Theater News

Matthew-Lee Erlbach Brings Burlesque Farce Eager to Lose to Ars Nova

Burlesque performer Tansy lends her industry expertise to the production.

Tansy
Tansy
(© Ben Arons)

Actor and writer Matthew-Lee Erlbach (Handbook for an American Revolutionary) is bringing his new burlesque farce, Eager to Lose, to Ars Nova for a limited engagement off-Broadway run this fall. Performances are scheduled to run from October 9 through November 2, with an official opening set for October 22.

Developed through Ars Nova’s ANT Fest and Project Residency Programs, Erlbach cocreated the project with codirectors Wes Grantom and Portia Krieger, as well as burlesque performer Tansy, who also performs in the show. The cast also includes John Behlmann (Journey’s End), Richard Saudek, Emily Walton (August: Osage County), and Stacey Yen (Mary Zimmerman’s The Arabian Nights at Arena Stage).

Eager to Lose features choreography by Tansy, music direction by Cody Owen-Stine, scenic design by Mark Erbaugh, costume design by Tilly Grimes, lighting design by Brian Tovar, and sound design by Josh Millican.