HOW TO BE AN AMERICAN! Launches York Theatre Company's 47th Season Tonight

The York Theatre Company, dedicated to the development of new musicals and preserving musical gems from the past, launches its 47th season in September with the return of the New2NY Series and the new musical How to Be an American!, a political cabaret based on Plunkitt of Tammany Hall-A Series of Very Plain Talks on Very Practical Politics, adapted by T. Cat Ford (The Chaos Trade, Pow'r in the Blood) and directed by Bill Castellino (Cagney, Storyville), with music direction by Ryan Touhey (Nightclub Cantata).

The score features songs from the early 20th century American Songbook arranged by Satomi Hoffman (The Phantom of the Opera). Jack Gianino is stage manager.

The limited engagement of How to Be an American! will play 10 performances only, tonight, September 17, through September 25, 2016 at The York Theatre Company at Saint Peter's (619 Lexington Avenue, entrance on East 54th Street, just east of Lexington Avenue). Opening Night is set for Sunday, September 18 at 7:00 p.m.

The year is 1905. One week before the next election. New York City. Tammany Hall politician George Washington Plunkitt has gathered a group of new immigrants for the purpose of educating them on the subtleties of the American political system. Come join the party in this Mufti-style staged concert performance, and experience a real-life lesson on honest graft, dishonest graft and the American way that's as relevant now as it was over 100 years ago. Vote Early. Vote Often. Vote Tammany!

The performance schedule for How to Be an American! is Saturday, September 17 at 2:30 p.m.* & 8:00 p.m., and Sunday, September 18 at 2:30 p.m.* and 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, September 21 at 7:00 p.m., Thursday, September 22 at 2:30 p.m., Friday, September 23 at 8:00 p.m., Saturday, September 24 at 2:30 p.m.* & 8:00 p.m., and Sunday, September 25 at 2:30 p.m. (*audience discussions follow these matinee performances).

Single tickets for How to Be an American! are priced at $45 and available online at www.yorktheatre.org, by calling (212) 935-5820, or in person at the box office at the York Theatre Company at Saint Peter's (619 Lexington Avenue, entrance on East 54th Street, just east of Lexington Avenue), Monday through Friday (12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.).

York Theatre Company offers the York! Membership Program, an exclusive membership package for as low as $75.00-with elite benefits that includes a 30% discount on tickets to York Theatre Productions, exclusive member pre-sale opportunities, 50% off on all lobby concessions, 20% off on all lobby merchandise, in addition to special member-only receptions. The York also offers a York Plus! Membership Program with additional perks, including complimentary tickets to Mainstage productions and invites to several VIP-only presentations throughout the season.

York Memberships can be purchased online at www.yorktheatre.org/membership, or by visiting the York Theatre Company Box Office (Citicorp Building, entrance on East 54th Street, just east of Lexington Avenue), or by calling the Box Office at (212) 935-5820 during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.).

The York Theatre Company is the only theater in New York City-and one of very few in the world-dedicated to developing and fully producing new musicals and preserving neglected, notable shows from the past. For over four decades, York's intimate, imaginative style of producing both original and classic musicals has resulted in critical acclaim and recognition from artists and audiences alike. Under the guidance of Producing Artistic Director James Morgan since 1997, the York has focused 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. Over 35 cast recordings from York Theatre Company productions are now available on CD, including its acclaimed revival of Closer Than Ever (2013 Off-Broadway Alliance Award for Best Revival); commercial transfers of such York premieres as The Musical of Musicals (The Musical!), Souvenir (Tony Award Nomination for actress Judy Kaye), and Jolson & Company, and revivals of Pacific Overtures and Sweeney Todd(four Tony Nominations including Best Revival) have all showcased the importance of the York and its programs. Recent hits have included Rothschild and Sons, Plaid Tidings and Cagney, starring Robert Creighton as James Cagney and the original York Cast, currently playing to sold-out houses at the Westside Theatre.

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