Hurlbert, Duncan, Larsen, Shoop and More Lead EXIT MUSIC Reading 7/23

The award-winning York Theatre Company (James Morgan, Producing Artistic Director) announces casting for Exit Music, the next offering in its acclaimed Developmental Reading Series.

As always, these readings are open to the general public and admission is free, but reservations are suggested and can be obtained by e-mailing Reading Series Coordinator Jeff Landsman at jlandsman@yorktheatre.org or calling 212-935-5824 x24.

Exit Music, Based on the short story, "Me and the Girls" by Noël Coward, Music by James Merillat, Lyrics by Dick Pasqual, Book by Dick Pasqual and James Merillat, 

Reading is today, Thursday, July 23, 2009 at 3 PM.

The cast of Exit Music will feature Laura Marie Duncan (South Pacific), Autumn Hurlbert (Legally Blonde), Anika Larsen (Avenue Q), David Larsen (Billy Elliot), Rob Richardson (A Tale of Two Cities), Laura Shoop (Fiddler on the Roof) and Don Stephenson (The Producers).

In the years before World War II, a fictional song-and-dance troupe, "George Banks and the Bombshells," toured throughout Western Europe. George reflects upon his time with the group and with his one long-term lover while staying at a hospice in the Alps. Based on one of the only Coward stories to feature an openly gay protagonist, Exit Music examines the complicated life of a performer in this witty and heartfelt original musical.

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. Producing Artistic Director James Morgan 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.

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

Photo Credit: Walter McBride/Retna Ltd.