The York Theatre Company Winter 2017 Developmental Reading Series presents Two New Works
By: A.A. Cristi Mar. 07, 2017
The York Theatre Company (James Morgan, Producing Artistic Director; Evans Haile, Interim Executive Director; David McCoy, Chairman of the Board), dedicated to the development of new musicals and the preservation of musical gems from the past, as part of its acclaimed Developmental Reading Series, will present the staged readings of two new musicals: Dutch Master, with music and lyrics by Jeffrey Stock (Triumph of Love), and book by Marc Acito (Allegiance), and The White Witch of Rosehall, with music by Balint Varga (Houdini the Musical), and book and lyrics by Bryan D. Leys (Hell's Belles) at The York Theatre Company at Saint Peter's (619 Lexington Avenue, entrance on East 54th Street, just east of Lexington Avenue).
The readings are open to the public with a $10.00 advance reservation fee for each reading (Complimentary for York Theatre's Plus Members; $5 for York Theatre Members). Reservations can also be made on the day of the reading (pending availability) for a suggested $5.00 donation in person at the box office.
The York's Developmental Reading Series presents over 30 readings and workshops of new musicals by emerging and established authors throughout the year, a vital part of the writing process. The strong commitment to developing new work is an important part of what makes the York unique in the musical theatre community. The series serves as an incubator for shows to be considered for Mainstage productions, thus serving the York's unique mission of taking new musicals through the complete development process to full production. Projects developed through the series have included Broadway's Avenue Q and In Transit and the York's Cagney and Mark Felt, Superstar.
The 2017 Winter Development Reading Series schedule is, as follows:
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8, 2017 AT 1:00 P.M. - ONE PERFORMANCE ONLY
Dutch Master
Music and Lyrics by Jeffrey Stock
Book by Marc Acito
Directed by Michael Montel
Music Direction by Matthew Liu
The 4-member cast will feature Stephen Bogardus (March of the Falsettos), Tony® Award-winner Len Cariou (Sweeney Todd), Matt Castle (Enter Laughing at the York), and Storm Large (Rock Star: Supernova).
Dutch Master is the thrilling true story of Han van Meegeren, an unsuccessful artist who turned to forgery and duped the greatest art lovers of Europe - not to mention top Nazi brass - into believing that his Vermeers were the real deal.
THURSDAY, MARCH 9, 2017 AT 2:00 P.M. - ONE PERFORMANCE ONLY
The White Witch of Rosehall
Music by Balint Varga
Book and Lyrics by Bryan D. Leys
Based on the novel by H.G. de Lisser
Directed by Bryan D. Leys
Music Direction by Balint Varga
The 11-member cast will feature Richard Binder (The People vs. Mona), Patrice Bell (New Shoes), Amy Bodnar (What We Wanted), Kaylee Bugg, Adam Daveline (A Christmas Carol), Aja Downing, Kenny M. Green ("Bates Motel"), Michael Kirk Lane (Thoroughly Modern Millie), Carl-Michael Ogle (Show Boat), Christopher Pitman (Our Town), and Charles Valentino (About Scout).
The White Witch of Rosehall is an adaptation of H.G. de Lisser's haunting novel, itself based on an infamous legend. A young Englishman, seeking adventure in Jamaica, finds himself drawn into a conflict between a wealthy, voodoo-practicing widow and the servants who work her sugar plantation.
Coming to The York's Mainstage this spring is the New York premiere of the new musical Marry Harry, a romantic comedy set in New York's East Village, about two adults on the verge of thirty who need help in cutting the parental ties that hold a little too tightly. Marry Harry explores ideas about family loyalty, marriage, love, food, and finding one's path in life-with humor, heart and just the right amount of spice. Marry Harry, which has a book by Jennifer Robbins, music by Dan Martin, and lyrics by Michael Biello, will be directed and choreographed by Bill Castellino (Cagney, Storyville). Broadway.com had this to share: "exceptional...must-see musical theater at its very best!" The Examiner called it "a heart-felt love letter to musical comedy." Performances are set to begin Tuesday, April 25, 2017 for a limited engagement through Sunday, May 21, 2017. Opening Night is Thursday, May 4, 2017.
York Theatre Company offers the York! Membership Program, an exclusive membership package for as low as $75.00-with elite benefits that includes a 30% discount on tickets to York Theatre Productions, exclusive member pre-sale opportunities, 50% off on all lobby concessions, 20% off on all lobby merchandise, in addition to special member-only receptions. The York also offers a York Plus! Membership Program with additional perks, including complimentary tickets to Mainstage productions and invites to several VIP-only presentations throughout the season.
For additional information, please visit www.yorktheatre.org
The York Theatre Company is the only theatre in New York City-and one of very few in the world-dedicated to developing and fully producing new musicals and preserving neglected, notable shows from the past. For over four decades, York's intimate, imaginative style of producing both original and classic musicals has resulted in critical acclaim and recognition from artists and audiences alike. Under the guidance of Producing Artistic Director James Morgan since 1997, the York has focused on new musicals in its Mainstage Series-most of them world, American, or New York premieres-by some of the field's most esteemed creators, and has also helped launch the careers of many talented new writers. Over 35 cast recordings from York Theatre Company productions are now available on CD, including its acclaimed revival of Closer Than Ever (2013 Off-Broadway Alliance Award for Best Revival); commercial transfers of such York premieres as The Musical of Musicals (The Musical!), Souvenir (Tony Award Nomination for actress Judy Kaye), and Jolson & Company, and revivals of Pacific Overtures and Sweeney Todd (four Tony Nominations including Best Revival) have all showcased the importance of the York and its programs. Recent hits have included Rothschild and Sons, Plaid Tidings and Cagney, currently playing to sold-out houses at the Westside Theatre starring Robert Creighton as James Cagney and the original York Cast.
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