Contact Tony Nominee Yates to Star in NYMF Dance Musical Platforms

By Adam Hetrick
September 6, 2007

Deborah Yates, a Tony nominee for her portrayal of The Girl in the Yellow Dress in the Tony-winning musical Contact, will star opposite Ted Levy (Black & Blue, Jelly’s Last Jam) in the world premiere of the dance narrative musical Platforms for the New York Musical Theatre Festival.

Conceived by Holly-Anne Ruggiero — directorial assistant for Broadway's Jersey Boys, 700 Sundays and Dracula The Musical — and playwright Delaney Britt Brewer, Platforms uses dance, dialogue and music to tell the story of a "Midwestern couple separated on a crowded New York subway platform. Now, they'll each find new adventures, friends, and perspectives before they find each other," according to press materials.

Several noted choreographers will contribute their work to Platforms creating a diverse palette of movement; they include Twyla Tharp Ballet Master Ron De Jesus (Movin' Out), Linda Goodrich (Goodspeed's High Button Shoes), Nick Kenkel (Broadway Bares), Matt Williams (assistant to Jerry Mitchell on the 2003 Gypsy revival) and Fosse protégé Jeff Shade (Sweet Charity, Chicago).

Ruggiero will direct Yates and Levy as the lead couple with a cast that also includes Albert Blaise Cattafi, Donielle Janora, Matt Anctil, Matthew Steffens, Monette McKay, Ron Nahass, Trevor Downey, Zachary Denison and Eric Rubbe.

Platforms will run Oct. 2–6 at the Theater at St. Clement's, located in Manhattan at 423 West 46th Street. Tickets are available by calling (212) 352-3101 or by visiting www.NYMF.org.