Aaron Alcaraz, Jade McLeod, and More Will Lead CONFESSIONS and ATALANTA: THE LONG SHOT

The 19th season of New York Theatre Barn's award-winning New Works Series will continue on Monday, May 18, 2026, with excerpts from the original musicals Confessions and Atalanta: The Long Shot, and a conversation with the writers. Hosted by Artistic Director Joe Barros and Tom Rastrelli, whose memoir inspired the musical Confessions, the two original musicals explore untold queer narratives by queer writers. 

Based on Tom Rastrelli's memoir Confessions of a Gay Priest: A Memoir of Sex, Love, Abuse, and Scandal in the Catholic Seminary, Confessions explores the intertwining of sexuality and spirituality through the untold true story of a modern-day gay priest. The original musical has book and Lyrics by Jonathan Keebler and music by Bob Kelly, with direction by Joe Barros, music direction by Kelly, and a cast that includes Aaron Alcaraz (Mean Girls, Back to the Future), Sean Doherty (Teeth, Jagged Little Pill), James D. Sasser (Teeth), John F. Higgins (Listen to Me), Kris Carrasco, and Jax Terry.

From the writers of Xena: Warrior Musical, Lucier&Rose's Atalanta: The Long Shot is based on the only non-male hero of ancient Greek mythology, and reclaims Atalanta's mythological narrative through an intensely sapphic lens. The original musical has direction by co-writer S.C. Lucier and music direction by co-writer Meghan Rose, and a cast that includes Jade McLeod (Jagged Little Pill), Andrea Prestinario (Ring of Keys), Blanca Del Loco (Daredevil: Born Again), Maya Encila (Asian Persuasion), Malea Kimberly, and Romeo Torres. A concept album of Lucier&Rose's Xena: Warrior Musical is streaming from Theatre Barn Records.