Photo Flash: 'What's That Smell: The Music of Jacob Sterling' In Rehearsal

Atlantic Theater Company (Neil Pepe, Artistic Director; Andrew D. Hamingson, Managing Director) will present Peter Bartlett (The New Century, The Drowsy Chaperone) and two-time Tony Award® nominee David Pittu (Is He Dead?, LoveMusik), in the world premiere production of  WHAT'S THAT SMELL: THE MUSIC OF JACOB STERLING, featuring original music by Randy Redd.

The new comedy, conceived by Pittu and co-directed with Atlantic Artistic Director Neil Pepe, will begin previews Tuesday, September 2nd, open Wednesday, September 10th, and play a limited engagement through Sunday, September 28th, 2008 Off-Broadway at Atlantic Stage 2 (330 West 16th Street). A three character ensemble will be announced shortly.

WHAT'S THAT SMELL: THE MUSIC OF JACOB STERLING is a satire with music that charts the career of eternally up-and-coming (and fictitious) musical theater composer Jacob Sterling (Pittu). A rare, up close and personal visit with an artist of questionable gifts who performs from his songbook and shares his human struggle to keep musical theater alive and well in the 21st century. Bartlett will play the host of a musical theater talk show who interviews Pittu's character.

The "comedy with vocal selections" marks the first production of Atlantic Stage 2's 2008-2009 season at its second stage theater, where two new works are staged each year. Last season, the hit world premiere of Academy Award® winning film maker Ethan Coen's Almost an Evening, directed by Neil Pepe, played a sold out engagement at Stage 2 prior to a commercial Off-Broadway transfer. Playwright Annie Baker also made her acclaimed Off-Broadway debut with the world premiere of Body Awareness, directed by Karen Kohlhaas.

WHAT'S THAT SMELL: THE MUSIC OF JACOB STERLING will play Tuesday through Saturday at 8:00pm, Saturday matinees at 2:00pm and Sundays at 3:00pm. All tickets are $35.00 and available by calling Ticket Central at 212-279-4200 (www.ticketcentral.com).

ATLANTIC STAGE 2 is located at 330 West 16th Street (between 8th & 9th Avenues).  For membership information, wheelchair seating, and/or group sales call Ticketcentral at 212-279-4200 or visit www.ticketcentral.com.

www.atlantictheater.org

Peter Bartlett and David Pittu

Randy Redd, Neil Pepe, Peter Bartlett and David Pittu

Neil Pepe, David Pittu and Randy Redd

Photos by Doug Hamilton