New Productions on Mental Illness Set for NYTB This Summer

New York Theatre Barn, which incubates, develops, and produces new musicals that tell untold stories, today announced that the company will present "We Have Apples" and "I Could Never Love Anyone" on Monday, July 18 as a part of its New Works Series.

The productions shine a light on themes surrounding depression and addiction, respectively, and are refreshing contributions to theatrical works that seek to end the stigma so often attached to these subjects.

"'We Have Apples' and 'I Could Never Love Anyone' are significant stories based on real life events that promise to ignite conversations about the stigmas surrounding mental illness and addiction. True to our mission of telling untold stories, both these works further New York Theatre Barn's commitment to exposing challenging subject matters through the power of musical theatre," said Joe Barros, Artistic Director, New York Theatre Barn.

The performances will take place at 7:30 p.m. at The Cell, located at 338 W. 23rd St. Tickets are $20 and are available for purchase at www.nytheatrebarn.org.

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About "We Have Apples"

Book, music and lyrics by Rachel Griffin

Directed by Jenny Hoofnagle

Set in a psychiatric facility, "We Have Apples" tells the story of Jane, a quirky, 18-year-old writer, who is determined to overcome her depression (personified by a female actor). Annoyed by the often cheesy and condescending group therapy sessions, Jane and a band of fabulous fellow patients start a writing group. As their voices grow stronger, tension between patients and staff members heightens. Complications ensue when Jane and her psychiatrist's son (who is pretending to be an outpatient with symptoms strikingly similar to a Prozac commercial) fall in love and tragedy strikes their community.

About "I Could Never Love Anyone"

Directed and choreographed by Katharine Pettit

"I Could Never Love Anyone," receiving its world premiere at New York Theatre Barn's New Work Series, tells the story of three sisters and their struggle with addiction - entirely through dance. Turmoil and heartbreak ensue, affecting the trio and creating a resounding impact that reverberates through the years.

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New York Theatre Barn (NYTB) incubates, develops, and produces new musicals that tell untold stories. Each story is inspired by the lives of real people and actual events. The company has two innovative core programming presentation platforms: 1) New Works Series presents bi-monthly "pre-premieres" of new musicals in the incubation stage of development; and 2) The Choreography Lab is the only curated choreography platform where choreographers and writers collaborate to develop movement for new musicals during incubation. NYTB is a member of the National Alliance for Musical Theatre and the Alliance of Resident Theatres / New York. New York Theatre Barn is a 501(c)(3) Manhattan based non-profit theatre company founded in 2007. For more information, visit: www.nytheatrebarn.org.

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