Set in 1980, From My Hometown follows the journeys of three singing strangers — from Philadelphia, Detroit and Memphis — to New York City on their quest to headline at the Apollo Theatre. The new musical, subtitled An R&B Experience, was conceived by Lee Summers and features a book by Summers, Ty Stephens and Herbert Rawlings. From My Hometown made its world premiere at the Milwaukee Repertory Theater in 1988. Among the classic R&B hits included in the musical were "Dock of the Bay," "Try a Little Tenderness," "Land of a Thousand Dances," "Have You Seen Her?," "Higher and Higher," "Love & Happiness," "Hold On I'm Comin'," and "Tobacco Road." The show also interpolates original songs by Summers, Stephens and Will Barrow.
As Playbill On-Line previously reported, Kevin Ramsey will direct with choreography by Leslie Dockery and Jo-Lynn Burks will serve as musical director. Donna Trinkoff presents the New York premiere with associate producers Ben Blake and Lee Summers.
For more information on From My Hometown, and Amas Musical Theatre, visit www.amasmusical.org.