Gatsby: The Songs in Concert is part of NYMF's latest slew of announced works, which include five full productions, readings of three new musicals and a host of special events.
With a book by Tony Award winner Wheeler (A Little Night Music), music by Pockriss (Earnest in Love) and lyrics Tony nominee Leigh (Peter Pan, Little Me), Gatsby was originally slated to arrive on Broadway in 1970 but never materialized. It will now be seen in a special concert presentation directed by Ben West (How Now Dow Jones, Platinum) for UnsungMusicalsCo. Inc.
Additional presentations include BALLS!...the Musical?!? (book and lyrics by Bret Carr, Mick Bonde, Brandon Ellis, Michael "Tuba" McKinsey and Nick Verinam, music by various composers); Blanche: The Bittersweet Life of a Wild Prairie Dame (book and lyrics by Onalea Gilbertson and music by Gilbertson, Jonathan Lewis and Morag Northey); Ma Femme, Ma Blonde, et Ma Roulotte (book by Betsy Kelso, music and lyrics by David Nehls); Step Show (written and choreographed by Maxine Lyle); and Tempest Toss'd (conceived by Sarah Rosenberg and Luis Reyes Cardenas, adapted by Rosenberg, with music and lyrics by Eric Luke and Shakespeare).
NYMF 2011 full productions follow:
The Big Bank
Book by Daniel Seligmann
Lyrics by Jacob and Daniel Seligmann
Music by Jacob Seligmann
"The Big Bank has an insatiable appetite for foreclosure. But its rising star, Stuart Stevens, has lost his passion for repossession and is falling in love with Iris, the owner of a flower shop who has recently defaulted on her mortgage. Meanwhile, a radical environmentalist and his precocious 11-year-old daughter, Parsley, set out to bring down the bank by any means necessary… It’s a timely musical for all ages!" Crazy, Just Like Me
Book by Drew Gasparini and Louis Sacco
Music and lyrics by Gasparini
Directed by Stephen Augusto
"Best friends since diapers, Simon and Mike hit turbulence when personal epiphanies promise to change their relationship forever. As the newly-engaged Mike faces new responsibilities, Simon endures an awkward blind date and a string of therapy sessions before experiencing a revelation of his own. A musical comedy about friendship and discovery, Crazy, Just Like Me shows just how crazy love can be – especially when you're in love with your best friend."
Ghostlight
Book, music, and lyrics by Matthew Martin and Tim Realbuto
Directed by Matthew Martin and Realbuto
"According to backstage lore, the ghost of a Ziegfeld Follies star haunts the New Amsterdam Theatre. Ghostlight excavates the true story of Olive Thomas, a small-town girl who rises to headline alongside Fanny Brice. Seduced by the decadent world of the theatre, Olive stumbles into a secret affair, an unfulfilling Hollywood marriage, and a downward spiral into drugs and alcohol. An homage to Broadway’s Golden Age, Ghostlight captures the glamorous and tragic lives of those who changed the face of the American musical forever."
Greenwood
Book, Music, and lyrics by Tor Hyams and Adam LeBow
Directed by Paul Stancato
"Brimming with hilarity and heart, Greenwood is the story of long-lost performing arts camp friends who reconnect decades later through social networking. Though adulthood has led them far from each other and even further from their true selves, the milestone anniversary of a special summer reunites them unexpectedly. Their past and present selves come crashing together and sparks fly, illuminating the way to the future."
Kissless
Book, music and lyrics by Chance McClain
"An awkward misfit is forced to live with an uber-jock and his quirky family over summer break. An inconvenient love develops, threatening the rigid social structure of Forest Glen High School. Kissless’ score bounces from pop to rock to traditional Broadway to country … with a little 'Glee' glitter on top. This production features a cast of Texas teenagers, descending upon the Big Apple with stars in their eyes, just enough money for a fake ID and an 'I Heart NY' tattoo, and every intention of rocking your world."
Readings include Huckleberry Haywood, a spunk rock musical (book by Stephen Tyler Davis, additional story by Kristine Bogan, Abby Burke, Renee McCurry and Heather Shields, music by Taylor Bridges and lyrics by Davis and Bridges); Many Happy Returns (book by Carey Ramos, based on an original story by Ramos and Catrina Bentley, music and lyrics by Lamont Dozier); and Marry Me (book by Daniel Korb, lyrics by Daniel and Darren Korb, music by Darren Korb).
The eighth annual NYMF will run Sept. 26-Oct. 16. Visit NYMF.
