ONE NIGHT ONLY Begins 9/11 as Part of Araca Project

A group of Chicago's premiere musical improvisers will perform One Night Only, a new musical, September 11-15 at The American Theatre of Actors (314 W. 54th Street NYC) as a part of the second annual Araca Project.

The great Stephen Sondheim composed eight musicals in 31 years. Slacker. At One Night Only, the cast creates a brand new musical each night, complete with singing, dancing, rhyming, reprises and free play. These veteran Chicago improvisers use audience suggestions to create a 60-minute joyride that's never been seen before - and will never be seen again.

Producer and creator Michael Girts, a Second City performer and faculty member, has assembled an artistic team full of some of Chicago's most esteemed comedy and musical professionals. Director TJ Shanoff has worked for The Second City since 1997, where he composed musicals such as Rod Blagojevich Superstar and Jewsical, and directed such hits as Chicago Live! and The Second City's 50th Anniversary on Tour. Musical Director Mike Descoteaux created The Second City Training Center's musical improv conservatory program, and previously served as music director on The Second City E.T.C. Stage. He has "composed" thousands of completely improvised musicals with groups such as Baby Wants Candy, Musical! The Musical, and Infinite Sundaes. He is also the creator of the critically acclaimed Best* Church of God.

The One Night Only ensemble features Girts alongside Chicago teachers and performers Kate Cohen, Matthew Van Colton, Katie Dufresne, Nicole Hastings and Kevin Sciretta.

"We can't wait for New York City's theatergoers to help us create One Night Only," says Girts. "The audience titles our show, writes segments of our lyrics and even composes a critical component of the score. We've put together a team with legitimate musical theater talent. On the spot, these actors create interesting melodies, beautiful harmonies, intricate storylines and colorful characters. They also happen to be hilarious."

One Night Only is one of six productions selected out of 90 applicants for the second annual Araca Project, an initiative of The Araca Group (Broadway producers of Wicked, Rock of Ages, Urinetown). After pitching their projects, selected artists participate in a Producing Intensive, which consists of a series of workshops and panels with industry professionals, before producing their work in one or two week runs at The American Theatre of Actors in New York City. By giving artists the opportunity to take on the full artistic and fiscal responsibilities of producing their work Off-Broadway, The Araca Project endeavors to embolden these artists to recognize the power of the entrepreneurial spirit in shaping one's artistic destiny. 

For more information on One Night Only, visit www.onenightonlynyc.com.