The first musical presented will be Oklahomo, by Jesse Gage, on Dec. 5. Mark Robinson will direct the 7 PM reading that will have musical direction by Doug Oberhamer. Reed Ridgley produces.
Here's how it's billed: "Oklahomo is a rocking musical about Dave and Gary, two oversized men in undersized spandex fighting for their right to love and live. It is a timeless underdog tale that tackles issues of gay rights and discrimination, and also has crotch blasting love rays, singing vaginas, a Jesus look-a-like and Rupaul."
On Dec. 12 at 7 PM, TRU will offer Famous, by Yvonne Adrian (book), Cheryl Stern (lyrics) and Tom Kochan (music). Christine O'Grady will direct with music direction by Seth Weinstein. Jamibeth Margolis, Chris Massimine and Cate Cammarata produce.
"Famous," according to the creators, "tells the story of Lila and Teresa, two 1940s runaways together hoping to transcend their unhappy family lives for solace and fortune in Hollywood's limelight. Immersed in a shady world run by a crooked LAPD, despotic movie moguls, and untouchable politicians puppeteering every move leading one of the girls to fame and leaving the other girl with a crimson smile, this original musical merges a contemporary score with the film noir world to create a unique look at friendship, love, ambition and the corruption of innocent dreams."
The final reading on Dec. 19 at 7 PM will be Through the Door by Judy Freed (book) and Laurence Mark Wythe (music and lyrics). Butler (Catch Me If You Can, Hairspray, Xanadu) leads a cast that will be directed by David Lee. Stuart McMeans is musical director. Kenny Howard is producer. Here's how Through the Door is billed: "Charlotte and Lenny love each other. But lately it seems like their lives have been on different paths. He's working like crazy, while she's at home looking for a job and feeling like a failure. Then one day a mysterious portal opens in the kitchen pantry, bringing Charlotte face-to-face with Jean-Pierre, 17th-century French prince who thinks she's pretty hot."
All readings will take place at the he Roy Arias Theatre, located at 300 W. 43rd Street, 5th Floor, Studio 500. Admission is free. For reservations phone (212) 714-7628 or e-mail [email protected].
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The TRU Voices New Play Reading Series encourages submissions from emerging and established producers who are interested in testing the waters with a new work, and offers an opportunity for them to forge relationships with writers. TRU also accepts submissions from writers and tries to match them with a sponsoring producer for the series.
