Michele Ragusa to Lead Reading of New Musical MCGURK'S SUICIDE HALL

Michele Ragusa (Young Frankenstein, Titanic) has been cast to star in the reading of McGurk's Suicide Hall, a fictional account of actual events as "Big Mame" the lead attraction at the hall on October 19 at 9pm at TADA! Theatre in Manhattan. Alongside Michele will be Amanda Rose (Wicked, Oklahoma) playing "Emma" a new American arrival, and Brian Childers (Helen Hayes Award winner - Danny and Silvia) as "McGurk", the owner of the hall.

Casting is still underway.

"McGurk's..." with libretto by Steven Hamilton and music by Jeneen Terrana, tells the story of a brother and sister who come to America to find a wonderful new life but instead find a place where "sex is sold and the police are bought. Where Love and Lust know no boundaries except for Revenge. A place where landing in the gutter is considered social climbing. The place: McGurk's Suicide Hall...and there's only one way out." The show is based on actual events surrounding the closing of the hall, with 99% of the characters in the show having been real people.

Evan Edwards directs the reading along with Ted Arthur as Musical Director.

The reading is part of Emerging Artists Theatre's 13th Annual New Works Series, presented at TADA! Theatre 15 West 28th Street. Tickets are $10. For more information about TADA! and EAT please visit www.emergingartiststheatre.org. Tickets will go on sale soon.