New Musical BRUSH STROKES to Debut as Part of Thespis Theater Festival This Fall

BRUSH STROKES is a new musical that has been selected for the NY Thespis Theater Festival. Performances are at the Hudson Guild Theater, 411 West 26th street (between 9th & 10th Avenues), NYC. The musical is written by Stephen Chinlund & Jim Semmelman; with music by Bert Draesel; and lyrics by Jim Semmelman. It is directed by Kathleen O'Neill, with set design by April Bartlet, lighting designer by Dan Henry, and the musical director is Kenneth Gartman.

BRUSH STROKES revels the journeys of Virginia and Eric who find new love late in their lives. They are brought together by their passion for art. Yet they are challenged by controversial life choices. Compromise may be the key to there romance, but will be be enough and at what cost?

Stephen Chinlund (Bookwriter) collaborated with Uta Hagen and Herbert Berghof to produce Port Royal by Henri Montherlant. Stephen formed the Triangle Theater, which is still in existence, with Tony Lobianco as Director. He was invited to be a member of the Playwright/Director workshop at the famous Actors Studio.

Jim Semmelman (Lyricist/Co-Writer) has a varied career: performer, director/ choreographer, opening a dessert theatre in St. Louis (Cabaret ale Mode). He has worked on Broadway as a stage manager and performer and then in television stage managing soap operas and a 13 year stent on the "TODAY" Show. Recently, Jim stage managed "KATIE" and "The View." His Christmas "moosical" Mooseltoe tours the tri-state each holiday season. Currently, he is in prep for NBC'S live production of The Wiz.

Bert Draesel (Composer) has a varied career writing religious folk music and recordings. He was accepted into the BMI Workshop under Lehman Engel. He was commissioned to write for the New York City Parks Commission and has collaborated with others for shows, cabaret and programs throughout the city. He co-wrote "Lord, Be Good To Me", the theme song for the Children's Defense League. In 2003 he stepped down from being Rector of Holy Trinity in NYC and attended NYU's Graduate Musical Theater Writing Program, where he received his Masters of Fine Arts.

Kenneth Gartman (Music Director/Pianist) has worked Off-Broadway, Eugene O'Neill Musical Theater Conference numerous times, NYMF and others as well as on cast recordings and a new musical with music by Graham Russell of Air Supply. Cabaret/Concerts include: MAC Award, Unity Benefit Concerts, Cabaret Cares, Concerts for City Greens, The Salon Open Mic and others. Some of his acting credits are: The Music Man (National Tour); Side by Side by Sondheim (Ireland); Simply Sondheim LIVE! (BBC Broadcast); andA New York Songbook.

Kathleen O'Neill has been working as a director, producer and actor in New York, Boston and Miami. Directing credits include Mrs. Warren's Profession, The House of Bernarda Alba, Hay Fever and Blithe Spirit and The Belle of Amherst. Some of her recent acting credits include "Law and Order: SVU". Some other other cherished credits includeThe Cherry Orchard, Clytemnestra in The Greeks (an adaptation of the Classics), Cat's Paw and Olympia in The Conduct of Life (for which she won The Hispanic Festival's Best Supporting Actor Award).

BRUSH STROKES will be performed at the festival on Monday, September 14 @ 9:00pm; Wednesday, September 16 @ 9:00pm; and Saturday, September 19 @ 3:30pm. Tickets are only $18 (plus service charge), and they are available through www.brownpapertickets.com/event/1707956.

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