Katherine McPhee Co-Produces Red Herring for FringeNYC

"American Idol" finalist Katherine McPhee will be making her New York theatrical debut--not as a performer, but as a producer.

With Nicholas Cokas, Robert Hawk, Angelina Bruno and Jeff Kasal, she will produce Michael Albanese's Red Herring, which will run as part of the 10th Annual New York International Fringe Festival from August 12th through 26th at the Connelly Theatre(220 E. 4th St.).  Jonathan Silverstein directs.

"As soon as I read this play, I knew it was something that I wanted to be a part of. Audiences know me best from 'American Idol,' but my passion has always been theatre. So much quality work comes out of the Fringe Festival. Artists can take real risks and challenge convention. Michael has written a beautiful play that is thought provoking, entertaining and fresh. I am thrilled to bring this incredible play to this year's Fringe Festival," stated McPhee, who placed as first runner-up in this year's "American Idol" and who has starred in numerous high school and regional productions of musicals.

"Death row. Two men. Separated by a wall. Desperate for hope. Can their unlikely friendship defy limitations while exploring fear, forgiveness and fate? Is there life after impending death? You never know who's on the other side…," as the show is described in press notes.

The production will star Tony Award-nominee Thomas Jefferson Byrd (Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, the film Clockers) and Shane McRae (Take Me Out, Richard III). It will feature sets by Matt Hodges, costumes bt Tara Hawks, lighting by Lucrecia Briceno and sound by Emily Wright.

The show will play: Aug. 12 at 9:30 PM, Aug. 18 at 3 PM, Aug. 19 at 12 PM, Aug. 23 at 7:45 PM and Aug. 26 at 2:45 PM.

Tickets are $15. Call (212) 279-4488 or visit www.FringeNYC.org. For more information on the play, visit www.redherringplay.com.