Photo Flash: First Look at Abigail Shapiro in LIBERTY at Theatre 80

Abigail Shapiro plays the title role in Liberty: A Monumental New Musical. Directed by Evan Pappas, the new musical will play a limited seven-week engagement at Theatre 80 (80 St. Marks Place) through Tuesday, November 25, 2014. Check out a first look below!

At 14 years old, Abigail Shapiro has performed on stages all across the country, including Madison Square Garden as "Cindy Lou Who" in How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Abigail and her younger sister Milly (Matilda) have just released their debut album, "Live at 54 Below: Live Out Loud!"

Joining Shapiro are Emma Rosenthal (Brigadoon) as "Emma Lazurus," Ben McHugh (Mamma Mia!) as "Walker,"Cheryl Stern (La Cage aux Folles) as "Moscowitz / Schuyler," Tom Souhrada (Mary Poppins) as "McKay / Pulitzer,"Ryan Duncan (Shrek) as "Goodleaf," C. Mingo Long (South Pacific) as "Samuel," and Andrew DiTusa as "Giovanni."

Liberty: A Monumental New Musical features a book and lyrics by Dana Leslie Goldstein with music by Jon Goldsteinand tells the story of a determined, young French immigrant who arrives alone in New York Harbor in 1884. The powerful, sweeping new musical follows Liberty as she struggles to find her place in the ever- evolving country she's come to symbolize. Liberty: A Monumental New Musical was adapted from original material by Dana Leslie Goldstein,Jon Goldstein, and Robert Bruce McIntosh.

Currently preparing for an expanded Off-Broadway run, Liberty: A Monumental New Musical will play four performances weekly for the general public and school groups. The new musical made its world premiere as a full production in 2012 at the Warner Theatre in Torrington, Connecticut to rave reviews. The musical has been the centerpiece of many events celebrating the Statue of Liberty, including the 125th Anniversary and the reopening of the crown. High-profile readings and workshop presentations have featured the talents of Diana DeGarmo, Sasha Allen, and Dee Roscioli in the role of "Liberty."

The creative team for Liberty: A Monumental New Musical also includes musical direction and arrangements by Jeffrey Lodin, sets by Tim Golebiewski and costumes by Debbi Hobson. R. Erin Craig is Executive Producer and General Management is by La Vie Productions.

The performance schedule for Liberty: A Monumental New Musical will be as follows: Mondays at 2 p.m.; Tuesdays at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.; and Sundays at 6 p.m. Single tickets are $69 and are available online atwww.libertythemusical.com or www.theatre80.net. Discounted tickets are available for students and groups of 10 or more. For more information on group sales or for help arranging a group, please email toni@realemn.com.

Photos by Zach Payne

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