The award-winning York Theatre Company presents the second production of its Fall 2011 Musicals in Mufti Concert Series-the York's acclaimed series of musical theatre gems in staged concert performances. This October, the York will continue its Off-Broadway Celebration with the Mufti concert production of Tomfoolery this weekend (October 28-30) directed by Pam Koslow (The Musical of Musicals)
Ben Liebert (Wicked) and Michael McCormick (Elf, Curtains) join previously announced Tony nominee Stephanie D'Abruzzo (Avenue Q) and Josh Grisetti (Enter Laughing, The Musical).
York's Musicals in Mufti Series has presented over 80 shows from the past in simply-staged concert format; Mufti means: "in street clothes," without the trappings associated with the original productions. Tickets are available for $39.50 online, by phone at 212?935?5820, and in person at the York Box Office (open Monday through Friday, 12-6 PM). Performances are Friday at 8 PM; Saturday at 2:30 and 8 PM; and Sunday at 2:30 and 7:30 PM (with talkbacks following both 2:30 PM performances).
Tomfoolery offers a witty and wicked look at the works of famed satirical songwriter (and Harvard math professor) Tom Lehrer. Pushing boundaries in a playful way, Lehrer's songs have delightully skewered the world for over fifty years. Nothing is sacred in this hilarious revue, filled with unabashed riffs on pop culture, including such favorite tunes as "The Old Dope Peddler," "Poisoning Pigeons in the Park," "The Vatican Rag," and "The Elements" (recently performed by Daniel Radcliffe on the BBC).
The York Theatre Company is the only theater in New York City- and one of very few in the world- dedicated to developing and fully producing new musicals and preserving neglected, notable shows from the past. Over the past two seasons, York productions and artists have been nominated for a combined 19 Drama Desk, Lucille Lortel, Outer Critics Circle, Drama League, Off-Broadway Alliance, AUDELCO and Callaway Awards (and its productions of Yank! A WWII Love Story and Enter Laughing, The Musical have both been announced for Broadway). For over four decades, York's intimate, imaginative style of producing both original and neglected classic musicals has resulted in critical acclaim and recognition from artists and audiences alike. Under the guidance of Producing Artistic Director James Morgan since 1997, the York has focused exclusively on new musicals in its Mainstage Series - most of them world, American, or New York premieres- by some of the field's most esteemed creators, and has also helped launch the careers of many talented new writers. Over 35 cast recordings from York Theatre Company productions are now available on CD, and commercial transfers of such York premieres as The Musical of Musicals (The Musical!), Souvenir, Jolson & Company, and its acclaimed revivals of Sweeney Todd and Pacific Overtures have all showcased the importance of the York and its programs.
Photo Credit: Ben Strothmann
