Free Melnick Concert, with Campbell & Kennedy, Held 1/30

Alan Campbell and wife Lauren Kennedy will be among the performers headlining a free "Songbook" concert featuring the music of Peter Melnick.

The concert will be presented at the Donnell Library Theater (20 West 53rd Street) on Tuesday, January 30th at 6 PM.

Melnick is the composer of Adrift in Macao, a film noir spoof musical that he wrote with lyricist/librettist Christopher Durang.  Presented by Primary Stages, it will begin previews at 59E59 Theaters on January 23rd and open on February 15th.

In addition to Adrift in Macao star Campbell and Kennedy (Spamalot), the concert will feature performances by Adrift in Macao cast members Rachel de Benedet, Orville Mendoza, Michele Ragusa, Jonathan Rayson, Will Swenson, and Elisa van Duyne, as well as by Noreen Crayton, John Hickock, and Paul Iacano.

The singers will perform songs from Adrift, as well as Melnick's other musicals The Last Smoker in America and Esther Plays the Palace - the former written with Bill Russell (Side Show) and the latter with Bill and Cheri Steinkeller (Sister Act).

John F. Znidarsic will produce and host the concert, which will feature musical direction by Fred Lassen and Henry Aronson.

The Last Smoker in America is a futuristic fantasy about a dysfunctional family in a smoke-free America.  Esther Plays the Palace is a musical based on the Purim story. Past productions include the scores to Chinese Cabaret, Twyla Tharp's Sextet, and several off-off-Broadway projects that fall under the category of learning experiences.  Melnick's film credits include the soon-to-be-released Farce of the Penguins, written and directed by Bob Saget. Other credits include L.A. Story, Call Waiting, West of Here, The Only Thrill, Horton Foote's Convicts, and Only You.  He has also scored numerous TV shows.

Call 212-265-3495, ext. 336. for more information.  Admission is free, and seating is first-come, first-served.

Photo of Alan Campbell by Kerry Long