Customer Reviews

Thrill Me - The Leopold & Loeb Story

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If the concept of turning the story of an infamous murder into a musical sounds bizarre...then you are not alone. But, that is exactly what "THRILL ME-THE LEOPOLD & LOEB STORY" does...and with overwhelming success! Through this two-character musical play, with 15 paper-thin, piano-accompanied songs, we learn of the intimate intricacies of one of the 20th century's most heinous and pointless crimes-the murder of a young boy by a mentally abused young man, and his older, manipulative lover. On the surface, THRILL ME is a crime story, but as we listen to the story, told through music, we realize that the murder is the sympton...and the disease of mental abuse, homophobia, and compulsive love. The stage is set when Nathan explains his actions in the songs, "Why" and "Everybody Wants Richard," two upbeat numbers with lots of background information. The seductive romanticism of the gripping "Nothing Like A Fire" quickly gives way to the crime plan, sickeningly explained in the nightmarish "Roadster." As the play reaches its fevered pitch with the realization that the perpetrators are about to be discovered ("My Glasses/Just Lay Low and "I'm Trying To Think), the two actors-Matthew S. Morris and Christopher Totten reach brilliant heights in their singing performances. Do not let the subject matter dissuade you from experiencing this music- THRILL ME in no way glorifies the hideous crimes of Leopold & Loeb. This is not a testament to their lives, but more an indictment of the sociological elements that led them to their fate.

I went to Uptown Players' (Dallas) production of Thrill Me last night not knowing what to expect. I'd studied "the thrill killers" in a psychology class in college and couldn't imagine what a musical about them might be like. But I'd read the rave reviews of the Off-Broadway production and didn't want to miss my chance to see the show.

The show is really not about the crime so much as it's about the relationship between the killers, Nathan and Richard. Richard is the type of guy who can get just about anyone to do whatever he wants. Nathan describes his seductive personality in what is, perhaps, the best song of the show, "Everybody Wants Richard." Nathan seems to be a victim of Richard's charm. And, it's this relationship that makes the show so engaging.

The music is beautiful and completely haunting. It's relatively simple, with only two vocalists and a piano, but it's really been sticking with me a lot more than most musicals I've seen. "Everybody Wants Richard," "Nothing Like a Fire," and "Thrill Me" are my personal favorites.

Generally, when I see a musical I like, I get the cd and listen over and over again. As I watched this show, however, I found it hard to imagine repeatedly listening to songs based on the true story of two killers. But the music was so good, I couldn't leave the theatre without buying a copy. There's one song, "Plan," that I usually skip; it discusses the crime in more depth than I really care to think about. "Roadster," the song during which Nathan lures the victim to his car is perhaps even more haunting, but too good to skip everytime.

If you don't trust me, read any review of the show you can find. I have yet to find a negative one.

I got this CD after I heard one song from Thrill Me and loved it. It gave me chills with how beautiful the songs were. It's haunting tunes definitely stay with you. I saw the show in KC last year it was fantastic and I can't wait to see it again!

This really proves that no subject is taboo or unsuitable in the musical theater -- it's all in the execution. Much praise has been given this work, I regret missing it in NY, it did intrigue me back then. Considering the degree of difficulty in adapting this story, Dolginoff had avoided all the pitfalls and inherent roadblocks. By making it the story of a relationship (or should I say a relationship gone bad?) he creates a dramatic framework that forwards the story and makes the characters sympathetic as well. The music is very rich in theatricality, drama, tension, rhythm, and yes, surprisingly, melody as well. With a single piano, you feel like you are hearing a full blown orchestrated score, as the musical arrangements become a driving force of this show as well. Nothing is hackney or predictable, everything is attacked from new, original, and insightful points of view. The author also plays the lead role, something that could have been potentially dangerous, and is absolutely fantastic -- adding another layer of nuance to his own material.
It's wonderful that such fine work has been captured so well on this CD. I hope I can catch a really good production one day.

Haunting and deliciously intimate, Thrill Me perfectly showcases the potential of the chamber musical. With a cast of two and a piano, Dolginoff crafts an utterly compelling - and frightening - theatre experience that transcends its provocative subject matter. We are completely bound to Nathan Leopold's journey from start to finish. We understand his attraction to, and motivations for wanting to please Richard Loeb. It's uncomfortable, but that's part of the appeal. This isn't one for the Times Square tourist crowd.

The lyrics are a touch clunky and simplistic (as are some moments of the book) and grate against the fluid beauty of the score, but they detract little from the overall effect. And I defy anyone not to be utterly disturbed by 'Roadster.'

A musical based on the Leopold and Loeb notorious murder case? Some may think this task could not be done. However, this enthralling musical proves once and for all that it can.

Nathan Leopold and Richard Loeb were two college students living in Chicago in the 1920's. Together, they orchestrated a horrifying crime that still has the power to shock people to this day. Believing themselves to be "supermen," or superior men above the law, they thought they would never be caught.

This musical tells the true story from Nathan's perspective. Nathan, drawn to the manipulative yet alluring Richard, agrees to be his accomplice. Since Richard is stimulated by the crimes he commits, Nathan feels this is the only way he can keep Richard's love. The homosexual slant of the musical admittedly made me uncomfortable. Even so, I felt both repulsion and empathy toward these young men. Richard is a chilling psychopath who nevertheless admits to fear, and Nathan is portrayed as confused yet also shrewd and determined to possess what he desires.
The music is beautiful for such a disturbing show. My favorite songs are as follows:

1. "Everybody Wants Richard"" Nathan talks of Richard's appeal and expresses his love.
2. "There's Nothing Like a Fire": This song is very disturbing but extremely beautiful. As Richard and Nathan watch a warehouse they have set on fire burn, Richard becomes aroused. The song is erotic and chilling.
3. "Thrill Me."
4. "Roadster": Richard lures the young murder victim into his car. I could not help but listen to the song even though I knew what was going to happen. Some people may not be able to listen to the entire track.
5. "Superior." The men sing of their invencibility.

It is truly heartbreaking that this musical is based on a true story. Although we may never know Nathan and Richard's true relationship or their true motivations, this musical gives us a glimpse into two truly disturbed yet empathetic minds. The two singers are magnificent. This musical reminded me a lot of the movie "Heavenly Creatures," another fascinating true story. Please give this album a chance. God bless.