Photo Coverage: 'The People vs. Mona' at the York Theatre

The complete cast included Marcie Henderson, Marc Kudisch, Christiane Noll, Ron Raines, Omri Schein, Natalie Toro and Lillias White.  Rob Mikulski is music director, Annette Jolles directs. The entire company recorded the show the following day for London's Jay Records.
 
The People vs. Mona involves Mona Mae Katt, who is on trial for the murder of her husband. She is also owner of The Frog Pad, the long-time musical heart of Tippo, a small town in Georgia. Prosecutor Mavis Frye knows Mona's conviction would make it possible to tear down The Frog Pad and build a lucrative casino, changing the community forever. In the kind of coincidence that could only be possible in small town America, defense attorney Jim Summerford happens to be the prosecutor's fiancé, and he soon finds himself unexpectedly attracted to Mona. There are several surprise twists as the fate of a small town hangs on the verdict.  Seven actor/singers play all the roles in a multicultural cast, accompanied by three onstage musicians. 
 
The music in The People vs. Mona combines folk, blues, gospel, jazz, rock, musical comedy, school anthem, marching band and bossa nova with a theatrical sensibility.  A series of workshops and productions, including an off-Broadway staging last fall, have led to the final revised version that will be presented at the York. The New York Times called The People vs. Mona "a diverting musical confection," and Variety said that it "delivers a hootin' good time!" –Variety
 
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 more than three 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 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 25 cast recordings from York Theatre Company productions are now available on CD, and commercial transfers of such York productions as The Musical of Musicals – The Musical!, Souvenir, Jolson & Company, and acclaimed revivals of Sweeney Todd, and Pacific Overtures have all showcased the importance of the York and its programs. York's Musicals in Mufti Series, which offers rarely seen works from the past, has produced more titles than any other musical theatre concert series, and is the only series that has presented works from on Broadway and off, as well as from London's West End. The Tony Award-winning Broadway hit Avenue Q made its first appearance as part of York's Developmental Reading Series, which presents over 40 free readings of new musicals every year.

For more information please visit www.yorktheatre.org

 
The cast of The People vs. Mona just before going on stage at the York Theatre: Lillias White, Marcie Henderson, Omri Schein, Natalie Toro, Christiane Noll, Ron Raines and Marc Kudisch

The cast and musicians for The People vs. Mona at the York Theatre: (back row, standing) bass guitarist Ritt Henn, Ron Raines, Marc Kudisch, guitarist Dan Weiss, Omri Schein, and pianist Bob Gustafson. (front row, seated) Lillias White, Christiane Noll, Natalie Toro, and Marcie Henderson

(back row, standing) Director Annette Jolles, bass guitarist Ritt Henn, Ron Raines, Marc Kudisch, guitarist Dan Weiss, Omri Schein and pianist Bob Gustafson, Patricia Miller, Jim Wann and Patricia Miller. (front row, seated) Lillias White, Christiane Noll, Natalie Toro and Marcie Henderson

Patricia Miller and Jim Wann, co-authors of The People vs. Mona

Broadway baritones Marc Kudisch and Ron Raines, just before show time at the York Theatre

Lillias White and York Theatre Board member Robert Goldberg

Lillias White and CD producer John Yap

Natalie Toro and Christiane Noll

Marc Kudisch autographs posters for The People vs. Mona

Ron Raines and The York Theatre Producing Artistic Director James Morgan

Omri Schein and his girlfriend Elizabeth

Marc Kudisch, Natalie Toro, James Morgan, Christiane Noll and John Yap at the post-performance party for The People vs. Mona

Photo Credit: John Kenrick