Main Street Festivals to Feature Readings of Three New Musicals

Produced in association with Temple University, and now in its second year, Main Street Festivals, is a national initiative that presents annual readings of new musicals in cities across the United States over the course of a year. Temple is hosting the 2015 plays January 16 and 17 in the Randall Theatre, Temple University School of Theater, Film and Media Arts, 1301 W. Norris St. Tickets cost $15 and are available online at www.mainstreetfestivals.org/philadelphia.html.

The second Philadelphia festival will feature a musical version of How Green Was My Valley with Music by Roger Ames and Book and Lyrics by Elizabeth Bassine; The Gig with Music, Book, and Lyrics by Doug Cohen; and A Good Man with Music by Ray Leslee and Book and Lyrics by Philip S. Goodman.

How Green Was My Valley is a musical of a 1939 novel of the same name. (It was also a major motion picture in 1941.) Against a backdrop of rolling, green hills, the mining families of South Wales work, love, and fight to defy the changes of life at the beginning of the twentieth century in this classic story. The reading is directed by David Ingram with Musical Direction by Christopher Ertelt. This production is sponsored by The Philadelphia Welsh Society.

The Gig, is directed by Megan Nicole O'Brien with Musical Direction by Gina Giachero. In the summer of 1975, six middle aged guys escape from their daily lives to pursue their dreams of playing jazz when they book a gig playing for a club in the Catskills. Along the way, they learn about life, love, and growing up.

A Good Man, is directed by Amina Robinson with Musical Direction by Renee Robinson-Way. Set in rural Mississippi after WWII, A Good Man, is about "Prince" Albert Clayton, a poor sharecropper, but a proud and gifted grower who sees his life turned upside down when he attempts to fulfill a lifelong dream of having a clean white house on a hill.

"What is incredible about these festivals is the sense of community it engenders. Students, professionals and non-professionals all come together for a week with a shared goal of bringing these new works to life. The support we've received from Temple University is incredible. We couldn't do this without the support of the incredible faculty and students of the department," said Jordan Mann, one of the Philadelphia Affiliates. "What is also gratifying is to see the response from our audience. Many of them who loved musicals all their lives left with a new understanding of the process of bringing a new work to life. I hope that many more who come to this festival leave with a greater appreciation of how exciting it is to be part of that process. Last year, I remember sitting next to a man who was moved to tears by his son's performance in the musical Under Fire. The whole weekend was an incredible experience, and everyone was excited by the prospect of bringing it back next year."

Reading Schedule January 16 and 17
How Green Was My Valley, 1 p.m.
The Gig, 4 p.m.
A Good Man, 7 p.m.

About Main Street Festivals

Annually, MAINSTREET FESTIVALS showcase the year's three MainStreet Award?winning musicals - featuring local performers - in no-frills public concert readings.

· Two performances each

· Single tickets

· Intimate format --? no sets or costumes

· Partnerships with colleges and local charities

· Local and national marketing

· Additional touring features available (2015)

Local MAINSTREET FESTIVALS are individually supervised by MAINSTREET AFFILIATES -- local actors and directors --? who assemble local teams to prepare and present the season. Award-winners are selected through a comprehensive new works evaluation program. Designed and launched in 1983 by theater directors, choreographers, and music directors, MAINSTREET'S EVALUATION SERVICE provides written, comprehensive assessments of theatrical musicals and operas.