Beaty, Frey, McDaniel & More Cast For BREATH AND IMAGINATION Reading At York Theatre 7/16

The award-winning York Theatre Company (James Morgan, Producing Artistic Director) announces casting for Breath and Imagination, the next offering 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.

Breath and Imagination
The Story of Roland Hayes
Book by Daniel Beaty
Thursday, July 16, 2009 • 7:30 PM

The cast of Breath and Imagination will feature Daniel Beaty (Emergence-See!), Kecia Lewis-Evans (The Drowsy Chaperone), Tom Frey (2 Pianos 4 Hands) and William Foster McDaniel (Music Director: Ain't Misbehavin' on Broadway) as accompanist (also serving as Music arranger). Breath and Imagination is directed by Joe Brancato (Off Broadway's Cobb and Tryst; Founder/Artistic Director: Penguin Rep).

Before there was Marian Anderson, there was Roland Hayes - the first world-renowned African-American classical vocalist. Breath and Imagination is a play with music that chronicles the inspirational journey of how this pioneer started by singing spirituals in church and ended up singing before kings and queens in Europe.

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.

Breath and Imagination
Thursday, July 16, 2009 • 7:30 PM

For reservations e-mail jlandsman@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