Buonopane, Burden, Deitch, Ferrara And More Cast In York Theatre Company's 999 B.C. 8/3, 8/4

The award-winning York Theatre Company (James Morgan, Producing Artistic Director) announces casting for 999 B.C., the next offering in its acclaimed Developmental Reading Series. As always, these readings are open to the general public and admission is free, but reservations are suggested and can be obtained by e-mailing Reading Series Coordinator Jeff Landsman at jlandsman@yorktheatre.org or calling 212-935-5824 x24.

999 B.C.

A New Ancient Musical
Book and Lyrics by Bob Larimer; Music from Jazz Instrumentals of the '40s

Monday, August 3 and Tuesday, August 4, 2009 • 7:30 PM

The cast of 999 B.C. will feature Todd Buonopane (Grease), Cole Burden (Applause; Encores!), Kathy Deitch (Wicked), Rachael Ferrara, Michael Hicks, Alyse Alan Louis, Jillian Louis (Shlomo), Rodney Peck, Jacob Pinion, and Kevin Reed (The Visit; Signature). The reading will be directed by Reagan Fletcher with music direction by Randy Redd.

This jazz musical is a humorous take on the biblical tale of Jonah and the whale. As the Bible tells it, Jonah heard the voice of God commanding him to go to Nineveh "for its wickedness hath come before me." When he took his assignment lightly, the Lord wreaked His vengeance, and the poor boy ended up spending three days inside a whale. In 999 B.C., we learn that Jonah disobeyed God because he was pursuing the Jewish princess of his dreams.

The York Theatre Company was nominated for five 2009 Drama Desk Awards, four Lucille Lortel Awards, two Outer Critics Circle Awards and two Drama League Awards for its productions of Enter Laughing, The Musical and My Vaudeville Man! last season. York Theatre Company is one of the only companies in the city committed to developing and producing new Musical Theatre Works and rediscovering musical gems from the past. Winner of a special Drama Desk Award for developing and producing new musical theatre, York's intimate, imaginative style of producing both original and classic musicals has resulted in critical acclaim and recognition from artists and audiences alike for almost four decades. Under the guidance of Artistic Director James Morgan since 1997, the York has focused exclusively on new musicals in its Mainstage Series-most of them world, American or New York premieres-by some of the field's most esteemed creators and has also helped launch the careers of many talented new writers.

Each year, York's Developmental Reading Series presents between 30 to 40 readings and workshops of new musicals by emerging and established authors, all free of charge and open to the public. Producing Artistic Director James Morgan says, "These readings give writers a unique opportunity to get audience feedback while a show is still in progress and gives audiences an active role in the creative process." York's productions of Souvenir and The Musical of Musicals (The Musical!) were first developed in the Developmental Reading Series, where the Tony Award-winning Broadway hit Avenue Q also made early appearances. The Developmental Reading Series is made possible in part by The Dorothy Strelsin Foundation, New York State Council on the Arts and NYC Department of Cultural Affairs.

 

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