Jane Austen's last completed sentimental novel Persuasion gets an updated contemporary, staged reading treatment in this romantic musical-dance comedy entitled "Persuasion or 7 Years of Bad Sex" to be performed at the Jerry Orbach Theater in the Snapple Theater Center, Tuesday, October 6th, 2009 at 6:30 PM located at 210 West 50th & Broadway ( where The Fantasticks is doing its' run! )
The story begins....slacker and Middle Eastern studies major Rick Wentworth played by Dan Bogart, (Broadway/National Tour- Les Misérables, Regional-True West(Austin) Kennedy Theatre, The Ballad of Little Jo (Lawrence) Steppenwolf Theatre Company, www.danielbogart.com) who is beginning a sincere, romantic relationship with the smart, winning college freshman Anne Elliot played by Shauna Goodgold, (New York credits-The Last Starfighter (NYMF), Christmas Rappings (Judson Theatre), Opa! The Musical ( Young Sophia/ Eleni) Queens Theatre in the Park, Staged Readings-Beauty Queen, Open For Me, Avarice, Regional- Fiddler on the Roof (Hodel), Hello Dolly! (Minnie Faye), Tomorrow Morning (Kat, U.S. Premiere), Web Series-The Battery's Down, www.shaunagoodgold.com) when the shocking tragedy of 9/11 happens.
Anne's best friend and substitute mother figure, Leni Russell, played by Robin Higginbotham, (New York credits- Off-Broadway premiere-Take It Easy, Equity Showcases- All Is Full of Love, Sister Mary Ignatius Explains It all for You, Lincoln Center Series) persuades Anne to stop seeing Rick for several well-meaning reasons. Anne is reluctantly persuaded to part ways with Rick.
Now 7 years later Anne and Rick are to meet again, in what only can be described as life's strange occurrences. Changes have certainly happened. Rick had left for Iraq a month after 9/11 and the two have not spoken since.
Rick is no longer the lost, underachieving slacker. He works for the State Department in an impressive and powerful position. The whole package.
Now the two must face each other and their private feelings in the most awkward of roles, as they reunite at the wedding of Leni and Chad played by Rick Wesley in this quirky romp.
Carl Danielsen's score blends current pop influences with a traditional musical theatre flavor. It is a gentle comedy in the style of Austen, humorous and touching.
Ticket Price: $15.00
For Reservations please Call 212-989-6706
