Monday Nights New Voices Makes Chicago Debut 4/21

 The acclaimed New York series, Monday Nights New Voices, now in its fourth season, makes its official debut in Chicago April 21st at Gentry On State.

This concert series was created by composer  Scott Alan, who's debut CD, Dreaming Wide Awake, features Alan's original compositions being sung by Broadway's brightest.

In the past, Monday Nights New Voices has had such composers as Stephen Schwartz, Michael John LaChiusa, Andrew Lippa, Stephen Flaherty, Ricky Ian Gordon, and Joe Iconis. Past hosts have included stars such as Shoshana Bean, Sutton Foster, Jenna Leigh Green, Cheyenne Jackson, and Lauren Kennedy. Several of the featured 'new voices' have gone on to successful careers in the industry such as: Rashad Naylor, who is currently in Chicago's Jersey Boys, Brian Crum, who premiered in Chicago's Altar Boyz, Marla Mindelle, who is on tour with the Drowsy Chaperone and Jenny Powers, who was seen in Little Women.

Monday Nights New Voices: Chicago will follow the same format of honoring rising talent but will focus primarily on Chicago's gems. The series premiere, produced by Allen Sledge and David Tomczak in association with Scott Alan, will feature current star of Broadway in Chicago's Wicked, Dee Rosciolo, as guest host. Also from Wicked will be the evening's music director, Colin Welford.

The evening is proud to honor the songwriting team Jeff Thomson and Jordan Mann, winners of the 2008 Jonathan Larson Award. Chicago was introduced to Thomson and Mann in 2005 when their musical, The New Kid, was part of the Disney/ASCAP Musical Theatre Workshop.

The 'new voices' being honored are Jennlee Shallow, Jamie Finkenthal, Riley Thomas, and two Jeff Award winners, Michael Mahler and Cat Davis.

Monday Nights New Voices: Chicago will provide an opportunity for Chicago to embrace its own musical theatre community while welcoming its rising participants.

Gentry On State is located at 440 North State Street, and is one of the city's leading cabaret venues. There is a $12 cash cover and a two-drink minimum. Reservations are strongly recommended and can be made preferably by emailing mnnvchicago@yahoo.com, or by calling 618.975.3638.