Casting Set for Symphony Space's Manhattan Madcaps of 1924

Casting has been announced for Manhattan Madcaps of 1924, Symphony Space Artistic Director Isaiah Sheffer announced today.

Madcaps of 1924 is the first offering of Symphony Space's new Summer Stock on Broadway, an annual series to be held in the Leonard Nimoy Thalia at Symphony Space (Broadway at 95th Street).  "This newly discovered 'lost' Rodgers and Hart musical will run from July 6 - 23, and has music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Lorenz Hart and new libretto by Jerzy Turnpike," according to press notes.  Annette Jolles directs; musical arrangement is by Lanny Meyers and the choreographer is Regina Larkin. The show opens on Thursday, July 13.

Katie Allen, Ivy Austin (Raggedy Ann), Christine Bokhour (Chicago on Broadway and on tour), Sydney J. Borgoyne, Michael Simon Hall, Howard Kay (Miss Saigon, Silence! at FringeNYC), Staci Rudnitsky and Nick Verina will star in the show.

"Long before Rodgers and Hammerstein explored the hills of Austria, the kingdom of Siam and the South Pacific islands, the young Richard Rodgers showcased his hometown of New York City.  Considered lost by theater historians, Symphony Space Artistic Director Isaiah Sheffer, abetted by the nimble book-writer Jerzy Turnpike, has 'rediscovered' this missing piece of musical history, which explores New York and Sheffer-like themes of love, mayoral politics and the quest for a decent apartment," state press notes on the fictional-historical revue.

""Boy meets Girl.  Boy loses Girl.  Boy gets Girl and a Manhattan apartment, in this romantic romp through the Big Apple, as four couples seek happiness (and a place to live) in the Big City of 1924." Manhattan Madcaps of 1924 features songs from 17 Rodgers and Hart shows and film scores, including "City" (from Me for You, 1929); "Gotta Get Back to New York" (from Hallelujah I'm A Bum, 1933); "Where the Hudson River Flows" (from Dearest Enemy, 1925); "Way Out West (on West End Avenue)" (from Babes in Arms, 1937); "Any Old Place With You" (from Fly With Me, 1920); "At The Roxy Music Hall" (from I Married an Angel, 1938); "He Was Too Good To Me" (from Simple Simon, 1930); "Give it Back to the Indians" (from Too Many Girls, 1939); "Manhattan" (from Garrick Gaieties, 1925) and many others.

Manhattan Madcaps of 1924 will run Wednesday – Saturday evenings at 8:00 pm, and Saturdays at 2:00pm and Sundays at 3:00pm, July 6 – 23.  (Note: There is no performance on Wednesday, July 12). Tickets are $19 and are available by visiting the Symphony Space Box Office at Broadway and 95th Street or by calling 212-864-5400, Wednesday-Sunday, noon to 6 pm, or on-line at www.symphonyspace.org. For more information, call (212) 864-1414 or send an e-mail to info@symphonyspace.org .