Buonopane, Burden, Deitch and Hicks to Read 999 B.C. at the York

By Adam Hetrick
31 Jul 2009

Casting has been announced for the York Theatre Company reading of the Bob Larimer jazz musical, 999 B.C., which will be presented beginning Aug. 3.

Reagan Fletcher directs the musical that features book and lyrics by Larimer with music from the "jazz instrumentals of the 1940s." Randy Redd (What's That Smell?) serves as musical director. 999 B.C. is presented Aug. 3 and 4 at 7:30 PM.

The cast includes Todd Buonopane (Grease), Cole Burden (Applause), Kathy Deitch (Wicked), Rachael Ferrara, Michael Hicks, Alyse Alan Louis, Jillian Louis (Shlomo), Rodney Peck, Jacob Pinion, and Kevin Reed (The Visit).

According to press notes, "This jazz musical is a humorous take on the biblical tale of Jonah and the whale. As the Bible tells it, Jonah heard the voice of God commanding him to go to Nineveh 'for its wickedness hath come before me.' When he took his assignment lightly, the Lord wreaked His vengeance, and the poor boy ended up spending three days inside a whale. In 999 B.C., we learn that Jonah disobeyed God because he was pursuing the Jewish princess of his dreams."

Reservations are required for the free readings. E-mail Jlandsman@yorktheatre.org and include name, phone number, the show's title and the number of tickets, or phone (212) 935-5824, ext. 24.

For more information visit YorkTheatre.