MONET and GOODBYE BARCELONA Play York Theatre's Readings Series This Week

The York Theatre Company and its acclaimed Developmental Reading Series, will present the premiere of two new musicals: Monet, with Book by Joan Ross Sorkin and Music & Lyrics by Carmel Owen, and Goodbye Barcelona, written by Judith Johnson and K.S. Lewkowicz at The York Theatre Company at Saint Peter's (Entrance on East 54th Street, just east of Lexington Avenue). The readings are open to the public with a suggested donation of $5.00.

The Developmental Reading Series presents some 40 readings and workshops of new musicals by emerging and established authors throughout the year. a vital part of the writing process. The series often serves as an incubator for shows to be considered for Mainstage productions, thus serving the York's unique mission of taking new musicals through the complete development process to full production.

The Spring 2014 Developmental Reading Series schedule is:

TODAY, April 28 at 3:00 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.

Monet

A New Musical

Book Joan Ross Sorkin

Music and Lyrics by Carmel Owen

Directed by Pamela Hunt

Music Direction by Eugene Gwozdz

Featuring Jack Doyle, George Dvorksy, Ben Leibert, Kelly McCormick, Greg Mills, Spencer Plachy, Jim Poulos, and Jennifer Swiderski,

It's 1863 and Claude Monet and his friends Edgar Degas and Pierre-Auguste Renoir are trying to break into the art scene in Paris, but the official Beaux-Arts Salon sees their new art as a threat to France. Monet is the story of revolution, intrigue, and romance...and one painting that changed everything.

Friday, May 2 at 2:00 p.m.

(One Performance Only)

Goodbye Barcelona

A New Musical

Written by Judith Johnson and K.C. Lewkowicz

Directed by Hans Friedrichs
Music Direction by Mark Smith

Featuring Victoria Bundonis, Patrick Dunn, Julianne Katz, Cathrine LeFrere, Jake Mendes, Charlie Owens, Jan-Peter Pedross and Jason Pintar

Barcelona,1936: Sammy Abramski, a teenager from London's East End, runs away to fight for freedom in the International brigade in Spain. His mother, Rebecca fearing for his safety, also goes to Spain in search of her son, and embarks on a journey that will change her life. Goodbye Barcelona has received sold out productions in London and Barcelona. A passionate new musical which pits idealism against the realities of war, and asks the questions; "What would you do for freedom?" and "Are you ready to fight for the things you believe in?"

Reservations can be made by visiting the website at www.yorktheatre.org, or by calling the York Theatre Company Box Office at (212) 935-5820 during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.).

Currently onstage at The York Theater Company is the world premiere of the new musical revue, Inventing Mary Martin , conceived, written and directed by Stephen Cole, with music supervision and arrangements by David Krane. Inventing Mary Martin is co-directed and choreographed by Bob Richard and has music direction by Lawrence Goldberg. This "revue of a lifetime" features music and lyrics by legendary songwriters Irving Berlin, No?l Coward, Vernon Duke & Howard Dietz, Tom Jones & Harvey Schmidt, Cole Porter, Richard Rodgers & Oscar Hammerstein, Jule Styne & Carolyn Leigh, Arthur Schwartz & Howard Dietz, and Kurt Weill & Ogden Nash, among others. The four-member cast features Cameron Adams, Jason Graae, Lynne Halliday, and Emily Skinner with Bob Renino on bass and Perry Cavari on drums. Now in performance through May 25, 2014.

The York Theatre Company offers the 54th Street Membership Program, an exclusive membership package for as low as $54.00 - with elite benefits that includes a 30% discount on tickets to York Theatre Productions (2 per membership), exclusive member pre-sale opportunities, 50% off on all lobby concessions, 20% off on all lobby merchandise, in addition to special member only receptions. York Memberships may be purchased online at at www.yorktheatre.org/membership, or by calling the York Theatre Company Box Office.

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 neglected 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 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. Over 35 cast recordings from The York Theatre Company productions are now available on CD, and commercial transfers of such York premieres as The Musical of Musicals (The Musical!), Souvenir, Jolson & Company, and its acclaimed revivals of Closer Than Ever (2013 Off-Broadway Alliance Award for Best Revival), Sweeney Todd and Pacific Overtures have all showcased the importance of the York and its programs.

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