NJ 'Songs,' with McCartney, Walsh, Etc., Starts Run 6/24

The members of ABCD Productions--Cheryl Solomon, David Rappaport and Gavino Olvera-- have announced that their inaugural production of Songs for a New World, with book, music and lyrics by Jason Robert Brown, will begin performances on Saturday, June 24 at 8pm at the George Street Playhouse. Songs for a New World is directed by Jack Cummings III, Drama Desk nominee and Co-Artistic Director of The Transport Group.

"Songs for a New World is an exciting blend of themes and music that provides insight into the people and world around us. Jason Robert Brown transports his audience from the deck of a 1492 Spanish sailing ship to a ledge 57 stories above 5th Avenue to meet a startling array of characters from a woman in a hopeless marriage to a young man hoping that basketball will get him out of the ghetto. These are the stories and characters that resonate around us each day, a compilation of moments that we otherwise would not notice because of our focus on our own worlds. Every character in Songs reaches and realizes his/her singular defining moment which gives clarity and direction to his/her life," state press notes.

The cast of Songs includes Tony and Drama Desk nominee Barbara Walsh (upcoming Broadway Company, Falsettos, Hairspray), Liz McCartney (Mamma Mia!, Taboo, Dance of the Vampires), as well as Heather Ayers (Off-Broadway's Five Course Love and Sarah, Plain and Tall), Jack Donahue (The Audience for The Transport Group, Floyd Collins for Prince Music Theatre), Arthurs Marks (Off-Broadway's Sidd), David Rappaport (also a producer of Songs for a New World, who has performed in shows at the Medicine Show Theatre, Makor, and 12 Miles West).

The scenic design is by Sandra Goldmark; costume design is by Kathryn Rohe; lighting design is by Michael Boll; and sound design is by Yin Chan. The musical director is John DiPinto. The choreographer is Scott Rink. The production stage manager is Pamela Salling.

Songs for a New World opens Saturday, June 24 at 8pm and plays every Friday at 8pm, Saturday at 8pm, and Sunday at 2pm and 7pm through July 9, 2006 at George Street Playhouse, 9 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, New Jersey (for directions: www.georgestplayhouse.org). Tickets are $35 and are available at www.smarttix.com or by phoning (212) 868-4444. Group rates available at 973-912-0650. For more information about ABCD Productions and Songs for a New World, visit www.abcdproduction.com.