EDWIN, THE STORY OF EDWIN BOOTH to Begin This Weekend Off-Broadway

For their inaugural offering, Great Circle Productions, bringing to life projects that inspire, offer hope, and touch the human heart, presents the world premiere of EDWIN, The Story of Edwin Booth, a dramatic musical that commemorates the 150th Anniversary (1866-2016) of the legendary actor's return to the stage, as well as the 400th Anniversary of the death of William Shakespeare (1564-1616), with music by MariAnna Rosett, and book & lyrics by Eric Swanson.

This is a friendly reminder that performances of EDWIN, The Story of Edwin Booth, begin Sunday September 4 at 3PM for a limited engagement through September 18 at Theatre at St. Clement's (423 West 46th St.). Opening night is set for September 8 at 7PM.

EDWIN, The Story of Edwin Booth is a unique adventure in music, theater, and history. Edwin Booth was the most famous American actor of the nineteenth century, the Laurence Olivier of his day though his artistic triumphs were marred by public and private tragedy. EDWIN, The Story of Edwin Booth takes us backstage on the night of his courageous return to the stage after his brother assassinated President Lincoln-braving death threats, public outrage, and his own scarred past.

Directed by Christopher Scott (A Class Act, Masterworks Theatre Company, and with music direction by Hugh Murphy, the 7-member cast features Dana Watkins as Edwin Booth, with Adam Bashian (Phantom of the Opera, On Your Toes), Paul DeBoy (A Dirty Shame, Red Dead Redemption), Todd Lawson (Summer and Smoke, Top Floor), Deanne Lorette (La Bete, Benefactors), Ben Mayne (Forever Plaid, "Vinyl"), and Patricia Noonan (Death Takes a Holiday, Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice).

The production team for EDWIN, The Story of Edwin Booth, is Chad McArver (scenic/lighting design) and David Zyla (costume design). Maxine Glorsky is Production Stage Manager, Paul Ziemer is Technical Advisor and Melanie Aponte is Assistant Stage Manager. Dailey-Monda Management serves as the General Manager. Casting by Stephanie Klapper.

Describing his own interest in creating the book and lyrics for EDWIN, The Story of Edwin Booth, librettist Eric Swanson noted that, "Most people, when they hear the name Booth, think 'Oh, the guy who shot Lincoln,'" and admitted that he responded the same way when first presented with the project. "As Jane outlined Edwin's story, I was by turns fascinated and surprised-and ultimately appalled. One of the greatest actors our country has ever produced had been all but erased from history. I found myself thinking, 'A hundred years from now, will Meryl Streep, Marlon Brando, or Paul Newman be similarly erased?' Probably not. None of the genuine legends of recent vintage have had their names stained by an appalling crime committed by a family member."

Describing her approach to writing the score for EDWIN, The Story of Edwin Booth, composer MariAnna Rosett suggested that the music she'd written evokes the period of the Civil War. She went on to add, "It suggests the folk songs of the time and hints at the music of the period that people were listening to, like Schumann. It has weight and body and sometimes an 'incredible lightness of being.' It is full of color, melody and heart."

Great Circle Productions, Inc. is a not-for-profit, tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) organization incorporated in the State of New York. Stepping into new territory Great Circle Productions is dedicated to supporting and developing projects created by mature artists in the performing, literary, visual, and film/video arts and committed to bringing to life projects that inspire, offer hope, and touch the human heart- an undertaking that is crucial during a period of divisiveness that hasn't been seen in this country since the Civil War. As a New York State organization, Great Circle Productions, Inc. is committed to adding to the rich cultural life of the City and the State, and a deep belief that in and through art they can assist unifying the heartbeat of the nation.

Jane Kosminsky, Artistic/Executive Director shared, "Finding a theater to produce a new work in New York City could be seen as a challenging task or a magnificent adventure. We've chosen to take the latter view. Finding a home for EDWIN has been an extraordinary journey. Though we've been surprised by the politics of supporting theater in a city supposedly renowned for its support for the performing arts, after a long search we've found the perfect home for EDWIN: St Clement's, one of the most storied Off-Broadway theaters in New York City."

The performance schedule for EDWIN, The Story of Edwin Booth, is: Tuesday through Friday at 7:30PM, Saturday at 2PM & 7:30PM, and Sunday at 3PM. Opening night is scheduled for Thursday, September 8 at 7PM.

Tickets are $59 (adults), $29 (seniors), and $15 (students) and can be purchased through Great Circle Productions website www.greatcircleproductions.org or by calling OvationTix at 866-811-4111.