Promising future for "Mrs. Sharp"

Playwright's Horizons, the off-Broadway theatre responsible for the births of shows like William Finn's FALSETTOS trilogy, Stephen Sondheim's ASSASSINS, and the beautiful FLOYD COLLINS (my theatre company's next production), will present an invitation only reading of the new musical MRS. SHARP. The show has music and lyrics by Ryan Scott Oliver and book by Kirsten Guenther. The piece has already been the recipient of the Richard Rodgers Award, the Jonathan Larson grant, the Margo Lion Award and several others. The reading will star Jane Krakowski (Tony winning actress from NINE, best known for her work on Ally McBeal and 30 Rock) and Christian Borle (Spamalot) and will be directed by Michael Greif (Rent, Grey Gardens, Next To Normal).

Oliver's website describes the show like this:

"Based on the 1991 teacher-student sex scandal and murder trial surrounding Pamela Smart, Mrs. Sharp tells the story of a woman who 'wants you to become more.' Having written an unsuccessful self-help series entitled 'Invent Yourself: Five Words to Live By,' 31-year old Kimberly Sharp (Jane Krakowski) is encouraged by her husband (Christian Borle) to take a job teaching at the local high school. Kimberly sets out to change the lives of her students, absorbing them into her web of fantastical delusions and private affairs. But when her husband discovers she's gone just a bit too far, Kimberly realizes there's only one thing that can be done about him. Someone goes to jail, someone becomes a beloved self-help guru and someone gets shot in the head — but everyone learns a lesson from Mrs. Sharp."

I was VERY excited to find that Oliver's website streams three songs from "Mrs. Sharp": "Mrs. Sharp", "G'Nite Jake" and "What I Wouldn't Do For You." The score is typical musical theatre adapted rock, accompanied by keyboards, drums and guitar (my old classmate Adam Wachter is on piano!). It is reminiscent of SPRING AWAKENING, HIGH FIDELITY, NEXT TO NORMAL, RENT, and TICK TICK BOOM!, (though slightly more "bubble gum poppy" than some of these)A link to the clips is below.

The style and lyrics of the music make the show sound almost more satirical than dramatic. The subject matter, I must admit, is fascinating-though I am a sucker for those dark and twisted musicals! Still, it's a story everyone is familiar with (how many student-teacher sex scandals have there been since?) which may make it a popular off-Broadway or cult hit in future years. My question: Will there be a sympathetic character? Are we made to feel for Mrs. Sharp? Or is she a villain? Do we feel for the teenager she seduces? Do we feel for her murdered husband? Do we feel for anyone?? Time will tell! I for one am really hoping this show gets produced commercially (OFF Broadway...my post on Glory Days!) It seems like it would be a fun one to produce at my theatre anyway...now if only I could afford Jane Krakowski.

Ryan Scott Oliver webpage and "Mrs. Sharp" audio clips

Playbill.com article