Photo Coverage: ME & ELLA Opens at The York Theatre Company
By: Genevieve Rafter Keddy Jul. 17, 2017
The York Theatre Company's 2017 summer New2NY Series presentation of the new musical Me & Ella, written and performed by Andrea Frierson (Once on This Island, The Lion King), direction by the Tony Award-winning team of Murphy Cross and Paul Kreppel (Jay Johnson: The Two and Only), with music direction and arrangements by Ron Abel (Hazel, A Musical Maid in America, "Happily Divorced") opened last night, July 16.
Check out photos from opening night below!
The limited engagement of Me & Ella will play 11 performances only, July 15 - 23, 2017 at The York Theatre Company at Saint Peter's (619 Lexington Avenue, entrance on East 54th Street, just east of Lexington Avenue). Opening Night is Sunday evening, July 16, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. Set against the restless backdrop of the 20th Century and the lush serenity of the Ella Fitzgerald songbook, Broadway veteran Andrea Frierson's Me & Ella is a valentine to the "First Lady of Song." Ms. Frierson's personal storytelling and song stylings provide a loving glimpse into why Ella's music, heart and determination to overcome the challenges in her life and career continue to inspire. Me & Ella was featured last season as part of the York's Developmental Reading Series and commemorates the centennial of the legendary songstress. The York's New2NY series is similar to its Musicals in Mufti series of simply-staged concert performances of musical gems from the past. However, New2NY-as its name indicates-focuses on new musicals, providing a stage between developmental lab and full production. Previous shows in the series have included In Transit (which opened on Broadway last season), The Times, Larry Grossman's Compose Yourself!, and this season's Mark Felt: Superstar and How to Be an American!.Photo credit: Genevieve Rafter Keddy
The York Theatre Company Presents Me & Ella
James Morgan (Producing Artistic Director)
The Orchestra-Ron Abel (Music Director and Arranger), Rex Benincasa (Percussion) and Richie Goods (Bass)
Ron Abel, Andrea Frierson, Paul Kreppel (Co-Direcor) and Murphy Cross (Co-Director)
Andrea Prestinario and KLea Blackhurst
Stephanie D'Abruzzo and Craig Shemin
Stephanie D'Abruzzo and Craig Shemin
Micki Grant and Jelani Alladin
Paul Kreppel, Murphy Cross and Ron Abel
Paul Kreppel, Murphy Cross and Ron Abel
Paul Kreppel, Murphy Cross, Joan Ross Sorkin (President Board of Directors of York Theatre) and Ron Abel
Rex Benincasa, Ron Abel and Richie Goods
Paul Kreppel, Rex Benincasa, Andrea Frierson, Ron Abel, Richie Goods and Murphy Cross
Rex Benincasa, Andrea Frierson, Ron Abel and Richie Goods
Rex Benincasa, Andrea Frierson, Ron Abel and Richie Goods
Stephen Flaherty and Andrea Frierson
Stephen Flaherty and Andrea Frierson
Stephen Flaherty, Andrea Frierson and Ron Abel
Andrea Frierson and James Morgan
Andrea Frierson and James Morgan
Andrea Frierson and KLea Blackhurst
Andrea Frierson and Micki Grant
Stephen Flaherty and Micki Grant
Paul Kreppel, Andrea Frierson, Murphy Cross and Ron Abel
Paul Kreppel, Andrea Frierson, Murphy Cross and Ron Abel
Andrea Frierson and James Morgan
Andrea Frierson and James Morgan
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