York Theatre to Present Free Reading of Arturo's Window

The York Theatre Company, James Morgan, Producing Artistic Director, as part of its Developmental Reading Series, and Jeff Landsman, Series Coordinator, presents Arturo's Window at 7:30 on May 21, 2007. The reading will take place at The York Theatre Company, The Theatre at Saint Peter's Church, 54th Street just east of Lexington Avenue, NYC. Admission is free but reservations are necessary. 

The play, written by Cheryl King and Rod Menzies, has a cast of eight actors. Nine original songs, written by John Mercurio and performed by Bobby Belfry, "offer a compelling musical glimpse into John Jerome's wild and colorful world. Rod Menzies stages the York reading, which is the first public presentation of this amazing true story," state press materials.

"The play is based on original material, provided by John Loan, corporate party planner, who was convicted for embezzling $4 million from a major NYC-based investment company in 2002, and has since served his time and been released from prison. During the years of his crime, he not only spent large amounts of time and money caring for AIDS patients, including his personal friends, but he also formed Jerome Records. That company produced CD's for many of New York's most well-known cabaret artists. The New Yorker soon dubbed him the 'King of Cabaret.'  When John was arrested, more than 230 newspapers around the world carried the story. While in Rikers awaiting trial, he received over 20,000 pieces of mail, and was solicited for interviews by countless newspaper, magazine and television reporters. He chose not to speak to the press, and numerous errors made their way into print."

"The play unfolds as John enlists novelist Cheryl King to create the book that sets the record straight.  As Cheryl delves into these remarkable events, John's stories spring to life on stage through the actors.  One astonishing episode follows another, as Cheryl explores the motives behind John's theft and uncovers truths he is sometimes unwilling to face."

For more info, visit www.arturoswindow.com.

Reservations can be obtained by contacting Jeff Landsman ( Jlandsman@yorktheatre.org) or calling 212-935-5824, ext. 24.