The original cast of The Last Smoker in America, which was seen Off-Broadway in 2012, reunites in concert September 25 at Feinstein’s/54 Below.
The Last Smoker in America features a book and lyrics by two-time Tony nominee Bill Russell (Side Show, Pageant), music by Drama Desk nominee Peter Melnick (Adrift in Macao) and direction by Andy Sandberg (Straight, Application Pending).
The 9:30 PM concert features the entire original cast, including Drama Desk nominee Farah Alvin (The Marvelous Wonderettes, It Shoulda Been You), Natalie Venetia Belcon (Avenue Q, Matilda), Drama Desk nominee John Bolton (A Christmas Story, Dames at Sea, Anastasia) and Jake Boyd (Wicked, Rock of Ages).
Featuring music direction by Andrea Grody, who also plays piano, the evening reunites Perry Cavari (drums), Steve Count (bass) and Matt Hinkley (guitar).
The Last Smoker in America, according to press notes, “delivers explosive satire and smoking wit, along with a thrilling rock score that leaves you craving for more. In a world where smoking has recently been outlawed and the penalties are growing stricter by the minute, Pam is having an impossible time trying to quit. Her husband Ernie dreams of being a rock star and relentlessly practices his guitar in the basement, while their videogame-addicted son Jimmy listens to so much rap music he thinks he’s black. As if Pam isn’t pushed to the edge of reason already, her nosy, anti-smoking zealot neighbor Phyllis is on a mission to catch transgressors mid-puff. Will Pam kick the habit or fight for her right to light up?”
The Last Smoker in America opened at The Westside Theatre August 2, 2012. It featured choreography by AC Ciulla and music supervision and arrangements by Fred Lassen. The original cast album, released by Yellow Sound Label in 2013, is available on Amazon, iTunes and YellowSoundLabel.com.
Feinstein’s/54 Below is located at 254 West 54th Street. For more information and tickets, visit 54Below.com or call (646) 476-3551. For additional information about The Last Smoker, visit LastSmoker.com.
(Updated September 25, 2016)
