John Tartaglia & Kerry Butler to Lead York's BIG as Part of Musicals In Mufti

The York Theatre Company, dedicated to the development of new musicals and preserving neglected shows from the past, has announced complete casting for the season opener of the Fall 2014 Musicals in Mufti Series: Big, with book by John Weidman, lyrics by Richard Maltby, Jr. and music by David Shire. This presentation of Big marks the New York premiere of the script and score created by the authors for the show's national tour-a significantly revised version of the show with eight new Maltby and Shire songs, yet to be recorded.

Directed by Michael Unger, with music direction by Eric Svejcar, the cast will feature Tony Award nominees John Tartaglia and Kerry Butler, with Elainey Bass, Whitney Brandt, Walter Charles, Trista Dollison, Liam Forde, Tom Lucca, James Ludwig, Rhyn McLemore, Janet Metz, Julianna Rigoglioso, Jeremy Shinder and Hayden Wall.

In this freshly revised version of Big, Josh Baskin is just like any other angst-ridden teenager-he can't wait to grow up. Too bad you have to get through adolescence first. But when Josh makes a wish to be "big" at a carnival and wakes up the next morning in the body of a 30-year-old man, he learns how complicated adulthood can be.

The acclaimed Musicals in Mufti series expands to a new two-week performance schedule for the first three concert readings, this season. The limited engagement of Big will play 10 performances only October 11-19, 2014 at The York Theatre Company at Saint Peter's (Entrance on East 54th Street, just east of Lexington Avenue).

The performance schedule for Big will be Saturday, October 11 at *2:30 p.m. & 8:00 p.m., and Sunday, October 12 at *2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, October 15 through Friday, October 17 at 8:00 p.m., Saturday, October 18 at *2:30 p.m. & 8:00 p.m., and Sunday, October 19 at 2:30 p.m. (*audience discussions follow these matinee performances).

Tickets are priced at $45 and are available online at www.yorktheatre.org, by calling (212) 935-5820, or in person at the box office at the York Theatre Company at Saint Peter's (Entrance on East 54th Street, just east of Lexington Avenue), Monday through Friday (12-6 PM).

The Fall 2014 Musicals in Mufti series will continue with A Time for Singing with book & lyrics by Gerald Freedman & John Morris, and music by John Morris (October 25-26, October 29-November 2), Saturday Night with book by Julius J. Epstein & Philip G. Epstein, and music & lyrics by Stephen Sondheim (November 8-9, November 12-16), and, for one week only, My Favorite Year that has book by Joseph Dougherty, lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, and music by Stephen Flaherty (December 5-7).

The York Theatre Company's acclaimed Musicals in Mufti series of musical theatre gems, in a simply-staged, book-in-hand concert format, marks its twentieth historic year with the celebration of its 100th presentation of shows from the past. Mufti means: "in street clothes, without the trappings associated with a full production."

"The York Theatre Company's 45th anniversary season celebrates many milestones that include our 100th Mufti presentation," stated James Morgan, Production Artistic Director at The York. "The acclaimed series includes four Mufti productions-three for two weeks each (a first), and in the spring a 100 Muftis concert celebration. Whether you are a returning member or a first timer, we hope you will spend this exciting season with us!"

Now on sale, The York Theatre Company offers the 54th Street Membership Program, an exclusive membership package for as low as $54.00 - with elite benefits that includes a 30% discount on tickets to York Theatre Productions (2 per membership), exclusive member pre-sale opportunities, 50% off on all lobby concessions, 20% off on all lobby merchandise, in addition to special member only receptions.

York Memberships and single tickets can be purchased online at www.yorktheatre.org/membership, or by visiting the York Theatre Company Box Office (Citicorp Building, entrance on East 54th Street, just east of Lexington Avenue), or by calling the Box Office at (212) 935-5820 during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.).