Human Race Theatre Teams With Grossman, Hall & Poole For Musical Version Of A CHRISTMAS MEMORY

The Human Race Theatre Company continues its mission to develop new musicals this March 9-16 when the writing team of Larry Grossman, Carol Hall and Duane Poole will be in residence working on their new musical A Christmas Memory - based on the short story by Truman Capote.

"I have been talking with fellow producer, Jayson Raitt for a while about this show," said Kevin Moore, Human Race Executive Director. "It is one of my favorite stories, and when he told me he was developing a musical version, I said count us in."

"And what a team he has put together!" exclaims Moore.

Larry Grossman has numerous Broadway musicals to his credit: Minnie's Boys, Goodtime Charley (7 Tony nominations), Snoopy! The Musical, A Doll's Life and Grind (7 Tony nominations), which won him a Drama Desk Award for his music.

Carol Hall is best known as the composer/lyricist for her Tony and Drama Desk Award-winning musical, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas.

Duane Poole has written and produced over 50 television series and movies, including the 1997 TV movie of A Christmas Memory with Patty Duke and Piper Laurie.

"With Duane in California and Larry & Carol in New York, putting them in one space together is a huge boost for their creativity," Moore explains. During their stay in Dayton, the writers will work with Human Race actors - who will allow the writers to hear the lines and songs for the first time.

Participating local performers include Deb Colvin-Tener, Jamie, Cordes, Reneé Franck-Reed, 13 year old Ilana Frankel and 11 year old Jeremy Cleary.

"This is a great working exercise," said Moore. "We will be contributing to the future of this show - which will have its world premiere next December at TheatreWorks in Palo Alto, CA."

Supporters of The Human Race's Musical in Development will get a chance to meet the artists and hear select moments of the show at a reception. This program is funded by the Miriam Rosenthal Memorial Trust Fund, the Ohio Arts Council Innovation Grant, the Monarch Genesis Fund of The Dayton Foundation, the National Fund for New Musicals, and The Producers' Circle.

The Human Race Theatre Company is the Dayton region's resident professional company. As our name suggests, we present universal themes that explore the human condition and startle us all into a renewed awareness of ourselves. As the primary professional producing theatre in the Miami Valley, we will continue to be the gateway for theatre professionals with a national presence to share their talents with our community. The well-informed theatre patron will find our mainstage seasons satisfying and unique, while the novice theatre patron will find an inclusive warm atmosphere to explore a broad spectrum of script choices and the intimate relationship between artist and audience. Our education programs will reach beyond our geographic boundaries and create opportunities for young and mature students alike. Our programs to develop new Musical Theatre Works will receive national recognition for the company and our region. We will continue to be recognized as an organization of merit and integrity.

 

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