the Los Angeles premiere of Pump Up the Volume, A New Rock Musical, at the Hudson Backstage Theatre as part of the 2025 Hollywood Fringe Festival. The performances are scheduled to run from June 6 to June 15, 2025.
The musical features a book and lyrics by Jeremy Desmon and music by Jeff Thomson, bringing a fresh adaptation of the 1990 film by Allan Moyle. The story focuses on a teen outcast named Mark, who creates an underground pirate radio station that serves as a platform for his shock jock persona. As his radio station rises in popularity, he faces a series of challenges that lead to tragedy, compelling him to navigate through adversity and ultimately find his voice.
Key Production Team
The production will be directed by Dave Solomon, with Anthony Zediker handling musical direction. The total running time for the show will be 150 minutes, which includes a single intermission.
Cast and Crew
The lead role of Mark will be played by Anthony Norman, stepping into a character first made famous by Christian Slater in the original film. The cast also includes notable performances by Robert Mammana, Emily Ann Pember, Michele Ragusa, Darcy Rose Byrnes, Jasiana Caraballo, Aaron Gibbs, Amanda Angeles, Bryan Munar, Will Riddle, Luz Rodriguez, Madison Miyuki Sprague, and Tarrick Marcel Walker.
A well-rounded production team has been assembled, featuring Matt Richter for lighting design, Ann Closs-Farley for costume design, Veronika Vorel for sound design, and Jenine MacDonald for prop design. Nico Parducho will serve as the production stage manager, while casting was coordinated by Michael Donovan, CSA, and Richie Ferris, CSA.
Additional Festival Highlights
In addition to Pump Up the Volume, the festival will feature International Party Girl, a solo show by Annie Laurie Daniel, which will have over five performances during the event.
Theater Community Vibrancy
The Hollywood Fringe Festival continues to highlight the diverse and vibrant theater community in Los Angeles, showcasing a wide range of performances from epic Broadway shows to innovative fringe productions. The festival serves as an important platform for new talents and ideas, making it a key event in the city’s cultural calendar.
As the theater industry in Los Angeles thrives, it remains an integral part of the city’s creative landscape, with productions like Pump Up the Volume adding to the rich tapestry of experiences available to theatergoers.
As the festival approaches, excitement builds around the creativity, talent, and stories that will be featured, capturing the spirit of Los Angeles’ artistic community.
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Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times: Patti LuPone Apologizes
- Wikipedia: Hollywood Fringe Festival
- BroadwayWorld: June 2025 Theatre Shows
- Google Search: Pump Up the Volume musical
- ABC7: Fiesta Broadway Celebration
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Theater
