The new thriller by Karen Lewis will be directed by Tony Award choreography nominee, Hope Clarke (Jelly's Last Jam, The Tempest). The score uses period music from the early 20th century.

Lewis told Playbill On-Line: "Years ago I purchased an old knife in an antique store in Hallowell, Maine. As unique and attractive as it is, I do not collect knives. I don't give a damn about knives. I bought this one because of the tag tied to its handle. It identified the dagger as a murder weapon. It gave the name, age, and race of the deceased; likewise for the attacker. It bore the exact address where the crime took place, the date, and the outcome of the trial."

Lewis said Florence & Carrie, a racially-charged murder mystery, "is about dreams and disappointments, innocence and cynicism, dangers easily identified and those unsuspected and unrecognized. The play takes place in the long ago world of New York City in 1910 and 1911. In many ways we haven't changed at all."

The cast of 10 includes Beth Glover, Jason Crowl, Shauntay L. William, Ryan Hilliard, John Moss, Spencer Scott Barros, Paul Kelly, Kenneth Cantor, Tina Fabrique and Judith Van Buren. Musical director is Sheldon Forrest.

The Broadway Theater Institute is located at 210 W. 50th Street, Second Floor. For reservations, call producing director Bick Goss at (212) 956-5481, ext. 203.