York Theatre Company Announces Fall Developmental Reading Series

The York Theatre Company (James Morgan, Producing Artistic Director; Evans Haile, Interim Executive Director), as part of its acclaimed Developmental Reading Series, will present staged readings of two new musicals: me and ella, written and performed by Andrea Frierson, with music direction and arrangements by Ron Abel; and Marry Harry, with book by Jennifer Robbins, music by Dan Martin, and lyrics by Michael Biello, 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 Platinum Members; $5 for York Theatre's 54th Street 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 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.

THE FALL DEVELOPMENTAL READING SERIES SCHEDULE IS AS FOLLOWS:

MONDAY SEPTEMBER 19 @ 7:00 P.M.

TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 20 @ 2:00 P.M.

me and ella

Written and Performed by Andrea Frierson

Music Direction and Arrangements by Ron Abel

Directed by Murphy Cross and Paul Kreppel

In this love letter to the First Lady of Song, Broadway songstress Andrea Frierson (Once on This Island) seamlessly weaves her unique world of opera-singing parents, Negro League pitchers, Bronx beauty shops, and 1960's television with Ella Fitzgerald's meteoric rise from young band singer to American icon. The New Times declared, "Andrea Frierson delivers! Luscious!" While the New York Post stated, "this powerhouse wins you over with the verve of her interpretations and the weaponry of her voice."

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 AT 11:00 A.M. AND 2:00 P.M.

Marry Harry

Book by Jennifer Robbins

Music by Dan Martin

Lyrics by Michael Biello

Directed by Bill Castellino

Music Direction by Ming Aldrich-Gan

The eight-member cast will feature Elizabeth Ann Berg (Avenue Q), Philip Hoffman (A Catered Affair), Jesse Manocherian (Parade), Sally Mayes (She Loves Me), Luke Mink (Guys and Dolls), Erin Leigh Peck (Disenchanted),Howie Michael Smith (My Life Is a Musical), and Christianne Tisdale (42nd Street).

Marry Harry is a romantic musical comedy about Little Harry-an aspiring chef trapped working for his Dad at their failing East Village restaurant-and Sherri - the daughter of his overbearing landlord-who struggle to create love and family on their own terms. With humor and heart, Marry Harry explores ideas about family loyalty, marriage, love, and finding one's path in life. BroadwayWorld simply stated, "Marry Harry is exceptional...must-see musical theater at its very best!" Talkin' Broadway called it "very entertaining, warm and intelligent musical comedy."

Marry Harry was produced by American Theater Group at Hamilton Stage in Rahway, NJ (2014) following a production at NYMF (2013) at the Alice Griffin Theatre in the Signature Center, NYC. It previously received an AMAS Musicals workshop at Foxwood Rehearsal Studios NYC (2012) and a staged reading at New York Stage and Film, Vassar College (2011).

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.

York Memberships can be purchased online at www.yorktheatre.org/membership, or by visiting the York Theatre Company Box Office (Citicorp Building, entrance on East 54th Street, just east of Lexington Avenue), or by calling the Box Office at(212) 935-5820 during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.).

For additional information, please visit www.yorktheatre.org.