"These readings give writers a unique opportunity to get audience feedback while a show is still in progress," said producing artistic director James Morgan in a statement. The free readings will take place at The York Theatre at Saint Peter's.
A Doctor in Spite of Himself, featuring a book, music and lyrics by Sheldon Harnick (Fiddler on the Rood), will be held Feb. 20 at 7 PM. Directed by David Glenn Armstrong with musical direction by Amanda Morton, the cast features Danny Gardner (Room 17B), Tony winner Cady Huffman (The Producers), Jose Llana (Falling for Eve at The York, Wonderland), Jeff McCarthy (Urinetown), Tony nominee Brad Oscar (The Producers), Patrick Richwood (Pretty Woman), Alan Safier (Say Goodnight Gracie), Elena Shaddow (La Cage aux Folles) and Joy Hermalyn (Fiddler on the Roof). A Doctor in Spite of Himself is based on the classic comedy of manners by Moliere.
Following A Doctor in Spite of Himself will be Lunch at the Picadilly, featuring a book by Clyde Edgerton and music and lyrics by Steve Umberger, Feb. 22 at 2:30 PM. Directed by Umberger, the cast includes Mike Craver (Oil City Symphony), Rebecca Koon (“Homeland”), Mary Murfitt (Oil City Symphony), Fleur Phillips (Scapin), Trip Plymale (The Robber Bridegroom) and Trent Rhoton. The reading, a new musical about "changing the world, one rocking chair at a time," features music direction and choreography by Amy Jones.
The Gig, recipient of the York Theatre Company Noël Coward Prize, will be presented Feb. 24 at 2 PM. The work features a book, music and lyrics by Douglas J. Cohen and is based on the film of the same name by Pulitzer Prize winner Frank D. Gilroy. Directed by Igor Goldin, the cast features David Beach (Mamma Mia!), Stephen Berger (The Pajama Game), Matt Bogart (Jersey Boys), Alton Fitzgerald White (The Color Purple), Adam Heller (Baby It’s You), Philip Hoffman (On a Clear Day You Can See Forever), Tony winner Beth Leavel (The Drowsy Chaperone), Patti Murin (Lysistrata Jones), Steve Rosen (Guys and Dolls), Steve Routman (La Bête) and Tony nominee Barbara Walsh (Company). This presentation of The Gig will feature two new songs. David Evans is the musical director.
The York Theatre Company is dedicated to developing and fully producing new musicals and preserving neglected, notable shows from the past. The Developmental Reading Series presents between 30-40 readings and workshops of new musicals by emerging and established authors. York's past Mainstage productions of Yank!, Souvenir and The Musical of Musicals (The Musical!) were first developed in the Developmental Reading Series, where the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical Avenue Q also made its first appearance. The York Theatre at Saint Peter's is located at 54th Street (east of Lexington). For more information and to make reservations, visit www.yorktheatre.org.
