"Shooting Star," is a musical love story set in the world of the gay adult film industry. It tells the story of Taylor, a young, struggling Hollywood actor, who finds himself rocketed to stardom as porn performer Taylor “TNT” Trent. Through Taylor’s eyes, we are introduced to a family of lovable misfits whose profession is making our wildest fantasies come alive.
As Taylor achieves the fame he long sought, he discovers that the life you dream of may not always be the one you truly want.
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SHOOTING STAR gives you a sincere look at the human side of porn, focusing on the performers in the adult film world - their desires, dreams, and dramas.
SHOOTING STAR is also a story about finding love and a family in a world where many people think this wouldn't be possible. We're finding love in all the lovers we have.
"A CREATIVE, INVENTIVE
THOUGHT-PROVOKING WORK!" DNA
Meet The Team
Florian Klein (Book and Concept)
Florian was born in the Southern part of Germany, where the hills are alive with the sound of music. In the mid-90s, he started working in the entertainment industry as an actor, singer, dancer, public speaker, and TV host. Florian came to New York in 2002 to further his acting education. After finishing a four-year program at New York’s renowned HB Studio, he moved to Hollywood in 2006 to become a movie star. In 2012, he became a star in a different universe – a decision he never regretted, because it sparked the idea to write SHOOTING STAR. Becoming an award-winning adult film performer, Hans Berlin also gave Florian a voice to educate about Safer-Sex options and break HIV Stigma #UequalsU (Something that is very close to Florian’s heart, as he contracted the virus in 2001, long before he started working in the industry).
Florian currently lives in Brooklyn, New York. SHOOTING STAR is his first musical.
Thomas Zaufke (Music and Orchestrations)
Thomas is one of today’s most successful German composers and has been
writing music for stage, film, as well as television. His work can be heard in
theaters all across Europe, including Berlin’s most contemporary opera house,
the Neuköllner Oper (Babytalk, Letterland, Grimm and many more).
Thomas also writes songs and chansons for European artists and German TV
galas, like Die Goldene Kamera, Germany’s Oscars. Thomas Zaufke resides in
Berlin, Germany.
Erik Ransom (Lyrics)
Erik Ransom is an award-winning, internationally produced writer, composer and performer. His magnum opus, GRINDR The Opera, won London’s 2019 Off West End Award for Best New Musical, and has been produced across the U.S. Other works include: Coming, Shooting Star (L.A. Ovation Award nominee) and More Than All the World, a musical retelling of Marlowe’s “Edward II”. He wrote the text of the acclaimed musical audio saga, "The World to Come", which is available on all major podcasting platforms and he starred in and wrote songs for the feature film, “Happy Yummy Chicken” featuring Taryn Manning. He also served as lead comedy writer for The Celebrity Roast of Michael Musto, presented by Rosie O’Donnell and hosted by Bruce Vilanch.
Dennis Corsi (Director)
Dennis Corsi specializes in new work development and queer work. As a certified health & wellness coach, he fosters rehearsal rooms that prioritize well-being. Dennis is the Artistic Director of the Fresh Fruit Festival, which develops and presents theatre by queer artists. He is the Director of New Works at Live & In Color, a creative incubator developing new plays and musicals celebrating diversity. He is the Associate Artistic Director of TOSOS, NYC’s oldest and longest-producing LGBTQ+ theater company.
Dennis is an alumnus of the Lincoln Center Directors Lab, Directors Lab West, and the Stage Directors and Choreographers Foundation Observership program. Associate Member SDC. www.denniscorsi.com
Michael McCrary (Choreographer)
Michael McCrary is a NYC based actor and choreographer. He is THRILLED to make his Off Broadway choreographic debut!! Past favorites include: MSC Armonia/MSC Lirica (Director/Choreographer), THE PRODUCERS (Choreographer), ELF (Choreographer), HEAD OVER HEELS (Choreographer), INTO THE WOODS (Choreographer), FALSETTOS (Choreographer), RWS (Director/Choreographer). A Chorus Line, Chicago, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Shrek (National/International Tour), MAME, Anything Goes. Associate Choreographer of Mariah Carey’s Christmas Show. Danced for Disney Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Carnival, Jean Ann Ryan Productions. Michaels class is high energy, fun, athletic, and focuses on style and dynamics. See you on the dance floor! @michaelmccraryb
Brad Simmons (Music Director)
Recognized from the films The Last Five Years and the cult favorite Camp, Brad Simmons has shared the stage with Broadway luminaries Tonya Pinkins, Alice Ripley, Beth Leavel, Donna McKechnie and recording artists Sandi Patty and The B-52’s Kate Pierson. Simmons music directed Lysistrata Jones (on and off Broadway), Hood (Dallas Theater Center, Asolo Rep), To Wong Foo, Mr & Mrs Fitch with John Lithgow, Me and The Girls with Alan Cumming, and the musical film Hello Again with Audra McDonald and Martha Plimpton. Simmons composed the musicals A Kiss from Alexander, A Woman Onstage and A Dickens of a Carol with librettist Stephan DeGhelder. Brad has led the Junior Fellows program at the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center for the last fifteen years. Find Brad’s recordings Dreamworld, Mundane Existence, Silent Night, The Simon & Garfunkel Collection, countless singles and his upcoming live album Troubadour on all digital platforms.
Peter Dunn (Creative Consultant)
Peter William Dunn is a former child actor turned multi-hyphenated artist in NYC. As the showrunner of the critically acclaimed indie series "GAYS: The Series" Peter created, wrote, directed, produced, cast, production designed and starred in the coming-of-age queer dramedy series that has since been viewed in over 140 countries. As the head producer of the now pandemic shuttered West End Lounge he produced over 250 live shows in his five years on the management team of the venue, offering NYC stage opportunities and helping up-and-coming young artists thrive, find their footing and have a safe place to grow their art in the city. He currently serves as the associate casting director for the 4 US productions of world phenomenon, HAMILTON, and Freestyle Love Supreme. A proud member of The Telsey Office family, Peter strives to create and hold the safest space for artists, a passion for advocacy, and stresses the importance of diversity, inclusion and equity in not only the entertainment industry, but in our everyday world. He is ecstatic to be part of the Shooting Star family and thanks Florian for inviting him on this ride.
Barbara Erin Delo (Costume Designer)
Barbara Erin Delo is a Costume Designer and Artisan working in dance, theatre and opera. A New York native, she has previously designed costumes for Williamstown Theatre Company, Theatre at St Clements (The Bigot, Off Broadway premier), Judson Church (Beyond Babel, Off Broadway Premier) Martha Graham Dance Company, The Flea, Castillo Theatre, Parsons Dance Company, Megan Williams Dance Projects, Capital Repertory Theatre, Battery Dance Company, NYC Fringe Festival, Chain Theatre Company, Third Rail Productions as well as many other NY and regional theatres. She studied costume design at SUNY Binghamton and NYU Tisch.
Francesca Endres (Production Stage Manager)
Francesca Endres (she/her) is an NYC based performer and stage manager. Past stage management credits include: New Works (Woman in Motion), On This Wondrous Sea (APAP Showcase), Daughter of Society (NY Theatre Festival), and Free to Be (Elizabeth Troxler). She would like to thank Tara Lynn and Austin for all of their support and for getting her this amazing opportunity. She is thrilled to have been given the chance to work with a truly wonderful team of people.
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Alyssa Fuhrman (Associate Choreographer)
Alyssa (she/her) is thrilled to be making her off-Broadway debut as part of the choreographic team of Shooting Star! Recent credits: Director/Choreographer for Iberostar Resorts, Associate Choreographer to Al Blackstone on a Neiman Marcus commercial, Associate Choreographer for MSC Cruises (Armonia and Lirica). Some performing highlights: Carnival Cruise Lines, AIDA Cruise Lines, Sandcastle Resort, Tencent Games in China, Good Morning America, Live! with Kelly and Ryan, Live! with Kelly and Michael. Thanks to the whole team! #partylikeapornstar
Blake Lee Zolfo (Intimacy Director)
Blake Lee Zolfo (he/him) was trained in Intimacy by IDC Professionals. In addition to his Intimacy/Yoga Therapy work, Blake is a Chita Rivera-nominated dancer and WISE award-winning actor. Selected Credits: Kid Victory (off-Broadway with John Kander), Sexyback (ART), Pamela’s First Musical (with Graciele Daniele), Madame Secretary (CBS), and Proxy. Thanks to God, the SHOOTING STAR team, my fiancé Jordan, and my family.
David Goldstein (Scenic Design Consultant)
David Goldstein is excited to be bringing this show to NYC! Off Broadway credits include Winnie The Pooh Show, Emojiland, Church and State, Stalking the Bogeyman, That Golden Girls Show, The Portal, Very Hungry Caterpillar Show, Soul Doctor. Regional Credits Include: Timberlake Playhouse, Tibbets Opera House, Cohoes Music Hall, Des Moines Playhouse, Grand Theatre Salt Lake, NC Stage Co, JAG Productions, Luna Stage, WV Public Theatre, Allenberry Playhouse. www.davidgoldsteindesigns.com
Bruce Robert Harris (Producer)
Bruce Robert Harris is an award-winning producer and entertainment industry consultant who has presented over sixty plays and musicals for Broadway, London, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Sydney, Melbourne, Berlin, Off-Broadway, regional theatres, and national and international tours and festivals plus many private and corporate events.
His productions have received hundreds of accolades including Tony, Olivier, London Critics Circle, London Evening Standard, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle, Drama League, Los Angeles Critics Circle, Ovation and Grammy Awards and nominations. Currently, he is a producer on The Magic Mike Live North American Tour opening in October 2022. www.sunnyspotproductions.com