Lillias White & Scott Wakefied to Lead York Theatre Company's TEXAS IN PARIS

The York Theatre Company, dedicated to the development of new musicals and preserving musical gems from the past, in association with Everyday Songs, continues the 2014-2015 season with the world premiere of the new musical play, Texas in Paris, written by Alan Govenar with spirituals, cowboy songs and country hymns, starring Tony award-winner Lillias White (Fela, The Life) with Scott Wakefield (Hands on a Hardbody). Akin Babatundé (Blind Lemon Blues) directs this two character play based on a true story.

Performances are set to begin Tuesday, January 27, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. for a limited engagement through Sunday, March 1, 2015 at The York Theatre Company at Saint Peter's (entrance on East 54th Street, just east of Lexington Avenue). Opening Night is set for Thursday, February 5, 2015 at 7:00 p.m.

The York Theatre Company continues to push the boundaries of musical theatre with this tapestry of regional American music. Based on true events, Texas in Paris is the musical journey of a man and a woman - one white, one black - invited to France to perform at the Maison des Cultures du Monde. They have never met, have no professional singing experience, and face the challenge of working together and co-existing in an unfamiliar world. Apprehensive of each other, they struggle with preconceptions but forge a surprising spiritual bond that transforms their on-stage performance and their lives. Texas in Paris is a conversation about race between two people who never thought they would ever have that conversation.

"Texas in Paris is a metaphor for the dilemma of race that is currently dividing our nation, focusing on two people from the heartland, who like most Americans want to avoid talking about racism as an issue. But once in Paris a dialogue emerges that could never have happened in their isolated worlds in the United States, stated playwright Alan Govenar. He went on to add, "The music is a songbook of American life - everyday songs, lost and found, black and white, remembered and discovered as new."

James Morgan, Producing Artistic Director at The York added, "We're delighted to be working with Alan and Akin again after our first successful collaboration on Blind Lemon Blues. It's especially exciting that Alan has created such a meaningful new piece of musical theater -- and that The York had a hand in developing it from the ground up over the last several years."

Texas in Paris will play the following performance schedule: Tuesday at 7:00 p.m., Wednesday-Friday at 8:00 p.m., Saturday at 2:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. and Sunday at 2:30 p.m.

Now on sale, tickets for Texas in Paris are priced at $67.50 and may be purchased by calling (212) 935-5820, or in person at the box office at the York Theatre at Saint Peter's (Citicorp Building, entrance on East 54th Street, just east of Lexington Avenue), Monday through Friday (12:00 -6:00 p.m.).

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.).

For additional information, please visit www.yorktheatre.org.