George Lillo's London Merchant, Featuring Spencer Aste, Harlan Work, Megan Stern, Begins Jan. 6

By Michael Gioia
06 Jan 2012

Spencer Aste
Spencer Aste

The Storm Theatre Company, under the artistic direction of Peter Dobbins, presents the New York and North American premiere of George Lillo's The London Merchant beginning Jan. 6 at the Theatre at the Church of Notre Dame.

The limited engagement, directed by Dobbins, continues through Jan. 28. The cast features Spencer Aste, Joe Danbusky, Michelle Kafel, Jessica Myhr, Megan Stern, Patrick Woodall and Harlan Work.

The London Merchant, according to press notes, is "the story of a young apprentice led astray by a courtesan." The play, also known as The History of George Barnwell, was originally performed in 1731. The play concentrated on the struggles of the working class, which up to that time had not been featured on stage.

Other members of the creative team include assistant director Stephen Logan Day, set designer Ken Larsen, lighting designer Michael Abrams, costume designer Maria Kousoulos and sound designer David Thomas.

The Storm Theatre has been presenting productions since its creation in 1997. The London Merchant is a co-production with Blackfriars Repertory Theatre. Blackfriars Rep was founded in 1998 by Fr. Peter John Cameron as a revival of Blackfriars Theatre (1940-1972)—the first professional religious theatre ever tried in New York City.

Theatre at the Church of Notre Dame is located at 405 West 114th Street (at Morningside Drive). For more information and tickets, call (212) 868-4444 or visit www.smartix.com.