Avenue Q Star to Be Part of Last Smoker in America Reading

By Andrew Gans
20 Oct 2006

Natalie Belcon, who created the role of Gary Coleman in Broadway's Avenue Q, will be part of the upcoming readings of The Last Smoker in America and Patter for the Floating Lady.

Part of the York Theatre Company's Developmental Reading Series, the Nov. 6 presentation will also feature Dirty Rotten Scoundrels' Rachel deBenedet, Landscape of the Body's Paul Iacono and Mamma Mia!'s David McDonald. Show time is 7:30 PM.

Both works feature music by Peter Melnick and book and lyrics by Bill Russell. Sheryl Kaller will direct the readings with musical direction by Fred Lassen. Andy Sandberg is the assistant director.

The Last Smoker in America concerns a college professor named Joyce who "can't give up cigarettes, even as anti-smoking laws become more and more Draconian. After running off with the few remaining smoking renegades, she returns home to judgment and mayhem." Patter for the Floating Lady is based on Steve Martin's one-act play.

The York Theatre Company is located at Saint Peter's Theatre in Citigroup Center at 619 Lexington Avenue. Although the performance is free, reservations are recommended by calling (212) 935-5824, ext. 24. Visit www.yorktheatre.org for more information.