OH, COWARD! And THE MAD SHOW Added To York's Summer

The award-winning York Theatre Company (James Morgan, Producing Artistic Director) has announced the other two titles for its upcoming Summer 2011 Musicals in Mufti Concert Series-the York's acclaimed series of musical theatre gems in staged concert performances. Oh, Coward! (July 15-17) and The Mad Show (July 29-31). Both shows had significant runs at Off-Broadway's New Theatre, which stood at 154 East 54th Street, just East of where York performs today; it was torn down so the Citicorp Building could be built.

The two shows join Gretchen Cryer and Nancy Ford's I'm Getting My Act Together and Taking It on the Road and Still Getting My Act Together, which will be presented in repertory from June 19-26. This summer's Mufti Series will also serve as the kick-off for York's 42nd Season: "York Celebrates Off-Broadway," which will also include Mainstage productions and other special events dedicated to commemorating Off-Broadway musicals. York's Musicals in Mufti series has presented over 75 shows from the past in simply-staged concert format; Mufti means "in street clothes, without the trappings associated with the original productions. Individual tickets for both shows will also be available at the regular Mufti price of $39.50.

Show info:
Oh, Coward!
Words and Music by Noël Coward
Devised by Roderick Cook
Presented as a nod to next year's Coward Centennial, Oh, Coward! is a revue of material from the Noël Coward library that premiered in 1972. The show intersperses some of Coward's best songs with writings and anecdotes from his life. Witty, melodic and as dry as a glass of great champagne, Sir Noël's work is unparalleled in its sophisticated style and ability to entertain theatre lovers of all ages. The New York Times called it "Ingenious & very, very funny!" Michael Montel will return to direct his 18th Mufti, more than any other director.

The Mad Show
Based on MAD Magazine
Book by Larry Siegel and Stan Hart
Lyrics by Marshall Barer, Larry Siegel and Steven Vinaver
Music by Mary Rodgers
The Mad Show premiered in 1966. A comic revue filled with songs, sketches and the irreverent humor in the style of the ever-popular Mad magazine, the original production featured Linda Lavin and Jo Anne Worley. While spoofing everything from television commercials to the generation gap, The Mad Show includes the timeless and hilarious sketch, "How to Be President." The Mad Show will be directed by Carl Andress (The Divine Sister, last year's Mufti of I Love My Wife)

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. Over the past two seasons, York productions and artists have been nominated for a combined 19 Drama Desk, Lucille Lortel, Outer Critics Circle, Drama League, Off Broadway Alliance, AUDELCO and Callaway Awards (and its productions of Yank! A WWII Love Story and Enter Laughing, The Musical have both been announced for Broadway). 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 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 Sweeney Todd and Pacific Overtures have all showcased the importance of the York and its programs.

GENERAL INFO:

2011 Musicals in Mufti Concert Series:
Oh, Coward!
Words and Music by Noël Coward
Devised by Roderick Cook
July 15-17, 2011

The Mad Show
Based on MAD Magazine
Book by Larry Siegel and Stan Hart
Lyrics by Marshall Barer, Larry Siegel and Steven Vinaver
Music by Mary Rodgers
July 29-31, 2011

Previously announced:
I'm Still Getting My Act Together and Taking It on the Road
and Still Getting My Act Together
Book and Lyrics by Gretchen Cryer
Music by Nancy Ford
June 19-26, 2011 (Running together in rep)

Regular Tickets: $39.50
($67.50 Combo Tickets available for Cryer and Ford shows)
www.yorktheatre.org or 212-935-5820

York Theatre Company at Saint Peter's
Enter on 54th Street Just East of Lexington
E or M train to Lexington Avenue or 6 train to 51st Street

www.yorktheatre.org

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