This week, I speak with Frank Verlizzo, on his first book of the Retro Broadway Mystery Series – Scenery of the Crime.
Before becoming an author, Frank Verlizzo was a legendary graphic designer, the man behind such iconic poster art as the original Broadway productions of Disney’s The Lion King, Stephen Sondheim’s Sweeney Todd and Sunday in the Park with George, and Ira Levin’s Deathtrap.
FROM AMAZON.com
In this first book of the Retro Broadway Mystery Series, set in 1975 New York City, several bizarrely executed murders involve theatrical ad execs Vic Senso and Bettie Balboa in the far-from glamorous world of backstage Broadway. Behind all the beautiful scenery hides a myriad of potentially life-threatening hazards. Has there ever been a stage-related “accident” that was actually a cover-up for murder?
Legendary actress Helena Baxter is once again starring on Broadway! A weird death on stage places her in the spotlight of suspicion, along with a cast of other suspects, including her dashing British bridegroom, her Hollywood Producer Ex, the demure set designer, the ubiquitous photographer, the watchful general manager, and a catty rival diva.
With assistance from a quirky press agent and her handsome young assistant, Vic and Bettie inadvertently place themselves in grave danger. It will take NYPD Detective Renny Clements and high society psychic, Mizz Mitzi, to make sense of the murders in time to save the lives of their new friends.
ABOUT FRANK VERLIZZO
Frank “Fraver” Verlizzo has left an indelible mark on the landscape of the American theatre. He’s created poster art for over 300 Broadway, Off-Broadway, regional and international productions, including some of the most memorable designs in theatre history including The Lion King, Deathtrap, Sweeney Todd and Sunday in the Park with George. Playbill has called him, “the theatre poster legend.” In 1987, Fraver’s designs garnered him a Special Drama Desk Award for “consistently inspired artwork for theatrical productions,” an honor never before bestowed in the area of theatrical advertising. In 2011, The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts at Lincoln Center presented a retrospective exhibit of his posters in celebration of his illustrious career.
(3) Podcast Posts footer
Full information for each episode including playlists is available on our main PODCASTS page or view a list of ALL episodes.
