BILLY, GOAT, GRUFF Musical Opens at New Theater at 45th Street Today

The New Theater at 45th Street & New York Music/Theatre Project presents the New York City premiere of the children's musical BILLY, GOAT, GRUFF: The Musical, at The New Theater at 45th Street. Directed by Chris Fink & Amanda Sayles, BILLY, GOAT, GRUFF: The Musical, features a talented cast of eight, with credits from the National Tour of Jekyll & Hyde Legally Blonde to NYMF's "Next Broadway Sensation" to Andrew Lloyd Webber's Whistle Down the Wind. Originally scheduled to open on April 6, the new opening date of today, April 19, was set to accommodate a conflict in dates at the theatre.

Ben Yahr* (Billy) is a New York based actor, singer, dancer & writer who performed opposite Cathy Rigby in (what else?) Peter Pan. Hannah Rose DeFlumeri (Goat) toured nationally with Legally Blonde as Vivienne. Bradshaw Call (Gruff) has appeared as everything from Nathan Detroit in Guys & Dolls to William Barfee in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee to Clarence in the world premiere of the musical adaptation of It's A Wonderful Life, entitled Miracle at Bedford Falls. Andrea Ross* (Melody) just played Natalie in Next to Normal at San Jose Repertory Theatre & originated the lead role of Swallow on the US National Tour of Whistle Down the Wind. She's also promoting her solo album, Moon River, produced by Andrew Lloyd Webber & was recently Audra McDonald's cover for Lincoln Center's Marvin Hamlisch Tribute with the NY Philharmonic. Guy Lemonnier* (Troll) recently appeared in Dracula the Musical at La Jolla Playhouse & toured in the title role(s) in Jekyll & Hyde. Josephine Spada (Storyteller) was a finalist in NYMF's "Next Broadway Sensation" at New World Stages & is performing in concerts at venues such as Le Poisson Rouge, Ars Nova, Joes Pub, Rockwood Music Hall & The Duplex. Amanda Sayles (Director/Frog) is the Producing Artistic Director of The New Theatre at 45th Street & has worked at the NY Philharmonic & appeared as Maria in Twelfth Night, Audrey in As You Like It, Eustace in Miracle in Bedford Falls, Marta in Company & Maggie in Working. Melissa Lehman (Storyteller) is a California native who studied musical theatre and acting for film and television at NYU Tisch, Cap21 & Stonestreet Studios.

BILLY, GOAT, GRUFF: The Musical, Gwen Edwards (Book & Lyrics) & Ben Mackel (Composer & Music Director), is coming to NYC just in time for Spring Break! This imaginative re-telling of a classic tale follows the story of three goat brothers: Billy, Goat & Gruff. Trying to find their way in an increasingly dangerous world, the brothers must look within themselves to find a way to survive with only the memory of their mother & the spirit of their ancestors as guidance. Join them as they traverse treacherous terrain, struggle with what is right & battle fears of a nasty troll, to reach a land that grants them their wish: to live & play together in the Pasture of Paradise. Get out of the cold, have some fun & come be a part of this coming-of-age story & pursuit of the unknown, where it is always spring.

The show will now play tonight, April 19 - May 5 ~ Fridays at 7pm; Saturdays & Sundays at 1 & 3pm, at The New Theater at 45th Street ~ 354 West 45th Street ~ Upstairs Theatre (between 8th & 9th Aves.)

Tickets: $18/General Admission ~ $25/Preferred Seating ~ $45/Premium Seating. Includes: Onstage Seating on the "Pasture of Paradise," a visit to the Goat Club for dancing, Face Painting & a FREE Pair of Goat Horns. For Special Tickets & Group Sales call (646)590-3071. For reservations, call (212)352-3101 or visit OvationTix www.billygoatgruffnyc.com
or www.newtheater.co. Elevator and stroller parking are available.

A portion of the tickets for BILLY, GOAT, GRUFF: The Musical, will benefit the Zambian Vocal Group & their orphanage & school in Zambia, Africa. The ZVG tours as Zambian Missionaries, in an effort to enable the children of Zambia to better themselves through education. They perform concerts in churches, schools, festivals & other functions in order to raise money for the students of the Zambian Vocal Group Academy, founded in 2004 by the Zambian Vocal Group. www.zambianvocalgroup.org

Pictured: Ben Yahr. *DENOTES MEMBER AEA

To post a comment, you must register and login.