Alison, Daniels, Kantor & More Set For York Theatre Co Readings

The award-winning York Theatre Company (James Morgan, Producing Artistic Director) announces casting for Paradise Tossed and Falling to Earth, the next offerings in its acclaimed Developmental Reading Series. As always, these readings are open to the general public and admission is free, but reservations are suggested and can be obtained by e-mailing Reading Series Coordinator Jeff Landsman at jlandsman@yorktheatre.org or calling 212-935-5824 x24.

Paradise Tossed

Book by Joe DiPietro; Music by Bret Simmons

Lyrics by David Howard

Based on the play, Adam Alone, by David Howard

Thursday, September 24, 2009 • 3 PM

The cast of Paradise Tossed features Beth Alison, Nikki Renèe Daniels (Nine), Tony Award nominee Robin de Jesus (In the Heights), Nehal Joshi (The Threepenny Opera), Adam Kantor (Rent), and Pearl Sun (Happiness). Paradise Tossed features a book by Joe DiPietro (Memphis, The Toxic Avenger), music by Bret Simmons and lyrics by David Howard.

Creation is going exactly according to plan. Eve, curious about what lies beyond the Garden of Eden, and positively obsessed with the idea of something that's forbidden, eats the apple. Then Adam...doesn't. How exactly God is going to get his children together so they can create the human race is anybody's guess. Paradise Tossed is an unconventional retelling of the world's first love story filled with unexpected twists and turns until Adam and Eve finally realizes that paradise isn't a place at all...

Falling to Earth

Book & Lyrics by Tom Gualtieri 

Book & Music by David Sisco

Tuesday, September 29, 2009 • 3 PM

The cast of Falling to Earth features Harry Bouvy (Spamalot), Cheryl Freeman (The Who's Tommy), Chris Hoch (Shrek) and Lauren Molina (Rock of Ages).

Falling to Earth is a serio-comic retelling of Pygmalion & Galatea, set in ancient Cyprus, but filtered through a skewed, contemporary lens. Pygmalion, frustrated by interference from both his lusty friend and a mysterious serving girl, turns his attention toward his work. He soon discovers that his creation has a life and story of her own. When a beautiful but neurotic Venus brings the statue to life, all the characters are forced to let go of their once secure notions of life, love, and self.

The York Theatre Company was nominated for five 2009 Drama Desk Awards, four Lucille Lortel Awards, two Outer Critics Circle Awards and two Drama League Awards for its productions of Enter Laughing, The Musical and My Vaudeville Man! last season. York Theatre Company is one of the only companies in the city committed to developing and producing new Musical Theatre Works and rediscovering musical gems from the past. Winner of a special Drama Desk Award for developing and producing new musical theatre, York's intimate, imaginative style of producing both original and classic musicals has resulted in critical acclaim and recognition from artists and audiences alike for almost four decades. Under the guidance of Artistic Director James Morgan since 1997, the York has focused exclusively on new musicals in its Mainstage Series-most of them world, American or New York premieres-by some of the field's most esteemed creators and has also helped launch the careers of many talented new writers.

Each year, York's Developmental Reading Series presents between 30 to 40 readings and workshops of new musicals by emerging and established authors, all free of charge and open to the public. Producing Artistic Director James Morgan says, "These readings give writers a unique opportunity to get audience feedback while a show is still in progress and gives audiences an active role in the creative process." York's productions of Souvenir and The Musical of Musicals (The Musical!) were first developed in the Developmental Reading Series, where the Tony Award-winning Broadway hit Avenue Q also made early appearances. The Developmental Reading Series is made possible in part by The Dorothy Strelsin Foundation, New York State Council on the Arts and NYC Department of Cultural Affairs.

Paradise Tossed
Thursday, September 24, 2009 • 3 PM
Falling to Earth
Tuesday, September 29, 2009 • 3 PM
For reservations visit www.yorktheatre.org or call 212-935-5824 x24.
THE York Theatre Company in Saint Peter's Church
Enter on 54th Street Just East of Lexington
E or V train to Lexington Avenue or 6 train to 51st Street

The York Theater Company
619 Lexington Avenue
New York, NY 10022
www.yorktheatre.org