The one-act musical, based on the children's book by late Tony and Pulitzer Prize winning playwright Wendy Wasserstein, features a score by three-time Tony Award winning composer Cy Coleman, with lyrics by Tony winner David Zippel.
Pamela's First Musical was one of several projects Tony Award-winning composer Coleman was working on at the time of his sudden death in fall 2004. Nearly completed at the time of Coleman's passing, the production was further delayed following the death of Wendy Wasserstein in 2006. Zippel and Graciela Daniele continued to work on the musical through various workshops. The May 18 performance at Town Hall marks the first public presentation of Pamela's First Musical.
Tony nominee Daniele stages the May 18 event at Town Hall, that will also star Broadway luminaries Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty (Ragtime, Once On This Island), Christine Ebersole (Grey Gardens), Tommy Tune (My One and Only), Carolee Carmello (Mamma Mia!), Richard Kind (The Producers), Sandy Duncan (Chicago), Gregg Edelman (Wonderful Town), Christian Borle (Legally Blonde), Adam Heller (Caroline, Or Change), Robert Klein (The Sisters Rosensweig), David Garrison (Wicked) and Kathie Lee Gifford (Annie, Putting it Together).
The young actress to portray the role of Pamela will be announced shortly. Additional names are expected to be added to the starry roster.
Pamela's First Musical "tells the story of a young girl from the suburbs who spends an unforgettable birthday with her eccentric, sophisticated Aunt Louise (Murphy) attending a lavish Broadway production and meeting all the glamorous, creative people who made it possible," press notes state. The May 18 performance is billed as the first public presentation of the musical. The 3 PM concert will be followed by a reception at Sardi's, which figures into a scene from Pamela's First Musical. Proceeds benefit Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and Theatre Development Fund's Open Doors Program, which Wasserstein founded.
Tickets and packages, ranging $60-$1000, are available by phoning (212) 840-0770 ext. 268 or by visiting www.BroadwayCares.org.
