New Musical I SPY A SPY to Hold Developmental Lab Presentations March 21 & 22

Producer Eric Krebs, in association with Harriet Spalding & Michael Planit, will present developmental lab presentations of I Spy A Spy, a new (declassified) musical comedy, with book and lyrics by Jamie Jackson and music & lyrics by SoHee Youn, on Thursday, March 21st at 3:00pm and Friday, March 22nd at 11:00am & 3:00pm at The Diamond Stage at The Pershing Square Signature Center (480 West 42nd Street - between Dyer & 10th Avenue). For reservations, please email ispyaspyrsvp@gmail.com.

José Rodriguez, a Mexican immigrant in New York City, has an American Dream - to become "a someone". But, as an undocumented delivery guy, he feels practically invisible. Alina Orlova also has an American Dream - to undermine America. But as she's Russia's worst spy, she can't take a step outside without being noticed by everyone. When Jose and Alina meet, they realize they're yin to each other's yang and they hatch a scheme to crack the Mayor of New York's Annual Gala to fulfill their dreams. But suddenly when figures from their past crash the party, Jose and Alina are dragged onto a crazy roller coaster ride with the Mexican Mafia, the Russian Secret Service, a Pakistani pizza proprietor, a Korean deli owner and the Department of Homeland Security-- all before finding out who will be crowned International Spy of the Year.

I Spy A Spy is a timely comedy of immigration, espionage and the best chicken tikka pizza in Hell's Kitchen. It explores the undying magnetism of the American Dream, which continues to attract dreamers, big and small, from all across the world.

Directed by Bill Castellino (Cagney, Desperate Measures), with Music Direction by Doug Oberhamer, the cast features Matt Ban (Rock of Ages), Amie Bermowitz (Goldstein), Grace Choi (Avenue Q), James Donegan (Forbidden Broadway), Sevan Greene (Dead Are My People), Tauren Hagans (In The Heights), Charissa Abigail Hogeland (Kinky Boots, Heathers), Jonathan Kirkland (Hamilton), Andrew Mayer (Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812), Victoria Price (How The Grinch Stole Christmas), Hazel Anne Raymundo (Avenue Q, Pacific Overtures), Tracey Stephens (The Capitol Steps), Bruce Warren (The Road To Qatar!), John Wascavage (Murder For Two). Christine Viega is Stage Manager, Michael Cassarra, CSA is Casting Director and Maria Di Dia serves as Management Consultant.

"How rare it is these days to work on a brand-new musical not based on a film, book, play, or a performer's life," states Producer Eric Krebs. "But, 8 years ago, ten Russians were revealed to be spies, living in the New York area, the 25-year old Ana Chapman, who was too charismatic to disappear, became the inspiration of the musical I Spy A Spy. The plot thickened to include Jose Rodriguez, an undocumented Mexican immigrant who wants to be an actor but has Alina's problem in reverse. He seems to be invisible. After extensive developmental work, this Hell's Kitchen New York, Russian spy, Mexican immigrant, romantic musical comedy is ready for a full production. It is my expectation that _I Spy A Spy_, after an initial Off-Broadway run, will find its place on Broadway. In order to make that happen, I'm looking for co-producers who may wish to participate and institutional theaters which may want to partner in the first full production."

BIOS

Jamie Jackson (Book & Lyrics) trained as an actor at the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) in Sydney, Australia and worked there for over 10 years as an actor/writer. In 1999 he gained an MFA from NYU's Graduate Music Theatre Writing program where he met SoHee Youn. The two have since collaborated on several projects including their one-man musical, Love: A Multiple Choice Question. Their songs have been heard with Laughing Liberally at New York Town Hall and around the country. As an actor, Jamie has several Broadway and off-Broadway credits including Dr. Zhivago, The Last Ship, Soul Doctor, The 39 Steps and Judge Turpin in the acclaimed Barrow St. production of Sweeney Todd. He's appeared on TV in "Madam Secretary," "Quantico," "Elementary," "The Get Down," "Chicago Fire," "Person of Interest," "Blindspot," "Unforgettable," "The Mysteries of Laura," "Flight of the Conchords" and the pilot of "The Blacklist." He played Hugh Jackman's boss in The Greatest Showman.

SoHee Youn (Book & Music) studied classical composition at Yonsei University in Seoul, Korea, received a B.A. from Berklee College of Music in Boston and an MFA from NYU's Graduate Musical Theatre Writing Program. She is also a member of the BMI Lehman Engel Musical Theatre Workshop. She has worked on several projects with Jamie Jackson, including Love: A Multiple Choice Question (New York International Fringe Festival, York Theatre, Melbourne and Sydney--Best Composer Nomination for Green Room Awards), Dick & Condi: The Lounge Act (45th St. Theatre & Ignite Festival, Ohio Theatre). Other works and songs of hers have been performed in venues throughout NYC including Laughing Liberally concerts in New York and across the country.

Bill Castellino (Director) has directed these World Premieres: Cagney, Soulmates, Great Divorce, Grumpy Old Men, Christmas In Hell, Jolson, Dr. Radio, Lizzie Borden, Heartbeats, Miklat, Fishwrap, House Divided, Singing Weatherman, Happy Holidays, Presidents, others. Also: Desperate Measures, Marry Harry, Storyville, Ionescopade, Tarzan, Rent, Gypsy, Rocky Horror, Carousel, Godspell, Music Man, West Side, Joseph, Tommy, Little Shop, Evita, Hair, Fame, Chess, others. In development: Lulu, Rhapsody In Red, and Twist Of Fate. He has directed, written and produced events all over the world. Awards: NY Outer Critics, Jefferson, Telly, 4 LA Weekly, 11 Drama-Logue and numerous nominations including the Lucille Lortel, Audelco, Carbonelle, San Diego and LA Theatre Critics, others

www.ispyaspythemusical.com

 

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