New comic opera "THE MUMMY" gives 4 free staged readings Dec 4, 5, 11 & 12

"THE MUMMY," a new comic opera with music by George Quincy and libretto by Thayer Burch suggested by the 1930's film, will give four staged readings directed by Sue Lawless, on Saturday, December 4 and 11 at 8 PM and Sunday, December 5th and 12th at 3 pm at The Actor's Temple, 339 West 47th Street (between 8th and 9th Avenues.) Admission is free but reservations are strongly advised. Call (212) 591-0710.

"THE MUMMY," a tale of mystery. love, fate, history and reincarnation, is set in 1935 in Egypt, inside and outside the pyramid of Princess Namut. The leading characters include four modern Americans and four ancient Egyptians.

The opera begins with a sandstorm which deposits the Americans: Professor Austin (played by baritone Timothy Lafontaine), his daughters Helen ((Deborah Ann Faw, soprano) and Ruth (Casey Cole, soprano) and his assistant Tim Carter (Kevin Hanek) outside the pyramid. As the plot unwinds, we also meet Ushabi (baritone Steven Kirby), Igora (mezzo Judith Skinner), The Mummy of Prince Takarmo (tenor Byron Singleton) and The Golden Statue of Isis (coloratura Sharmane Davis.)

Composer GEORGE QUINCY was born and raised in Oklahoma and is of Choctaw heritage. He earned two degrees from The Julliard School where he later taught. His music has been performed extensively throughout the US and in Europe. He was Musical Advisor to Martha Graham and has composed, orchestrated and conducted music for theatre, dance, film, opera, TV and concert. His album "Christmas", a collection of favorite traditional carols rearranged for the 21st Century, has been re-released and is available on amazon.com. His CD "Choctaw Nights," based on his Choctaw heritage, is performed by The New York Five, a chamber music group specializing in Mr. Quincy's music. His opera about the Civil War, "Home and the River" will be presented with orchestra by the Encompass New Opera Theatre in 2005. He has served as Musical Director for the New Dance Group Arts Center for the last 10 years and serves as Musical Director for the Times Square Kidz.

Librettist THAYER BURCH has collaborated with her husband, composer George Quincy, on songs for The Times Square KIDZ, a group of talented show business children for whom a television pilot is being produced.

Director SUE LAWLESS, who has directed more than 500 plays and musicals on and off-Broadway and across the country, has previously worked with George and Thayer on a musical revue, SAVAGE EXPECTATIONS, performed at NYU. In addition to her many theatre productions, Sue directed several operas including Offenbach's THE TALES OF HOFFMAN in French, Britton's THE TURN OF THE SCREW and THE RAKE'S PROGRESS by Stravinsky and Auden. She has also directed several versions of TROUBLE IN TAHITI and Menotti's works for the Theatre Guild.

Conductor JOHN YAFFE has served as Musical Director of the orchestra of the 92nd Street Y; the Centre Symphony, and the Encompass New Opera Theatre. He has conducted at major opera houses through the US and Europe and has also worked with contemporary composers.

The four free staged readings of "THE MUMMY" are open to the public however seating is limited so reservations are strongly recommended. Call (212) 591-0710.