Produced by Well Rounded Productions and Esther Cohen, the reading features the talents of Annie Golden (Ratkin), Carey Brown (Mary), Collin Donnell (Chester), Davis Gaines (Eddie), Kevyn Morrow (Constable Neill) and Erica Schroeder (Kate) with Tom Flagg, Zachary James, Frank Moran, Dominic Sahagun, Edward Prostak, Jacqui Polk, Jaclyn Burns, Lydia Gladstone, Holly Holcomb, Gil Brady, Kevin Loreque, Amanda Serra, Deborah Tyre and James Zannelli. Show time is 7:30 PM.
Ripper features book, music and lyrics by Duane Nelsen. Stephen Amato directs the reading with musical direction by Mike Morris.
In the new musical, according to the Ripper website, "the Dickensian characters of the show — from the reporter who covers the story, to the brothel owner, the police, and of course the prostitutes — are brought together by an intricate plot that interweaves multiple story lines, the everyday bustle of London's East End, the lively nightlife of the music halls, and the ever-present danger of a killer lurking in the shadows."
Annie Golden was recently seen Off-Broadway in Mimi Le Duck. The actress has provided acclaimed supporting turns in shows such as Broadway's The Full Monty, On the Town and Ah! Wilderness!, as well as the original Off-Broadway production of Assassins.
Davis Gaines received the Bay Area Critics' Award for Best Actor for his work as the Phantom in the West Coast production of The Phantom of the Opera, a role he repeated on Broadway. His other theatrical credits include the world premiere of Whistle Down the Wind as well as Encores! The Boys From Syracuse; Hello, Dolly!; Forbidden Broadway and The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. Gaines has sung with virtually every major symphony orchestra in North America, and his two solo recordings, "Against the Tide" and "All My Tomorrows: Songs of Sammy Cahn," are available on LAP Records. Those interested in attending can make reservations by visiting the official Ripper website at www.ripperthemusical.com. New World Stages is located in Manhattan at 340 West 50th Street.
