Carmello, Etc. Stars in Reading of Anna Christie Musical

Tony Award-nominees Carolee Carmello and Gregg Edelman, as well as Falsettos star Heather MacRae, will star in a September 14th reading of a new musical based on the Eugene O'Neill classic Anna Christie, according to the New York Post's Michael Riedel.

The new musical version of Anna Christie--which is already familiar to some musical theatre fans through the 1957 show New Girl in Town--will feature a book by Tony Award-nominee Joe Masteroff (Cabaret, She Loves Me) and music by opera composer Ed Thomas.

Set in 1912 in the New York waterfront and in Massachusetts harbors, Anna Christie concerns the title character, a former prostitute who, despite falling in love, finds it difficult to put the past behind her.  The play premiered on Broadway in 1921, and has been revived three times--most recently in an acclaimed 1993 production that starred Liam Neeson and Natasha Richardson.  The 1930 film version, starring Greta Garbo, gave birth to the legendary tagline "Garbo Talks."

New Girl in Town, with music and lyrics by Bob Merrill and a book by George Abbott, won 1958 Tony Awards for Gwen Verdon and Thelma Ritter.

Carmello received a Tony Award nomination for her performances in Lestat and Parade. Other Broadway credits include Mamma Mia!, Urinetown, Kiss Me, Kate,  The Scarlet Pimpernel, 1776, Falsettos and City of Angels.

Edelman--who is married to Carmello--is a four-time Tony Award-nominee for his work in Into the Woods, 1776, Anna Karenina and City of Angels.  Other credits include Wonderful Town, Passion, Falsettos, Cabaret, Anything Goes, Les Miserables, Oliver! and Cats.

MacRae has appeared on Broadway in Falsettos, Coastal Disturbances, Hair and Here's Where I Belong.