Part of the New York Musical Theatre Festival, The Woman Upstairs will offer performances Sept. 23-Oct. 2 at the 47th Street Theatre.
A hip hop musical with a cast of 14, the musical also features Aaron Ramey, Deb Heinig and Aaron Berk in principal roles. The musical is a collaboration between the writing team of Brian Lowdermilk (music and lyrics) and Kait Kerrigan (book and concept). Kerrigan also directs the 150-minute musical.
Set in present-day New York, The Woman Upstairs, according to production notes, concerns two "warring neighbors — one a physicist and the other a violinist — [who] develop a surprising attachment despite their deep incompatibility." Deb Heinig plays the title role of the woman upstairs, who rebuffs the advances of her lesbian boss, played by Shindle. Shindle also clashes with her downstairs neighbor, played by Ramey, and fires her bi-polar underling, played by Fraser.
Alison Fraser received Tony nominations for her performances in Romance/Romance and The Secret Garden, and her other Broadway credits include The Mystery of Edwin Drood and the 1996 revival of Tartuffe. She created the role of Trina in William Finn's In Trousers and March of the Falsettos and reprised that role in the anniversary concert for Playwrights Horizons. Her other Off-Broadway credits include roles in Up Against It, The Green Heart, Beehive and Swingtime Canteen. Fraser most recently starred in the George Street Playhouse's production of Lips Together, Teeth Apart.
Kate Shindle earned the title of Miss America in 1998. She portrayed Sally Bowles in the Roundabout revival of Cabaret and also appeared on Broadway as Lucy in Jekyll & Hyde. Shindle took part in the all-star benefit concert of Children of Eden and was recently seen in the remake of "The Stepford Wives." The Woman Upstairs will play Sept. 23 at 8 PM, Sept. 24 at 4:30 PM, Sept. 30 at 1 PM, Oct. 1 at 11 PM, Oct. 2 at 8 PM and Oct. 3 at 8 PM. All shows will be held at the 47th Street Theatre at 304 West 47th Street. Tickets, priced at $15, are available by calling (212) 352-3101. Visit www.nymf.org for more information.
