New Kids' Musical My New York Begins Off-Bway, 11/18

Vital Children's Theater will present My New York, an original musical for children with book by Carla Jablonski, music and lyrics by Rick Hip-Flores, and based on the original idea by Catherine Allen.  It will run from November 18th through January 7th.

In My New York, "a school competition to design a mural that best represents the real New York divides a group of students.  The story unfolds through the eyes of Chinese, Indian, Dominican, Jewish and African-American students as they each strive define their own their individual identities and create a drawing which celebrates the rich diversity of New York City."  The music and lyrics were written by composer and conductor Rick Hip-Flores (Neon Mirage, Singin' in the Rain), and the book was written by best-selling children's book author and playwright Carla Jablonski.

The performances of My New York, directed by Linda Ames Key (Producing Director of Vital Theater Company, Embracing Freedom), will run Saturdays and Sundays at 11:00 am and 1:00 pm, from November 18, 2006 through January 7, 2007 (no performance on December 24th).  Workshops and additional performances include an opening day "Design a Mural" workshop following the 1:00 pm show on Saturday, November 18. There will be 1:00 pm performances followed by workshops during Winter Recess; Wednesday December 27 and Friday December 29.

All tickets are $18, and workshop admission is $14.  The show is appropriate for children ages 3 to 12.  For reservations, visit www.theatermania.com or call (212) 352-3101.  For more information visit www.vitaltheatre.org.  My New York performs at The McGinn/Cazale Theatre (2162 Broadway at 76th Street, 4th floor).