Ataria The Musical October 26 - 27, 2011

Rob is reunited with director Johanna McKeon (American Idiot, Tokio Confidential with Rob) in a staged reading of the new musical Artaria, with book, music and lyrics by Raven Kane. Artaria is the story of corporate greed in a steel town in the Midwest, and the working class who rise up to protect their way of life. Artaria is conducted by 2-time Oscar winner David Campbell (represented currently on Broadway as the orchestrator for Spider-Man, Turn Off the Dark), and produced by DR Theatrical Management. Starring in the reading are Gary Imhoff, Rebecca Eichenberger, Bob Gaynor, Inga Ballard, and many others. Rob appears as one of the corporate "suits" who's job is to make money, no matter the human cost. The reading is by invitation only. For more info please visit www.atariathemusical.com
Faustus The Musical October 9th, 2011

Rob appeared in a small, invitation-only reading of Faustus, the Musical, playing the role of Brother Bastian, a priest who wields the word of God like a sword. This adaptation of this most famous tale has music and lyrics by Michael Mott, a book by Justin Silvestri, and is directed by Jeff Whiting (Scotsboro Boys). Starring as Faustus is old friend Michael Hunsaker (off-Broadway's Listen to My Heart), Zach James (Addams Family, South Pacific) as Mephistopheles, as Heinrich Wagner Michael Hayward Jones (A Tale of Two Cities, Les Mis, Beauty & the Beast), Lisa Vroman (Phantom, Aspects of Love) as the Baroness, and a host of other amazing voices. Best wishes to all involved, and the road ahead for Faustus looks very bright. Please visit: www.faustusthemusical.com
Show Boat at Goodspeed Opera House September 17, 2011

Showboat closed today at the Goodspeed Opera House, having survived Hurricane Irene to become one of the most successful productions in the theatre's recent history. The show received tremendous critical acclaim, and there's always the hope that Showboat may yet set sail again on new waters. Kudos and many thanks to the terrific cast and crew, plus of course director Rob Ruggiero, choreographer Noah Racey, and musical director Michael O'Flaherty.

"Goodspeed Musicals has triumphantly solved the Show Boat problem. Rob Ruggiero's heart-lifting new revival succeeds in shoehorning Show Boat onto a very small stage without compromising its expansive spirit in any way. The cast is superior, the direction and choreography excitingly immediate, and Michael Schweikardt's compact yet rich-looking sets deserve a prize for sheer ingenuity."--Terry Teachout, The Wall Street Journal.
Show Boat at Goodspeed Opera House May 31, 2011

Back on the boat! Showboat sets sail at the Goodspeed Opera House July 1 - September 17, and Rob is thrilled to be a part of it. Directed by Rob Ruggerio (Broadway's High and Looped) and choreographed by Noah Racey (Never Gonna Dance), Showboat stars Lenny Wolpe as Cap'n Andy, Sarah Uriarte Berry as Magnolia, Ben Davis as Ravenal, Karen Murphy as Parthy, Lesli Margherita as Julie and David Damane as Joe. Rob plays Steven Baker, "the handsomest leading man in the middle west," and covers the role of Ravenal, a part he played nearly 200 times on the NETworks national tour from 2000 to 2001. For tickets and information, please visit www.goodspeed.org.
May 9, 2011

Rob appeared in a reading of a new musical called Innocence, written by Jonathan Dove and Alasdair Middleton and directed by Kelly Robinson. The reading was presented at Manhattan Theatre Club studios, and starred Elizabeth Ward Land, John Cudia, Rachel Bay Jones, Beth McVey and Bill Youmans. Innocence is a snapshot of what happens to a group of individuals when the difficulties they face in everyday life are played against the backdrop of a national tragedy, namely, the death of John F. Kennedy. Rob played a handful of roles, including Bobby Kennedy and the voice of Walter Cronkite. Much luck and success to all involved in this gripping and poignant new musical drama.
The 48 Hour Film Project April 30, 2011

Rob appeared in the ensemble short film "Transient," directed by Brian Edwards and produced by Beam Images Ltd. as part of the 48-hour film project, a national competition for aspiring filmmakers. Transient was named amongst the "Best of the Fest" in the Washington, DC area. The story revolves around a 9-year old girl who has found a new home after her parents are lost in a plane crash. For information on the 2011 festival and future competitions, please visit www.48hourfilm.com/dc.
April 9, 2011

Rob is returning to the Bickford Theatre in Morristown, NJ to sing in their annual fundraising event, "The Best of Times--a tribute to the Tony Awards." This year's headliner is Broadway veteran and original star of Jekyll and Hyde Robert Cuccioli, and also appearing is Matthew Shepard (Wonderful Town, Beauty and the Beast), Garth Kravits (The Drowsy Chaperone), Suzzanne Douglas (3Penny Opera, Into the Woods), and a host of others. Rob is slated to sing "Wunderbar" (from Kiss Me, Kate), "Hey There" (The Pajama Game) and "Being Alive" (Company). The evening is directed by Stephen Kantrowitz, with musical direction by Joe Elefante (Broadway's Jersey Boys). For tickets and other information, please visit www.morrismuseum.org.
Tokil Confidential February 28, 2011

Rob performed the role of Ernest Osmond, an American collector of Japanese art, in a reading of the new musical Tokio Confidential, written by Eric Schorr and directed by Johanna McKeon (asst. director American Idiot). Starring in the lead role was Broadway's Erin Davie (A Little Night Music, Grey Gardens), who also played opposite Rob in Jekyll and Hyde in Atlantic City. Tokio Confidential is the story of a Civil War widow who travels to Japan searching for closure after the loss of her husband. The reading was very well received, and the entire cast and creative team looks forward to a healthy future for this show.
Jekyll & Hyde October 21, 2010 - February 13, 2011

Rob is once again donning the trencoat, top hat, and evil fright wig as the title roles in Frank Wildhorn's Jekyll and Hyde, playing now through February 13 at the Westchester Broadway Dinner Theatre. At this time, he is scheduled to perform the role every Wednesday matinee, Sunday matinee and Sunday evening. The cast includes Jenn Babiak (Broadway's Fiddler on the Roof) and Michelle Dawson (Showboat, Cyrano, Mamma Mia! on tour), as well as old friends Xander Chauncey, Paul Binotto, Donald Birely and Jean-Paul Richard. For showtimes and ticket info, please visit www.broadwaytheatre.com. This will mark Rob's 5th time performing in this show--Thank you Frank for all the employment!
The Sound of Music August 9 - September 7, 2010

Rob will be appearing in the Atlanta Theatre of the Stars production of The Sound of Music, directed and choreographed by Norb Joerder. Rob will be understudying Captain Von Trapp. In the show are Broadway veterans Burke Moses (Beauty & the Beast, Guys and Dolls, Kiss Me, Kate), Mandy Bruno (Les Mis, Gypsy, TV's "Guiding Light"), Ed Dixon (How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Sunday in the Park with George) and Jeanne Lehman (Beauty & the Beast, The Sound of Music). The Sound of Music plays Tampa, Atlanta, and finally Wolftrap.
A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum July 11, 2010

Forum closes today, congrats to everyone at Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival for an outstanding production. Check out the Photos link for pictures and reviews.
A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum June 23 - July 11, 2010

Rob appeared as Miles Gloriosus in the Pennsylvania Shakepeare Festival's production of A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. Vaudeville, comedy, and farce create a laugh riot in this Tony Award winner for Best Musical. In a quest to win his freedom, a crafty slave in ancient Rome strives to win the hand of a beautiful courtesan for his master. Mistaken identities, wild chases, bawdy humor, and zany characters add up to outlandish spectacle and irreverent hilarity. Stephen Sondheim's music and Burt Shevelove and Larry Gelbart's book lifts it all into the sublime. Directed by Dennis Razze.
March 27, 2010

Rob will be a guest soloist at the Bickford Theatre's annual fundraiser, titled Some Enchanted Evening: A Lovely Night with Rodgers & Hammerstein. Directed by Stephen Kantrowitz with musical direction by Peter Candela (The Lion King), Rob is honored to join Broadway stars Howard McGillin (The Phantom of the Opera), Ron Bohmer (Ragtime), Michele Ragusa (Young Frankenstein), Gay Willis (Showboat), and a host of others. Expect to hear some of the most popular songs in the Rodgers/Hammerstein/Kern canon, with Rob singing "Oh What a Beautiful Mornin'" and "Make Believe," with Gay Willis as Magnolia. For tickets and other information, please visit www.morrismuseum.org.
Click the logo to the right to read a press release for the event. BroadwayWorld.com
October 19 - 20, 2009

Rob will be appearing as Sam Taylor in Duane Nelson's new musical Ripper, which is the tale of one of the most famous unsolved mysteries in history, as part of the NAMT festival in New York. The cast is lead by Ivan Rutherford (Les Miserables), Elena Shaddow (Nine, The Light in the Piazza national tour), Liz McCartney (Taboo, South Pacific) and Neal Benari (Fiddler on the Roof, Aida, Chess). Ripper is directed by John Simpkins, with musical direction by Brian Usifer. www.ripperthemusical.com www.namt.org

Presented Oct. 19-20 in Manhattan, the National Alliance for Musical Theatre affords emerging and established theatre writers the opportunity to showcase developing works for an industry-only audience comprised of producers from around the world. Many of the new works find life at regional companies, as well as Off-Broadway and Broadway runs.
The Toymaker October 18, 2009

Bryan Putnam's The Toymaker closed today at the Theatre of St. Clements. Check out the Photos page for pictures and reviews from this incredible experience. Much luck and love to the entire cast and creative team.
The Toymaker September 8 - October 18, 2009

Coming up next, Rob will star in the New York Musical Festival production of Bryan Putnam's The Toymaker. Rob will be playing the title role of Petr Klimes, a toymaker in the small village of Liddice, Czechoslovakia just before World War II. The show will be performing at the Theatre of St. Clements October 5th at 8pm, October 6th and 13th at 1pm, October 12th and 17th at 9pm, and October 18th at 4pm. Other casting will be announced shortly, for information on the show please visit www.nymf.org and www.thetoymakermusical.com.

When Sarah's marriage falls apart after 2 failed pregnancies, stories of a childless toymaker of the past propel her on a desperate search spanning the globe & time itself. In this tale of enduring passion & hope, Sarah's quest to find a missing toy & solve the mysteries of a village destroyed by war lead her to a destiny of fulfillment she once thought impossible.
July 23, 2009

Rob will again be seen at the York Theatre Company in the role of Dr. Pierre in Exit Music, a new musical by James Merillat and Dick Pasqual. The lead role of George Banks is played by Don Stephenson (The Producers, Parade, Dracula), and the rest of the cast includes Laura Marie Duncan, Anika Larsen, Laura Shoop, Autumn Hurlburt and David Larsen. Direction is by Gordon Greenberg (Pirates!) and Musical Direction is by Amanda Morton. Based on the short story "Me and the Girls" by Noel Coward, Exit Music is a reflection on the life of an English song-and-dance man who is faced with his own mortality after an aneurysm leaves him hospitalized in critical condition.
July 12, 2009

Full Monty closes today at the Paper Mill Playhouse after an extremely well-received run. What an honor to perform with Elaine Stritch, Michael Rupert, Milton Craig Nealy and the entire cast of this terrific show. Rob went on as the lead role of Jerry Lukowski for two performances June 20th, and had a blast. Pictures and quotes from the reviews are up on the Photos page.
April 21, 2009

Rob is making his Paper Mill Playhouse debut by playing Reg Willoughby and understudying Jerry Lukowski in The Full Monty. The show is directed by Mark S. Hoebee with musical direction by Tom Helm and choreography by Denis Jones. While the complete cast has yet to be announced, the production boasts the talents of Broadway legend Elaine Stritch (Company, Sail Away, The Little Foxes, Elaine Stritch at Liberty), and Broadway leading man Michael Rupert (Falsettos, Legally Blonde, Ragtime). This will be Rob's second time performing in The Full Monty, having played Jerry in the 2006 production at Artpark in Lewiston, New York.

As of this writing, Rob is scheduled to appear as Jerry Lukowski Saturday June 20th at 2pm and 8pm. More details to come as available.
Rob appeared in the York Theatre's developmental reading series as Eli Lieber in the staged reading of the new musical Dreamland. The creative team of Eric Rockwell (music), Joanne Bogart (lyrics), and Bill Brooke (book) enjoyed much success with their Off-Broadway hit The Musical of Musicals, the Musical. Based on Irwin Shaw's "The Gentle People," the musical is described as such: "It's Brooklyn and the summer of 1939. Amiable Jonah Goodman is confronted by a smooth-talking crook and the situation goes from bad to worse when the gangster starts dating his daughter. Jonah is forced to come to an extreme decision with life-or-death stakes. How far do we go to protect ourselves and those we love?" Starring with Rob were Broadway Veterans Michele Ragusa, Mike McGowan, Ken Kantor and John Dewar. Dreamland was directed by Andrew Glant-Linden, who directed Rob in 110 in the Shade at the Surflight Theatre in 2001.
A Tale of Two Cities April 20, 2009

A Tale of Two Cities was nominated today for two Outer Critics Circle Awards: Outstanding New Musical, and also Outstanding Lead Actor in a Musical for its star James Barbour. Congratulations to author Jill Santoriello, producers Ron Sharpe and Barbara Russell, director/choreographer Warren Carlyle, and to Jim for these distinguished honors.
February 12, 2009

Rob was seen as Jeff Paris, a man forever in search of the perfect woman, in the first public performance of the new play Three on a Dime, written by Eileen Benson. Ms. Benson is also the author of Taking Charge on the Job—Techniques for Assertive Management, and has also been published in Vogue and Harper's Bazaar. Three on a Dime was presented as part of the North Jersey New Found Theatre Festival in Bloomfield, NJ. The Festival is designed to feature new plays from New Jersey-based playwrights, and continues performances of other works through February 28, 2009. For information on the Festival, please visit www.bloomfieldarts.org.
December 19, 2008

Rob appearred in the cast of a new musical with Broadway aspirations called Mother Russia, written by Andrew Wight and Winston Shaw, with arrangements by Tim Janis. The reading was directed by Nick Corley, and starred Broadway mainstays Peter Samuels and Kate Shindle, and featured Kevin Vortmann, Todd Horman and Nat Chandler. The reading was held in the Zankel Hall at New York City's famous Carnegie Hall, complete with full orchestra. The creative team hopes to tour the production to Philadelphia, Boston and Toronto in 2009, with an eye on Broadway in 2010. For more information and to hear samples of the score, please visit www.motherrussiamusical.com.
A Tale of Two Cities November 9, 2008

After an all-too-brief run, A Tale of Two Cities has closed on Broadway. While the cast, crew and creative team are obviously saddened by the loss, it's been an incredible experience for all. Despite the quick closing, possibilities still exist for a National Tour and an original cast recording. Rob can be seen next at home with his family.
A Tale of Two Cities October 9, 2008

A Tale of Two Cities opened on Broadway at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre on September 18, 2008 and audiences are loving it. In the weeks since opening, Rob has begun understudy rehearsal for Sydney Carton and actually enjoyed an unexpected week in the small feature role of the French President from September 29th to October 5th. Check out the Photos/Reviews page to see terrific pictures from the show (some by popular Broadway photographer Carol Rosegg) as well as some backstage shots by "lesser known" photo artists. Also, if you'd like to read a pretty thorough examination of Rob's path with ATOTC over the last 3 years, click on the blog link and enjoy.
A Tale of Two Cities July 14, 2008

Rob has begun rehearsals for the Broadway bow of the new musical A Tale of Two Cities. He is continuing in his ensemble track and is understudying the lead role of Sydney Carton. The cast of nearly forty includes numerous Broadway veterans such as James Barbour (Jane Eyre, Beauty & the Beast), Aaron Lazar (The Light in the Piazza), Natalie Toro (Les Miserables), Greg Edelman (Wonderful Town), and Nick Wyman (Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables). Rob is thrilled to see this show finally on Broadway, and has been a part of the readings, workshops and the World Premiere production last Fall at Asolo Rep in Sarasota, Florida.

First preview for A Tale of Two Cities, playing at the Al Hirschfeld theatre on 45th Street, is scheduled for August 19th, with opening night set for September 18th. The show is directed and choreographed by Warren Carlyle, with musical direction by Kevin Stites. For more information and tickets, please visit www.talemusical.com, or visit any ticket outlet.
June 5 - 15, 2008

Rob has been invited to return to the Mac-Haydn Theatre once again, this time to play Adam Pontipee in Johnny Mercer's "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers." Starring opposite Rob in the role of Millie will be longtime friend and colleague Karla Ann Shook, who has been seen in the National Tours of Ragtime and Cinderella, among others. "Seven Brides" will be directed by Joseph Patton and choreographed by Kelly Lynn Shook (yes, they're sisters). Rob is very glad to be a part of the 40th Anniversary season of the Mac-Haydn theatre, and welcomes any chance to give back to the community that has given so much to him. For tickets and more information, please visit www.machaydntheatre.org
April 9 - May 11, 2008

Coming up next, Rob will be seen as Thomas Jefferson in the Olney Theatre Center's mounting of the revolutionary musical 1776. This stirring musical will be directed and choreographed by Stephen Nachamie. This is Rob's second time in the role of Mr. Jefferson, and third production overall of one of his favorite shows. For ticket and general information, please visit www.olneytheatre.org. Keep an eye out for photos and reviews as they become available!

*Rob was nominated by DC Theatre Scene as "Favorite Actor in a Musical" for his role as Thomas Jefferson in 1776. Rob finished second in the voting to castmate Chris Sizemore (congratulations Chris!) for his role as Edward Rutledge. Other nominees included longtime Broadway veteran George Hearn, and Broadway regulars Will Chase and Hunter Foster. "Hey, with company like that, it really is great to be nominated!" Please visit www.dctheatrescene.org for information on everything happening in the theatre world in the Washington, DC area.
A Tale of Two Cities November 19, 2007

A Tale of Two Cities has completed its run at the Asolo Repertory Theatre, and negotiations have begun between the producers of our show and the New York theatre owners to try and bring this "Tale" to Broadway.  Check out the photos/reviews section for shots from the show, incuding a few of Rob as unlikely hero Sydney Carton.  Coming up next, Rob will be home for the holidays.
A Tale of Two Cities October 13 - November 18, 2007

Rehearsals begin September 4th in New York City for the world premiere of Jill Santoriello's musical adaptation of the classic Charles Dickens novel, "A Tale of Two Cities." The production will be mounted at the Asolo Repertory Theatre in Sarasota, FL, with direction by Michael Donald Edwards, musical direction by Gerald Steichen under the supervision of Wendy Bobbitt-Cavett, choreography by Warren Carlyle and set design by Tony Walton. Rob will be part of the ensemble and understudying Broadway veteran James Barbour (Assassins, Beauty and the Beast, Jane Eyre) in the leading role of Sydney Carton. First preview performance is October 13, with an October 26 opening date, and closing November 18. For more information, please visit: www.talemusical.com and www.asolo.org
The Pajama Game June 21 - July 1, 2007

Continuing his return to the Mac-Haydn Theatre, Rob will reprise his role as factory superintendent Sid Sorokin in the Adler and Ross hit, The Pajama Game, with direction by Joey Patton. Also starring is Mac-Haydn favorite Kathy Halenda.
110 in the Shade May 24 - June 3, 2007

Rob will be returning after a seven-year absence to the first professional theatre to ever hire him, the Mac-Haydn Theatre in Chatham, New York. He will be appearing as the drifter Bill Starbuck in the Jones and Schmidt musical 110 in the Shade, directed by Doug Hodge and also starring Broadway veteran Monica M. Wemitt (The Sound Of Music, Hello, Dolly!, Beauty and the Beast) as Lizzie Curry. For more information, please visit: www.machaydntheatre.org
Jekyll & Hyde March 2 - 18, 2007

Reprising the title roles for the fourth time, Rob will be starring in Frank Wildhorn's Jekyll and Hyde at the Cohoes Music Hall in Cohoes, New York. direction is by Artistic Director Jim Charles, and choreography is by Jessica Costa. Rob has appeared previously at the Hall in the 2004 mounting of Jones and Schmidt's The Fantasticks, as El Gallo, and is very happy to be back. For more information, please visit: www.cohoesmusichall.com
Guys & Dolls November 2 - 5, 2006

Although he has seen 48 of the 50 United States, Rob has never left North America...till now. Rob will be playing the role of Lt. Brannigan in the Barkley-Kalpak mounting of Frank Loesser's Guys and Dolls at the International Music Festival in Macau, China. The show will be directed by Jeff Kalpak. Barkley-Kalpak is a multiple-award winning production company that specializes in Broadway-style industrial events, with Guys and Dolls being their second book musical and third production overall to be invited as the only American representative at this prestigious event.
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