TURTLE SHELL PRODUCTIONS ANNOUNCES

THE WORLD PREMIERE OF A NEW MUSICAL

FRITZ & FROYIM is to be directed by JOHN W. COOPER , the artistic director of Turtle Shall Productions. It had a staged reading in Seattle sponsored by the prestigious Rodgers and Hammerstein Foundation which met with an enthusiastic reception.

Fritz, a former SS trooper, is visited by Froyim, the ghost of a Jewish comedian. Unfortunately the visitor seems to have no intention of leaving. Fritz resorts to all sorts of subterfuge to rid himself of this supernatural imp since its presence is wreaking havoc with his life. But how can one get rid of a presence who no one else can see? Is it possible for Fritz to come to terms with this thorn in his side? Brechtian in form, the melodic score contains poignant ballads and ironic songs. There is also a ventriloquist act, a tap dancing ghost, electric shock treatment and a phony exorcist with a magic act. The book and lyrics for FRITZ & FROYIM were written by NORMAN BEIM, who has written several Jewish themed plays. The music was composed by MARK BARKAN.

NORMAN BEIM ,'s plays have been produced nationally and internationally. His comedy–drama, SUCCESS, ran for more than a year in The Netherlands with two popular soap opera stars, and has been optioned for a film there. Seven collections of Norman 's plays have been published. Two of these collections, SIX AWARD WINNING PLAYS and MY FAMILY THE JEWISH IMMIGRANTS have been used as textbooks at St. Olaf College in Minnesota .

MARK BARKAN has written and published over 700 songs and has been recorded by over 500 artists, including Nat King Cole, Vic Damone, Elvis Presley and Paul Anka. He penned the title song for the Doris Day film, DO NOT DISTURB, and one of his songs was featured in the Melvin Van Peebles Broadway musical, WALTZ OF THE STORK. He has won three BMI awards and two awards from the Castlebar International Song Festival in Scotland .

TURTLE SHELL PRODUCTIONS aspires to create theater with a focus on current issues, ethics, culture and history. “We pride ourselves on creating a safe haven where youth and artists may grow in their craft and develop practical skills, while collaborating on productions that celebrate the universal truths of human experience and inspire the community.” For more information visit www.turtleshellproductions.com .