Matthew Hydzik Will Age Backwards in BENJAMIN BUTTON Musical Reading

The York Theatre Company will present a staged reading of Benjamin Button, a new musical with music by Natalie Tenenbaum and book and lyrics by Brett Boles. Stephen Nachamie will direct. The musical is based on the short story authored by F. Scott Fitzgerald.

Benjamin Button is the story of a man who ages backwards. Set in Atlanta, GA and New York from 1925 through the early 2000s, the piece explores Benjamin's entire life, but focuses mainly on the relationships Benjamin has with his father, his wife, and his son. Benjamin Button stresses the importance of family and urges all of us to cherish the moments we have - whether we're living backwards or forwards.

Natalie Tenenbaum (composer) is the recipient of the 2012 BMI Harrington Award and the 2013 Jean Banks Award. Brett Boles (bookwriter/lyricist) wrote the book, music and lyrics to FOREVERMAN, which premiered at NYMF and received the New World Stages Development Award. Stephen Nachamie is the recipient of the 2014 Helen Hayes Award for Outstanding Resident Musical.

Benjamin Button features Matthew Hydzik (West Side Story) as Past Benjamin, Christina DeCicco (Evita, Spiderman: Turn off the Dark, The Marvelous Wonderettes) as Claire, Talon Ackerman (Bonnie and Clyde) as Contemporary Benjamin, and Cole Burden as James. Other cast members include: Preston Truman Boyd, Mark DiConzo, Karen Elliott, Sean Alan Krill, Bruce Landry, James LaRosa, Christiana Little, Elana Justin, Kay Trinidad, and Christopher Ware.

BENJAMIN BUTTON will be presented on Monday, 8/25 at 7PM and Tuesday, 8/26 at 2PM at the York Theatre Company, located at 619 Lexington Avenue at the corner of 54th Street. Open to the public. Tickets are free of charge, with a suggested $5 donation at the door.

Photo Credit: Walter McBride / WM Photos