Casting Announced for York's December Readings, Kicks Off 12/8

The award-winning York Theatre Company (James Morgan, Producing Artistic Director) announces casting for Arturo's Window and In the Theatre, the next offerings in its acclaimed Developmental Reading Series this December. As always, these readings are open to the general public and admission is free, but reservations are suggested and can be obtained by visiting yorktheatre.org to make reservations online or by calling 212-935-5824 x24. Please note that reservations are no longer accepted via email. Reservations for Arturo's Window are fully booked and now available only for the wait list.

Arturo's Window
Book by Cheryl King & Rod Menzies
Music and Lyrics by John Mercurio
Based on original material provided by John Loan, aka John Jerome
Tuesday, December 8, 2009 • 7:30 PM

The cast of Arturo's Window features Bobby Belfry, Paul Damien, Wendy Fox, Tom Gottlieb (The Caine Mutiny Court Martial), Tom Gualtieri, Cheryl King, Leicester Landon, Katie Northlich and Aaron Petrovich. Directed by Rod Menzies, Music Direction by John Mercurio

The newest edition of the show seen earlier in the Developmental Reading Series. John Jerome, corporate party planner, does good deeds - and embezzles $4 million! Goes to prison, gets out, wants to tell his story, for a book. Gay Robin Hood? White collar criminal? King of cabaret? Who knows? He never gave an interview. Until now. Eight actors. One singer. One pianist. Nine original songs. One amazing journey.

In the Theatre
Music and Lyrics by Steven Fisher
Book by Joan Ross Sorkin and Steven Fisher
Thursday, December 10, 2009 • 3 & 7:30 PM

The cast of In the Theatre features Tony Award winner Judy Kaye (Mamma Mia!), Kevin Loreque (I Am My Own Wife, international tour), Jim Poulos (Rent), Fred Rose (Company), Shorey Walker (Seussical at the Lucille Lortel) and Darryl Winslow (Evil Dead: The Musical). Directed by David Glenn Armstrong, Music Direction by Steven Fisher.

Never heard about Joan Littlewood? That's about to change. One of the most important women in twentieth-century theatre, Joan was bold, brash and brilliant - and forgotten. And she's not happy about it. Come spend some time with Joan and her company of actors and discover what it really means to be "in the theatre."

The York Theatre Company was nominated for five 2009 Drama Desk Awards, four Lucille Lortel Awards, two Outer Critics Circle Awards and two Drama League Awards for its productions of Enter Laughing, The Musical and My Vaudeville Man! last season. York Theatre Company is one of the only companies in the city committed to developing and producing new Musical Theatre Works and rediscovering musical gems from the past. Winner of a special Drama Desk Award for developing and producing new musical theatre, York's intimate, imaginative style of producing both original and classic musicals has resulted in critical acclaim and recognition from artists and audiences alike for almost four decades. Under the guidance of 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.

Each year, York's Developmental Reading Series presents between 30 to 40 readings and workshops of new musicals by emerging and established authors, all free of charge and open to the public. Reading Series Coordinator Jeff Landsman says, "These readings give writers a unique opportunity to get audience feedback while a show is still in progress and gives audiences an active role in the creative process." York's productions of Souvenir and The Musical of Musicals (The Musical!) were first developed in the Developmental Reading Series, where the Tony Award-winning Broadway hit Avenue Q also made early appearances. The Developmental Reading Series is made possible in part by The Dorothy Strelsin Foundation, New York State Council on the Arts and NYC Department of Cultural Affairs.

GENERAL INFO:

Arturo's Window
Tuesday, December 8, 2009 • 7:30 PM

In the Theatre
Thursday, December 10, 2009 • 3 & 7:30 PM

For reservations visit www.yorktheatre.org or call 212-935-5824 x24.
THE York Theatre Company in Saint Peter's Church
Enter on 54th Street Just East of Lexington
E or V train to Lexington Avenue or 6 train to 51st Street

The York Theater Company
619 Lexington Avenue
New York, NY 10022
www.yorktheatre.org