Photo Flash: 'Serenade'

Serenade, a new musical, beginning Saturday, December 1 through December 15 at Teatro La Tea (107 Suffolk Street, between Delancey & Rivington).  The book and lyrics for Serenade are by Rachel Sheinkin, winner of the 2005 Tony Award for Best Book of a Musical for The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.  She also co-authored Off-Broadway's Striking 12, which recently launched a nationwide tour.  The kinetic score for Serenade, composed by Nils Olaf Dolven, mixes electronica, pop and classical elements.

"Serenade follows a young silhouette maker on his odyssey of discovery after arriving in the big city.  The musical journey propels him through all the adventures, struggles, and the first flush of love he experiences in this new and strange metropolis," explain press notes.

Anika Larsen and Joshua Henry head the cast of Serenade, under the direction of April Nickell.  Also featured in the company are Sara Andreas, Ron Bagden, Anton Briones, Joe Donohoe, Mindy Dougherty, Michael Fielder, Chris Harbur, Amanda Hunt, Adam Kaokept, Nicole Lewis, Mario Martinez, Kelly McCreary, Eileen Rivera, Robb Sapp, Cara Samantha Scherker, and Alison Solomon.  The choreographer for Serenade is Luis Salgado and the musical director is Jared Stein.

Anika Larsen's Broadway credits include Xanadu, Rent and All Shook Up.  She appeared Off-Broadway in Zanna, Don't!, Miracle Brothers and How to Save the World and Find True Love in 90 Minutes.  Joshua Henry was in the hit musical In the Heights, which is transferring to Broadway this season.  He also played Judas in the Paper Mill production of Godspell and he appeared in Being Alive at Westport.

Director April Nickell has directed in New York City for the Neva Theater Company and Haven Productions, and she collaborated on Anika Larsen's solo show Shafrika, the White Girl.  Choreographer Luis Salgado is in the cast of In the Heights and is the assistant to the choreographer on that production.  He also appeared in The Mambo Kings and Fame, and he recently co-directed and choreographed the original musical Mezcla in Peru.

Scenic design for Serenade is by Tobin Ost, with lighting by Herrick Goldman, costumes by Andrea Varga, and sound by Mike Farfalla.

The playing schedule for Serenade will be Sat. 12/1 at 7 p.m., Mon. 12/3 at 8 p.m., Wed. 12/5 at noon & 8 p.m., Sun. 12/9 at 7 p.m., Mon. 12/10 at 8 p.m., Wed. 12/12 at noon & 8 p.m., Thurs. 12/13 at 8 p.m., Fri. 12/14 at 8 p.m., Sat. 12/15 at 2 & 8 p.m.

Tickets are $18 and are available through www.SmartTix.com (212) 868-4444.  For more information, visit www.jaradoatheater.org.

Anika Larsen as Hannah and Joshua Henry as Thomas in Serenade