Photo Flash: First Look at ME & ELLA at the York Theatre Company

The York Theatre Company 2017 summer New2NY Series presents the new musical Me & Ella, written and performed by Andrea Frierson (Once on This Island, The Lion King), direction by the Tony Award-winning team of Murphy Cross and Paul Kreppel (Jay Johnson: The Two and Only), with music direction and arrangements by Ron Abel (Hazel, A Musical Maid in America, "Happily Divorced"). The limited engagement of Me & Ella continues through Sunday, July 23, 2017 at The York Theatre Company at Saint Peter's (619 Lexington Avenue, entrance on East 54th Street, just east of Lexington Avenue). Opening Night is Sunday evening, July 16, 2017 at 7:00 p.m.

Set against the restless backdrop of the 20th Century and the lush serenity of the Ella Fitzgerald songbook, Broadway veteran Andrea Frierson's Me & Ella is a valentine to the "First Lady of Song." Ms. Frierson's personal storytelling and song stylings provide a loving glimpse into why Ella's music, heart and determination to overcome the challenges in her life and career continue to inspire. Me & Ella was featured last season as part of the York's Developmental Reading Series and commemorates the centennial of the legendary songstress.

The York's New2NY series is similar to its Musicals in Mufti series of simply-staged concert performances of musical gems from the past. However, New2NY-as its name indicates-focuses on new musicals, providing a stage between developmental lab and full production. Previous shows in the series have included In Transit (which opened on Broadway last season), The Times, Larry Grossman's Compose Yourself!, and this season's Mark Felt: Superstar andHow to Be an American!.

The performance schedule for Me & Ella is Sunday, July 16 at 2:30 p.m.* & 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, July 19 & Thursday, July 20 at 2:30 p.m.* & 7:00 p.m., Friday, July 21 at 8:00 p.m., Saturday, July 22 at 2:30 p.m.* & 8:00 p.m., and Sunday, July 23 at 2:30 p.m. (*audience discussions follow these matinee performances).

Tickets for Me & Ella are priced at $45-$50 ($31.50 for Members - a savings of up to 35%) and may be purchased online at www.yorktheatre.org, by calling (212) 935-5820, or in person at the box office at the York Theatre Company at Saint Peter's (619 Lexington Avenue, entrance on East 54th Street, just east of Lexington Avenue), Monday throughFriday (12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.).

Photo Credit: Ben Strothmann.