Emperor Norton I: A new Musical that's Right as Reign

Fri, Dec 2 - Sun, Jan 29
Fri & Sat @ 7:30pm; Sun @ 3pm
$15 at the door and at www.ticketweb.com

"Pause, Traveler, and be grateful to Norton Ihellip" reads the
inscription on the Bay Bridge. Emperor Norton I, Sovereign Ruler of
the United States and Protector of Mexico, was a visionary to some, a
kook to others and beloved by all. Lovingly crafted by the Ohanneson
family, this humorous, original musical is a tribute to San
Francisco, the Barbary Coast, and its eccentric characters. It's a
step back into history and follows a man who loved his city and the
city that loved him.

In 1850 San Francisco, pandemonium reigns in the rough and tumble,
formative Gold Rush years of the City by the Bay. The wealthy Joshua
A. Norton loses his fortune and mental stability; and his descent
into madness is rivaled only by his rise into notoriety. He declares
himself Emperor of the United States and the Protector of Mexico, and
endears himself to the likes of Mark Twain, Lotta Crabtree, Lola
Montez, the two annoying dogs, Bummer & Lazarus, and the lowbrows of
the Barbary Coast. But can a madman dissolve Congress, raise an army,
print his own money and propose to the Queen of England? He can in
San Francisco--which just goes to show, it's important to make a good
first Emper-ession.

You'll become a Norton fan after this joyful musical about San
Francisco first and most beloved eccentric. After all, being a little
crazy is right as reign.

Emperor Norton I runs weekends starting December 2, 2005 through
January 29, 2006; except for Dec. 25th weekend. Shows are Fridays and
Saturdays at 7:30pm and Sundays at 3pm at the DARK ROOM Theater, 2263
Mission St (b/t 18 & 19), SF. Tickets are $15 on www.ticketweb.com
and at the door. More info at: www.darkroomsf.com.

This is an Impossible Production is a family affair with script by
Kim Axelrod Ohanneson, score by Marty Ohanneson Axelrod, direction by
Jim Fourniadis-Ohanneson, production by Erin Ohanneson, costumes by
Jill Ohanneson and research by Greg Ohanneson with tech mastered by
Ty "Honorary Ohanneson" McKenzie. Norton stars Jim Fourniadis, Peter
Doty, Steffanos X, Phil Darnowsky, Don Wood, David Stein, Nancy
Bower, Haggis, Denzil Meyers, Anomaly aka Sadie Lune, Rhiannon
Charisse, Laura Malouf-Renning, Jukie Sunshine, Michelle Talgarow and
Cameron Eng.

-END-

IMPOSSIBLE PRODUCTIONS, those goof-balls that brought you stage
versions of Dr. Strangelove, Twilight Zone, Clue, Princess Bride and
Zippy The Pinhead, as well as Bad Movie Night, make their home at The
Dark Room, a comfortable place for anyone to come to when he or she
has ideas--big or small--and nowhere to realize them. They're a tad
more off-beat than community theatre and a skosh more accessible than
many artist cooperatives. They welcome both high concepts and lowbrow
sensibilities; they try hard to not to take themselves too seriously
and invite you to do the same. Join them for an hour or two; they're
saving a seat for you.

Venue:

the DARK ROOM Theater
2263 Mission Street, b/t 18 & 19
San Francisco
415.401.7987
http://www.darkroomsf.com

We're on Mission Street between 18th & 19th, two blocks from Mission
& 16th BART with parking between 19th & 20th.

Additional Info:

415.401.7987
http://www.darkroomsf.com/norton