Congressman Barney Frank to Make Stage Debut in Encores! FIORELLO

Former congressman Barney Frank will assume the role of a conservative senator when he makes his stage debut on Saturday, February 2 in Fiorello!, the opening musical of New York City Center's Encores! 20th Anniversary season.

A member of the Democratic Party, Barney Frank served as chairman of the House Financial Services Committee (2007-2011) and was a leading co-sponsor of the 2010 Dodd-Frank Act, a sweeping reform of the U.S. financial industry. Frank did not seek re-election in 2012 and retired from Congress at the end of his term in January 2013. Frank has expressed interest in serving temporarily in the United States Senate should John Kerry be confirmed Secretary of State. His role in Fiorello! could be a dress-rehearsal of sorts for a senator role!

Perhaps to prepare for his possible role as United States Senator, Frank will make his stage debut in the Pulitzer Prize-winning musical Fiorello!, the story of New York City's Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia's rise from an immigrant's son to the feisty congressman whose guts and determination to fight corruption brought down the crooked Tammany Hall political machine. Frank will play an outspoken senator who disagrees with LaGuardia's policies.

Mr. Frank will join cast members Kate Baldwin, Jeremy Bobb, Ray DeMattis, Erin Dilly, Jenn Gambatese, Adam Heller, Shuler Hensley, Richard Ruiz, Danny Rutigliano, Andrew Samonsky, Emily Skinner and Cheryl Stern as Fiorello LaGuardia. Fiorello! is directed by Gary Griffin with choreography by Alex Sanchez and music direction by Rob Berman. The show will run for seven performances from January 30 - February 3 at New York City Center.

Fiorello! has a book by Jerome Weidman and George Abbott, music by Jerry Bock and lyrics by Sheldon Harnick. It is one of only eight musicals to win the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, and it also won the Tony Award for Best Musical.

City Center is located on 55th Street, between 6th and 7th Avenues. Fiorello! will run for seven performances, January 30 - February 3, according to the following schedule: Wednesday and Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Encores! subscriptions and single tickets can be purchased at the New York City Center Box Office (West 55th Street between 6th and 7th Avenues),through CityTix at 212-581-1212, or online at www.NYCityCenter.org. Tickets start at $25.