Howard, Opel, Etc. Set for 8/28 Reading of Writing Arthur

Producer Jennifer Maloney (I Love You Because, Chita Rivera: A Dancer's Life) has announced plans for an industry reading of David A. Austin's new musical Writing Arthur, set for Monday, August 28 at 5 p.m. in midtown Manhattan.

With book, music and lyrics by Austin, Writing Arthur is "the story of Arthur Danby, a man who has spent his life locked behind the door of his bookstore.  Instead of living his life, he spends his days writing a book he has been creating since childhood.  The life of the young and vibrant Allana, in turn-of-the-century Ireland, fills Arthur's days and nights and allows him to avoid living his own life," according to press notes.  "As both of Arthur's worlds threaten to collapse, Arthur finds the strength to live his own life from the very characters he has created."

The reading will boast the talents of Lisa Howard (…Spelling Bee), Allen Fitzpatrick (Mimi Le Duck), Nancy Opel (Urinetown), Stephen DeRosa (Hairspray), Nora Mae Lyng (Amour), Colin Hanlon, Courtney Balan, Jamison Stern, Kat Ramsburg, Felicity LaFortune, Todd Buonopane, Tricia Rapier, Jason Dula, Rebecca Robbins, Jenna Lahr, David Jon Wilson, Eric Pickering, Veronica Puricelli, Liam Murphy and Tommy Byrne.

Austin most recently appeared on stage in the Off-Broadway engagements of I Love You Because and TheatreworksUSA's If You Give a Mouse a Cookie. A recent Seattle transplant, he toured and performed with 5th Avenue and the Village Theatre in productions including Chess, Jesus Christ Superstar, The Wedding Banquet , Brigadoon and more.  He is an award-winning/commissioned composer-lyricist and member of the BMI Workshop.

Industry professionals interested in receiving additional information for Writing Arthur, including reservation and venue details for the August 28 reading, should email WritingArthur@gmail.com.