KINGS

A Ragtime Opera

The story of Harry Houdini, the music of Scott Joplin

Musical

by

Dennis Frayne & Desha Dunnahoe

KINGS is a spectacular and groundbreaking new stage production that brings together the thrilling life of the legendary escape artist Harry Houdini and the timeless, electrifying music of Scott Joplin. Conceived as a three-act ragtime opera, KINGS is not just a musical—it is a stunning theatrical spectacle that merges Broadway-style storytelling, grand opera, cirque-style performance, exhilarating dance, and live illusion into one magical, unforgettable event. Designed to dazzle audiences of all ages, KINGS will redefine what’s possible on stage.

This breathtaking production follows Houdini’s real-life transformation from young Erik Weisz, a Hungarian immigrant with big dreams, to the world-famous magician, escape artist, aviation pioneer, filmmaker, and fierce opponent of spiritual frauds. Audiences will witness Houdini’s emotional and physical journey—his loves and losses, his battles with skeptics, his obsession with truth, and his quest for greatness—brought to life through vibrant characters, dramatic storytelling, and rich orchestrations of Joplin’s ragtime music. Using carefully adapted and delightfully arranged versions of Joplin’s most iconic works, including his ragtime songs, dances, waltzes, and marches, the score brings both historical authenticity and fresh musical brilliance to the stage, and will leave audiences humming.

KINGS bursts with spectacle. The show will feature an awe-inspiring array of live performance elements including high-energy dance numbers, thrilling circus acts, death-defying escape stunts, and illusionist-driven magic sequences that occur live before the audience’s eyes. A dramatic séance scene, complete with theatrical effects and lighting wizardry, will blur the line between reality and illusion. A climax of the show includes a full-scale replica of Houdini’s biplane soaring above the stage, honoring his historic 1910 flight in Australia and adding a literal and emotional high point to the performance.

Each of the three acts builds in momentum and intensity. Act I introduces Houdini’s youth, his struggles as a performer, his family relationships, and the spark that drives him toward greatness. Act II brings the audience into the height of his fame, his spectacular stunts, his rivalry with spiritualists, and his emotional relationships—with his wife Bess, his brother Theo, the public—and the personal toll and impact of the death of his mother. Act III leads to Houdini’s fateful final performance, blending myth and mystery in a show-stopping finale that celebrates both his legacy and the enduring magic of live performance.

KINGS is a celebration of American spirit, ambition, and imagination. It is a show about believing in the impossible—and then making it happen. With its colorful storytelling, jaw-dropping visuals, and unforgettable music, KINGS promises to be a one-of-a-kind production that will leave audiences astonished, inspired, and moved. A love letter to magic, music, and theater itself, KINGS will not only honor the past but set a new standard for the future of musical stage entertainment.

CONTACT DENNIS FRAYNE

Demo Recordings