New Musical HEATHER SMILEY FOR PRESIDENT to Open Off-Broadway

Theater for the New City (Executive Director, Crystal Field) presents the world premiere of the musical comedy Heather Smiley for President, which will begin previews on Thursday, October 1st, at the Theater for the New City (155 First Avenue at 10th Street), with an opening set for Sunday, October 11th. The musical has a book and lyrics by Tom Attea with music composed by Arthur Abrams. The production is directed by Mark Marcante and choreographed by Angela Harriell. Heather Smiley for President will play a limited engagement through October 25th. Tickets are $15 ($10 for seniors) and can be purchased online at www.TheaterfortheNewCity.net or http://www.smarttix.com or at the box office and by calling 212-254-1109.

In a story strikingly similar to the daily headlines, Heather Smiley for President follows a female Democratic candidate as she struggles to appeal to voters amid an ever-growing field of Republican and Democratic candidates. She's already resided on Pennsylvania Avenue as the nation's First Lady, and now she believes it's her turn to call the Oval Office her own.

Featured in the cast of 15 are: Rebecca Holt-Gilmore, Todd Lewis, Melissa Carlile-Price, David Slone, Jacob Storms, Joris Stuyck, Carol Tammen and Nellesa Walthour

Costumes are designed by Lytza Colon, with lighting designed by Alexander Bartenieff and sound designed by Alex Santullo.

Tom Attea (book and lyrics) has written 11 other produced shows, beginning with Brief Chronicles of the Time, which was presented by The Actors Studio, where he was a member of The Playwrights Unit for 10 years. He has written the book and lyrics for nine musicals and two plays that have been presented by Theater for the New City. Tom received a TNC/Jerome Foundation emerging playwright grant and is a member of The Dramatists Guild.

Arthur Abrams (composer) began his collaboration with Tom Attea at the Actors Studio, while working with director Charles Friedman on the revue Brief Chronicles of the Time, the first of many shows on which they've collaborated. Abrams has been honored with numerous awards including a DAAD music fellowship to Mannheim, Germany, a scholarship to the Orff Institute at the Mozarteum in Salzburg, Austria, and a "Meet the Composer" grant for the score of The Golden Bear. He is a member of the Dramatists Guild.

Mark Marcante (director) has directed Rizzante Returns From The War, Benny's Barber Shop, Promises Best Kept, British Music Hall, Strangely Wonderful and One Director Against His Cast, written by Crystal Field, which premiered in Italy. He worked and toured with The People's Theater Company, Theater East and The Guthsville Playhouse. Mr. Marcante was the theatrical and technical consultant for the Arts Connection. He is a graduate of Kutztown University, studied and performed Commedia Dell'arte with Alessandro Bressanello and Michael Conenna from the T.A.G Theatre of Venice. This is his eleventh production with Tom Attea and Arthur Abrams.

Angela Harriell (choreographer) has worked with Attea, Abrams, and Marcante on five previous musicals. She is the director and choreographer of the popular Nutcracker: Rated R, as well as the founder and choreographer of the theatrical dance company, The Love Show. Angela has danced with Elisa Monte and David Brown Dance, Randy James Danceworks, Brooklyn Ballet, Opera Francais De New York, The Box, and was a professor teaching ballet at Binghamton University. Cointreau, Vogue magazine, The BBC, and Dom Perignon have commissioned pieces from her. Angela was commissioned to create original choreography for the New York screening of The Antics Roadshow, a new film.

The playing schedule for Heather Smiley for President is as follows: Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 8 PM and Sundays at 3 PM. Tickets are $15 ($10 for seniors) and can be purchased online at www.TheaterfortheNewCity.net or http://www.smarttix.com or at the box office and by calling 212-254-1109.

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