Morgan James News

When the York Theatre first presented its mainstage mounting of Enter Laughing back in September I wrote that, while far too early to tell, it might well wind up being the funniest, most entertaining production of a musical we'll see this season. Four months later, I must admit that it has indeed been topped... by itself. After taking a hiatus while the space was committed for another show, director Stuart Ross' slam-bang mounting returns to the York a little funnier, a little snazzier and featuring the best male leading performance in a musical the season has seen thus far.

Constantine Maroulis and Morgan James will be Barbour's special guests for the Friday, February 13, 2009 concert.

Due to the overwhelming audience and critical response Sardi's management has scheduled additional Saturday evening concerts with Broadway star, James Barbour. The new concert series, entitled 'LOVE SONGS' will premiere on Saturday, January 31st and continue through Saturday, February 28th at Broadway's premiere destination, SARDI'S (234 West 44th Street - between Broadway & Eighth Avenue). Musical Direction is by Jeremy Roberts. Morgan James will be Mr. Barbour's Special Guest Artist on Friday, February 13. Morgan James most recently played Sheila in 'Hair' at Arizona Theatre Company. New York: Featured soloist in Bernstein's 'Mass' with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra at Carnegie Hall and The Kennedy Center, conducted by Marin Alsop (cast recording, Naxos); 'The Addams Family' workshop; Pre-Broadway workshop of 'Godspell'. Regional credits include: 'Pirates', Paper Mill Playhouse; 'The Human Comedy', Barrington Stage Co.; Mabel in 'The Pirates of Penzance', Kansas City Repertory Theatre, and Arizona Theatre Co; Micaela in 'The Tragedy of Carmen', Two River Theater Co. Ms. James won Second Place in the 2007 American Traditions Competition at the Savannah Music Festival. Training: The Juilliard School.

The Irish Repertory Theatre has announced that it will extend it's highly successful run of Brian Friel's ARISTOCRATS until March 29, 2009. The production is directed by Charlotte Moore. Aristocrats. One of the most distinctive voices in contemporary Irish theater, master storyteller, Brian Friel is at the top of his form with this touching story of a once powerful and aristocratic family in its days of decline.

Constantine Maroulis and Morgan James will be Barbour's special guests for the Friday, February 13, 2009 concert.

The award-winning York Theatre Company (James Morgan, Producing Artistic Director) is thrilled to announce casting for three presentations in the Developmental Reading Series. As always, these readings are open to the general public and admission is free, but reservations are suggested, and can be obtained by e-mailing series coordinator Jeff Landsman at jlandsman@yorktheatre.org or calling 212-935-5824 x24. Upcoming readings include: GOODBYE AND GOOD LUCK Monday, February 2, 2009 ? 3:00 PM; Thursday, February 5, 2009 ? 3:00 PM BOOK BY MELBA THOMAS, MUSIC BY DAVID FRIEDMAN, LYRICS BY MURIEL ROBINSON The cast of Goodbye and Good Luck will feature MaryEllen Ashley, Jonathan Brody (Spamalot, Titanic), Janet Carol, David Green, Sam Guncler (The Gathering), Joe Kolinski, Lynda Rodolitz, Sheri Sanders, Neva Small (Something's Afoot), and Gary Wright.

The YORK THEATRE COMPANY (James Morgan, Producing Artistic Director) is presenting the return engagement of its acclaimed production of ENTER LAUGHING: THE MUSICAL. Performances began January 21st, with an official opening night that was celebrated on January 29th. The return engagement runs until March 8th only; all performances will be at the company's home at The Theatre at Saint Peter's (Lexington Avenue just south of 54th Street).

Due to the overwhelming audience and critical response Sardi's management has scheduled additional Saturday evening concerts with Broadway star, James Barbour. The new concert series, entitled 'LOVE SONGS' will premiere on Saturday, January 31st and continue through Saturday, February 28th at Broadway's premiere destination, SARDI'S (234 West 44th Street - between Broadway & Eighth Avenue). Musical Direction is by Jeremy Roberts. Morgan James will be Mr. Barbour's Special Guest Artist on Friday, February 13. Morgan James most recently played Sheila in 'Hair' at Arizona Theatre Company. New York: Featured soloist in Bernstein's 'Mass' with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra at Carnegie Hall and The Kennedy Center, conducted by Marin Alsop (cast recording, Naxos); 'The Addams Family' workshop; Pre-Broadway workshop of 'Godspell'. Regional credits include: 'Pirates', Paper Mill Playhouse; 'The Human Comedy', Barrington Stage Co.; Mabel in 'The Pirates of Penzance', Kansas City Repertory Theatre, and Arizona Theatre Co; Micaela in 'The Tragedy of Carmen', Two River Theater Co. Ms. James won Second Place in the 2007 American Traditions Competition at the Savannah Music Festival. Training: The Juilliard School.

The York Theatre Company (James Morgan, Producing Artistic Director) is thrilled to announce the presentation of four brand new 15-minute musicals. The York has partnered with the Program in Vocal Performance/Musical Theatre at NYU's Steinhardt School, inviting four writing teams to write four separate mini-musicals with a cast of eight college students. York's Associate Artistic Director, Brian Blythe, directs; Tammy Holder music directs. The four musicals are: AN ORCHESTRA IMAGINED: In Four Invisible Movements Words by Sophia Chapadjiev, Music by Julianne Wick Davis Imagine that music were something you could hold in your hand. Like a baby. Or a love letter. How much would it weigh? If you licked it like a tootsie pop, how long would it last? An Orchestra Imagined: In Four Invisible Movements for Eight Instrument-less Instrumentalists takes a look at the rituals, the nightmares and the music within the musician. With Elizabeth Aylsworth, Shannon Collins, Jessica Hearn, Nick Luckenbaugh, Bryna O'Neill, Maria Sims, Tyler Stein, Alex Yacovelli

The Irish Repertory Theatre (132 West 22nd Street) will begin previews of Aristocrats by Brian Friel on Friday, January 16, 2009. The production will open on Sunday, January 25, 2009 and is scheduled to close March 8, 2009. Charlotte Moore directs.

The York Theatre Company (James Morgan, Producing Artistic Director) is thrilled to announce the presentation of four brand new 15-minute musicals. The York has partnered with the Program in Vocal Performance/Musical Theatre at NYU's Steinhardt School, inviting four writing teams to write four separate mini-musicals with a cast of eight college students. York's Associate Artistic Director, Brian Blythe, directs; Tammy Holder music directs. The four musicals are: AN ORCHESTRA IMAGINED: In Four Invisible Movements Words by Sophia Chapadjiev, Music by Julianne Wick Davis Imagine that music were something you could hold in your hand. Like a baby. Or a love letter. How much would it weigh? If you licked it like a tootsie pop, how long would it last? An Orchestra Imagined: In Four Invisible Movements for Eight Instrument-less Instrumentalists takes a look at the rituals, the nightmares and the music within the musician. With Elizabeth Aylsworth, Shannon Collins, Jessica Hearn, Nick Luckenbaugh, Bryna O'Neill, Maria Sims, Tyler Stein, Alex Yacovelli

The YORK THEATRE COMPANY (James Morgan, Producing Artistic Director) is proud to announce the return engagement of its acclaimed production of ENTER LAUGHING: THE MUSICAL. Performances will begin Wednesday, January 21st, and continue until March 8th only; all performances will be at the company's home at The Theatre at Saint Peter's (Lexington Avenue just south of 54th Street). Stuart Ross (Forever Plaid) directs a cast that features Josh Grisetti ('The Knights of Prosperity') as David Kolowitz, 'LA Law's' married couple Jill Eikenberry and Michael Tucker as his parents, Bob Dishy (Tony Award? nominee and Drama Desk Award winner for Sly Fox; Flora The Red Menace, The Price) as Marlowe, and Marla Schaffel (Tony Award? nominee and Drama Desk Award winner for Jane Eyre) as Angela, along with Paul Binotto, Ray DeMattis, Erick Devine, Betsy DiLellio, Gerry McIntyre, Robb Sapp, Emily Shoolin, and Allison Spratt. Matt Castle is the Music Director and performs the role of Roger. ENTER LAUGHING has a book by Fiddler on The Roof's Joseph Stein, based on his 1964 hit play of the same name, with music and lyrics by 'Taxi' creator Stan Daniels. Based on the autobiographical novel by comedian Carl Reiner, ENTER LAUGHING tells the hilarious story of a stage-struck, woman-struck teenager who blunders his way into manhood via showbiz.

The YORK THEATRE COMPANY (James Morgan, Producing Artistic Director) is proud to announce the cast for the return engagement of its acclaimed production of ENTER LAUGHING: THE MUSICAL. Performances will begin January 21st, and continue until March 8th only; all performances will be at the company's home at The Theatre at Saint Peter's (Lexington Avenue just south of 54th Street). Tickets are on sale now at www.yorktheatre.org or call 212/935-5820.

The YORK THEATRE COMPANY (James Morgan, Producing Artistic Director) is proud to announce the return engagement of its acclaimed production of ENTER LAUGHING: THE MUSICAL. Performances will begin Wednesday, January 21st, and continue until March 8th only; all performances will be at the company's home at The Theatre at Saint Peter's (Lexington Avenue just south of 54th Street). Stuart Ross (Forever Plaid) directs a cast that features Josh Grisetti ('The Knights of Prosperity') as David Kolowitz, 'LA Law's' married couple Jill Eikenberry and Michael Tucker as his parents, Bob Dishy (Tony Award? nominee and Drama Desk Award winner for Sly Fox; Flora The Red Menace, The Price) as Marlowe, and Marla Schaffel (Tony Award? nominee and Drama Desk Award winner for Jane Eyre) as Angela, along with Paul Binotto, Ray DeMattis, Erick Devine, Betsy DiLellio, Gerry McIntyre, Robb Sapp, Emily Shoolin, and Allison Spratt. Matt Castle is the Music Director and performs the role of Roger. ENTER LAUGHING has a book by Fiddler on The Roof's Joseph Stein, based on his 1964 hit play of the same name, with music and lyrics by 'Taxi' creator Stan Daniels. Based on the autobiographical novel by comedian Carl Reiner, ENTER LAUGHING tells the hilarious story of a stage-struck, woman-struck teenager who blunders his way into manhood via showbiz.

The YORK THEATRE COMPANY (James Morgan, Producing Artistic Director) is proud to announce the cast for the return engagement of its acclaimed production of ENTER LAUGHING: THE MUSICAL. Performances will begin January 21st, and continue until March 8th only; all performances will be at the company's home at The Theatre at Saint Peter's (Lexington Avenue just south of 54th Street). Tickets are on sale now at www.yorktheatre.org or call 212/935-5820.

The YORK THEATRE COMPANY (James Morgan, Producing Artistic Director) announced that its acclaimed production of ENTER LAUGHING: THE MUSICAL will return for a limited seven-week engagement to accommodate the demand. Performances will begin January 21st, and continue until March 8th; all performances will be at the company?s home at The Theatre at Saint Peter's (54th Street just East of Lexington). Casting news has now revealed that and Bob Dishy (Sly Fox) and Marla Schaffel (Jane Eyre) will join the production replacing George S. Irving and Janine LaManna.

The Irish Repertory Theatre (132 West 22nd Street) will begin previews of Aristocrats by Brian Friel on Friday, January 16, 2009. The production will open on Sunday, January 25, 2009 and is scheduled to close March 8, 2009. Charlotte Moore directs.

The YORK THEATRE COMPANY (James Morgan, Producing Artistic Director) and Melanie Herman, who produced The Musical Of Musicals (The Musical!), announce the final performances of the Off-Broadway Premiere of My Vaudeville Man!, a new musical based on the life of legendary eccentric tap star Jack Donahue. My Vaudeville Man! had its world premiere at last year's NY Musical Theatre Festival under the title Mud Donahue and Son.

Theater Resources Unlimited (TRU) seeks submissions for the 11th Annual TRU VOICES New Plays Reading Series (deadline December 29, 2008). The TRU VOICES New Plays Reading Series is a unique series geared towards producers who have an interest in developing new plays. Shows selected will receive staged readings to be presented in the spring of 2009. Each reading will be followed by a 'Dollars and Sense' panel discussion with prominent New York producers, general managers and artistic directors focusing on potential venues, marketing and budgeting of the work. The series was created to help develop new plays and to help producers develop the skills needed to produce new works.

The YORK THEATRE COMPANY (James Morgan, Producing Artistic Director) and Melanie Herman, who produced The Musical Of Musicals (The Musical!), are proud to announce that the Off-Broadway Premiere of My Vaudeville Man!, a new musical based on The Life of legendary eccentric tap star Jack Donahue, will be recorded on January 2nd for release this Spring.