Christiane Noll and Gabriel Barre will headline the York Theatre Company's presentation of the musical A Fine and Private Place, which will run at the theatre from April 11th through May 21st, with an opening night set for April 27th.
The musical, which is based on the Peter S. Beagle novel and was first seen at Goodspeed's Norma Terris Theatre in 1989, features book and lyrics by Erik Haagensen and music by Richard Isen. In addition to Noll (Jekyll & Hyde, The Mambo Kings) and Barre, it will feature Joe Kolinski, Evalyn Baron and Larri
Rebega. Barre, whose work as a director includes Almost, Maine, Summer of '42 and Andrew Lippa's The Wild Party, will also helm the piece; the cast is subject to change."Jonathan Rebeck (Kolinski), who lives in a Bronx cemetery courtesy of his
feathered friend, a wise (and wisecracking) Raven (Barre), who flies in stolen
fast food in exchange for companionship. Rebeck helps newly arrived
ghosts to accept death, after which they vanish. But Michael Morgan has
other plans. A ghost at only 34, he wants to live. His efforts bring
chaos into Rebeck's life in the form of perpetually visiting widow
Gertrude Klapper (Baron). He also romances the shy Laura (Noll), who never experienced
love while alive. But Michael has a secret, which could destroy
everything. How Michael and Laura find love after death and how
Gertrude cajoles Jonathan back to life in the real world comprise the
conclusion of this whimsical and touching fantasy," according to press notes.
A 2004 recording of A Fine and Private Place, released on the Clearsong Records label, features Barre and Baron as well as Maureen Silliman, Brian Sutherland and Charles Goff.The York Theatre Company is located at Saint Peter's Theatre in Citigroup Center at 619 Lexington Avenue. For tickets, visit www.smarttix.com. Visit the show's website, www.afandpp.com, or www.yorktheatre.org for more information.
