Samonsky to Replace Thorell in TITANIC Concert 6/21

Andrew Samonsky will replace Clarke Thorell in the role of third-class passenger Jim Farrell in the June 21 benefit concert of TITANIC, Grace Notes reported today.  In this role, Samonsky will perform the new song 'Three Days' in its New York debut. 

The benefit, which supports the New York Society for Ethical Culture (NYSEC), will take place in NYSEC's 800-seat Concert Hall, located at 2 W. 64th St. at Central Park West. Tickets, priced $15-20, are available at https://www.ovationtix.com/trs/pe/7972095 or by telephone at 212-352-3101. The concert is part of an evening of programming that includes a preshow talkback at 6:30, the presentation of the musical at 7:30, and a VIP reception after the performance.

The final cast also includes Jeffry Denman, Doug Kreeger, Eamon Foley, Martin Moran, Matthew Scott, Ryan LaTour, Henry Stram, Jennifer Piech, Don Stephenson, Emily Loesser, Bruce Sabath, Alma Cuervo, John Jellison, Tim Jerome, John Hickock, Robert Petkoff, Blair Ross, Alison Cimmet, Michael Mulheren, Bailey Hanks, Brian O'Brien, Autumn Hulbert, Kevin Crewell, and Brian Scott Lipton. Liz McConahay will play the role of Alice Beane, replacing the previously announced Liz Larsen, who was forced to withdraw due to a scheduling conflict.

Composer Maury Yeston, as previously announced, will be participating in a preshow panel with NYSEC Leader Anne Klaeysen. The panel, moderated by Associate Producer Josh Wellman, will focus on the creative process for the show, as well as the ethical issues and historical events surrounding the disaster and the great loss of life.

Cast member Martin Moran said, "I've been so grateful through the years for the symposiums and lectures at NYSEC. It's wonderful to think of an evening benefiting this great humanist organization--an event where Titanic's glorious music and very human story ring through the halls of that handsome building."

The preshow panel is included in the cost of the basic ticket. Tickets for the post-show VIP cocktail reception range from $50.00 - $75.00 and are an optional addition to the basic ticket purchase upon checkout. The $50 "First Officer" level includes an invitation to the post-show reception with the cast, a limited edition signed poster, and donor recognition in the program. The $75 "Captain" level also includes an exclusive gift bag provided by event sponsors. All proceeds benefit the New York Society for Ethical Culture in celebration of its 2010 Building Centennial.

NEW YORK SOCIETY FOR ETHICAL CULTURE is the cornerstone of a humanist movement where Ethics is central, whose mission is to encourage respect for humanity and nature and to create a better world. Members are committed to personal ethical development in their relationships with others and in activities involving social justice and environmental stewardship. Founded in 1876, NYSEC founded or helped establish organizations including the NAACP; the ACLU; the Visiting Nurse Service; the Ethical Culture Fieldston School; the National Urban League, the U.S. Settlement House movement; and the Encampment for Citizenship. The Society is housed in a landmark building on Central Park West that celebrates its 100th Anniversary this October. The building is home to hundreds of community programs a year including panel discussions, concerts, theatrical events, and writing, music and art workshops. NYSEC's Social Service Board runs a women's shelter on-site; operates a supervised visitation program for families in crisis; and sponsors homeless artists and writers workshop exhibitions. For more information, visit www.NYSEC.org.

TITANIC is Maury Yeston and Peter Stone's musical and winner of five Tony Awards including Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical, and Best Score. Its original Broadway cast featured Michael Cerveris, Brian D'Arcy James, Martin Moran, and Alma Cuervo. It is set aboard the RMS Titanic during the liner's ill-fated maiden voyage from Southampton, England to New York City, which infamously ended with the loss of the ship and over 1500 lives. Titanic interweaves stories of passengers of all classes, along with the ship's crew and orchestra.

Photo Credit: Walter McBride/Retna Ltd.