York Theatre Company Hosts MAN WITH A LOAD OF MISCHIEF Concerts, 10/1 & 2

Continuing their "Celebration of Off-Broadway," The York Theatre Company (James Morgan, Producing Artistic Director), will present a staged concert production – similar in style to their acclaimed Musicals in Mufti Series – of the 1966 musical Man with a Load of Mischief, with music by John Clifton, lyrics by Clifton and Ben Tarver, and book by Tarver. Directed by Jenn Thompson with music direction by Bryan Wade, Man with a Load of Mischief will play three performances only, today, October 1 at 3:00 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. and Tuesday, October 2 at 3:00 p.m. at The York Theatre at Saint Peter's. Casting will be announced shortly.

A wayside inn – The Innkeeper is about to close for the night, for lack of customers. Suddenly an accident to a coach brings to this humble setting of a handsome Nobleman and his Lackey, a beautiful Lady and her Maid. But the Nobleman isn't noble, the Lackey is no lackey, the Lady is no lady, and the Maid is no maiden. The stage is set for romance – and intrigue -- in Man with a Load of Mischief. And we are set for a banquet of gloriously melodic and witty songs that prompted once critic to say, "Few Broadway composers could equal this score!" The Bergen Record.

Man with a Load of Mischief received rave reviews when it was originally presented Off-Broadway in 1966. "Perfectly charming. A solid hit," declared The New York Times. While the New York Daily News stated, "Sprightly and ingratiating." "Remarkably appealing," said the New York Post.

Tickets are priced at $39.50 ($25 for Members of The York's new membership program) and are available online at www.yorktheatre.org, by calling (212) 935-5820, or in person at the box office at the York Theatre at Saint Peter's (enter on 54th Street, just East of Lexington), Monday through Friday (12-6 PM).

The York Theatre Company's "Celebration of Off-Broadway" Series has included fully staged productions of Closer Than Ever and Ionescopade, and Mufti productions of I'm Getting My Act Together and Taking it on the Road; Still Getting My Act Together; Oh, Coward!; The Housewives' Cantata; The Mad Show; Tomfoolery; and The Tom Jones Mufti Series: The Shoe Goes On; Harold and Maude; Colette Collage; Roadside; and The Game of Love, totaling 200+ performances over the past 16 months.

The York Theatre Company, in association with Edward Negley, Neil Berg and Adam Friedson, has recently announced a new block of tickets on sale for one of the best reviewed Off-Broadway shows of the year, Closer Than Ever with lyrics by Richard Maltby, Jr. and music by David Shire. Tickets are now on sale through November 25, 2012 at The York Theatre at Saint Peter's (Citicorp Building, entrance on East 54th Street, just east of Lexington Avenue). Closer Than Ever will play its 100th performance tonight ! A special Wednesday matinee has been added on September 26 at 2:30 p.m.

With direction by Mr. Maltby, associate direction and choreography by Kurt Stamm and music direction by Andrew Gerle, the cast also features Jacquelyn Piro Donovan (Miss Saigon, Les Misérables), George Dvorsky (The Scarlet Pimpernel), Anika Larsen (Xanadu, All Shook Up, Avenue Q) and Sal Viviano (The Full Monty).

Richard Maltby, Jr. and David Shire's musical treasure Closer Than Ever reopened in June at the York Theatre Company with an exciting new cast and fresh additions to the timeless score. An intimate musical about love, friendship, security, happiness – and holding onto those essentials in a world that pulls us in a hundred directions at once – Closer Than Ever at the York isn't merely a revival, it's the homecoming of an Off-Broadway classic. "An absolutely exquisite and exhilarating theatrical experience. 4 out of 4 Stars!" exclaimed Matt Windman, AM NY. "A truly magical, satisfying experience! Wonderful! Exhilaratingly comical. Sung with flair, compassion and wit!" declared Jennifer Farrar, Associated Press. Celebs that have recently been spotted at Closer Than Ever include: Joan Rivers, Linda Lavin, Michael Feinstein, Kathie Lee Gifford, Judy Collins, Doris Roberts, Jonathan Tunick, John Kander, Karen Akers, Donna McKechnie, and more! A new cast album will be released by JAY Records.

The York Theatre Company is the only theater in New York City-and one of very few in the world-dedicated to developing and fully producing new musicals and preserving neglected, notable shows from the past. For over four decades, York's intimate, imaginative style of producing both original and neglected classic musicals has resulted in critical acclaim and recognition from artists and audiences alike. Under the guidance of Producing Artistic Director James Morgan since 1997, the York has focused exclusively on new musicals in its Mainstage Series-most of them world, American, or New York premieres-by some of the field's most esteemed creators, and has also helped launch the careers of many talented new writers. Over 35 cast recordings from The York Theatre Company productions are now available on CD, and commercial transfers of such York premieres as The Musical of Musicals (The Musical!), Souvenir, Jolson & Company, and its acclaimed revivals of Sweeney Todd and Pacific Overtures have all showcased the importance of the York and its programs.