Duane Nelsen
Author and Composer

Duane Nelsen is a Chicago-based playwright and composer and an alumni writer of the National Alliance for Musical Theater in NY, where Ripper was presented in 2009. Other shows include Dreamers, The Last Charade, Division Street and the new musical comedy, Spa. He began his career as composer-in-residence at off-Broadway’s Equity Library Theater, writing scores for The Comedy of Errors and Deathtrap. As a jingle writer for 15 years, he scored national television ads for the country’s top advertisers, including McDonald’s, Kellogg’s, Disney, Pillsbury, Bose, and many others. He also writes concert music which has been performed by orchestras here and abroad. With his wife, Catherine Hug, he has two boys, Matthew and Colin. He is a member of ASCAP and the Dramatists Guild.

The Broadway Rose Theatre (2011)

Opening Night: August 4, 2011 - Tickets and Info

Sharon Maroney, producing artistic director
Dan Murphy, general manager
Meghan Newton, production supervisor

Abe Reybold, director
Alan Lytle, music director
Chris Hubbard, assistant music director
Chelle Jazuk, stage manager
Gene Dent, scenic designer
Shana Targosz, costume designer
Allison Dawe, assistant costume designer
Dan Hallberg, sound designer
Deb Dahling, props designer
Jonathan Hart, resident technical director
Demitri Pavlatos, technical director
Drew Dannhorn, magic consultant

Cast

Development History

It takes a lot of people to bring together a musical the size of Ripper. Prior to the premiere production, more than 90 performers, directors, designers, and producers had contributed to the readings and recordings that have helped shape the show so far, many of them from Broadway shows you know. Each of them brought a unique contribution to the process, and without them, it would be impossible to create a show like this. Thanks to them all for their past generosity and talent.

The Dramatists Guild Writer’s Intensive
September 2010

Through the Dramatists Guild, I had the luck of working on Ripper with some remarkable artists who provided invaluable insights during the development process. My thanks to everyone involved, especially Lynn Ahrens, Stephen Flaherty and Mark Hollmann for their contributions.

NAMT Festival of New Musicals, NYC
October 2009

National Alliance for Musical Theatre, producer
Kathy Evans, executive director
Branden Huldeen, NAMT director of new works
John Simpkins, director
Brian Usifer, music director
Alix Claps, stage manager
Kate Galvin, creative consultant
Heather Schmucker, creative consultant

Cast

Well Rounded Productions, NYC

Well Rounded productions produced the first public reading in NY in March of 2007.

Well Rounded Productions, producer
Esther H. Cohen, producer
Stephen Amato, director
Michael Morris, music director
Celina Carvajal, assistant director
Andrea Jess Berkey, stage manager
Suzanne Apicella, production assistant

Cast

The STAGES Festival, Chicago

Theatre Building Chicago
John Sparks, artistic director
Joan Mazonelli, executive director
Allan Chambers, producer
Henry Fonte, director
Jeremy Ramey, music director

Cast

Apple Tree Theatre, Highland Park, IL

The first theater to give voice to Ripper way back when.

Eileen Boevers, artistic director
Stevi Marks, director
Tim Stadler, technical director

Cast

Recording Artists

In addition to the performers above, many others have contributed to the recordings of Ripper throughout the development process. Their contributions have been invaluable.