Buoyed by the success of their exploration into the folk stylings of Woody Guthrie's American Song (a Drama Desk Musical Revue nominee), The Melting Pot Theatre will explore another genre of early twentieth century pop music, ragtime. Fables in Slang - A Ragtime Revue by Gene Jones will play at NY's Theatre Three, April 21-May 30. The Melting Pot production officially opens on April 25. Based on the writings of humorist George Ade, Fables explores the jumpy tunes of the ragtime-era utilizing songs composed by Scott Joplin, Irving Berlin and Bert Williams.
Nick Corley (world premiere of Civil War) will direct a cast including Nancy Anderson (Public Theatre's Wild Party), Elizabeth Arnold (Phantom), Jeff Edgerton (Parade), Jones (The Fantasticks, Big River, Joe Turner's Come and Gone) and Michael Mandell (A New Brian, and The Christmas Carol).
This is Melting Pot's third season presenting multi-cutural theater in an effort to reflect the ethnic diversity of the city.
Peter Muir provides the arrangements and musical direction, with Jennifer Paulson Lee choreographing such dances as "The Grizzly Bear" and "The Turkey Trot." Designers include Todd Potter on sets, Daryl A. Stone on costumes and Stephen Petrilli on lighting.
For tickets ($35), call Ticket Central at (212) 279-4200.
-- By Sean McGrath
