Kendrick Discusses Singing Animals & Merman, 4/23 & 4/30

Musicologist John Kenrick will present post-performance lectures following two performances of the new musical, A Fine and Private Place, at the York Theatre (St. Peter's Church, 54th Street between Lexington and Third Avenues) on April 23 and 30, at 6:00pm.

On April 23rd, he will present "Human Again! When Animals & Objects Sing in Musicals." "From Offenbach to Lloyd Webber to Disney, musicals have given animals and objects the chance to sing on stage. Roosters, cats, spatulas, napkins – even playing cards have had something to say, and to sing. And now, inspired by the raven in the current production of A Fine and Private Place, Kenrick will consider how this often hilarious (and sometimes bizarre) theatrical convention has affected musicals and audiences over the years," according to press notes.

On April 30th, he will discuss "The Musicals of Ethel Merman." "With her clarion voice and extraordinary comic instincts, this stenographer from Queens became one of the reigning stars of the Broadway musical's so-called Golden Age. The Gershwins, Porter, Berlin, Styne, Herman and Sondheim all did some of their finest work for her, and audiences always expected the best from 'the Merm.' Kenrick will review Merman's long career and colorful private life, sharing memories of this one of a kind musical star."

Author and lecturer John Kenrick presents a series of Musical Conversations at the York Theatre Company. Aside from a busy schedule as a lecturer, John conceived and manages the website Musicals101.com, a non-commercial, educational resource celebrating the history of musicals. His new book The Complete Idiot's Guide to Amateur Theatricals is scheduled for publication in September 2006.

Christiane Noll, Glenn Seven Allen and Gabriel Barre headline A Fine and Private Place, which runs at the theatre from April 13th through May 21st, with an opening night set for April 27th.

The musical, which is based on the Peter S. Beagle novel, features book and lyrics by Erik Haagensen and music by Richard Isen. In addition to Noll (Jekyll & Hyde, The Mambo Kings), Allen (The Light in the Piazza) and Barre, it features Joe Kolinski, Evalyn Baron and Larri Rebega. Barre, whose work as a director includes Almost, Maine, Summer of '42 and Andrew Lippa's The Wild Party, directs the piece as well as recreate the role of The Raven, which he performed in the show's premiere at Goodspeed Opera House in 1989. The show "is a musical fantasy of love and discovery, as two couples (one living, and one of the spirit world) find that love and redemption can be found in the most unexpected places." 

Tickets for the Musical Conversations events are $10 at the door. Reservations should be made in advance by calling 212-935-5824, ext. 21. Visit www.yorktheatre.org for more information.

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