Musically Human Theatre Productions Introduces New Company

Producing Artistic Director David Norwood announces the formation of Musically Human Theatre Productions (MHTP), a new company devoted to introducing and nurturing the composers and writers who bring contemporary societal problems to the forefront, while evolving the art of musical theatre.

The New York premiere of the musical "Nevermore" opens MHTP's inaugural season on Monday, November 7 at 9:30 p.m., at the Duplex, located 61 Christopher Street in the West Village. "Nevermore," with music by Matt Conner ("The Hollow", "Partial Eclipse"), book by Grace Barnes and lyrics adapted from Edgar Allan Poe, uses Poe's writings to illustrate his shifting obsessions with five women in his life. It will be presented as a staged concert starring Dan Cooney ("9 to 5" on Broadway, upcoming "Bonnie & Clyde"), who originated the Poe role in 2006 at Signature Theatre in Arlington, Virginia. The concert precedes a full production of "Nevermore" in June 2012. To reserve a seat at the concert for $15, please visit http://www.theduplex.com/~thedup/webcalendar/view_entry.php?id=6282&date=20111107.

Broadway actor Douglas Lyons ("The Book of Mormon," "Dreamgirls") will launch the MHTP Master Class Series on Monday, November 14, at 5 p.m. The three-hour master class, titled "From College to Broadway," will give fifteen young actors the chance to learn individualized auditioning techniques from Lyons, whose career has flourished since graduating from the University of Hartford in 2009. To reserve a space in the master class for $25, please visit http://musicallyhuman.org/community-outreach/.

Other events on the MHTP calendar include a December 2011 staged reading of Matt Conner and Stephen Gregory Smith's musical "Night of the Living Dead," as well as two "New Voices" concerts, which will feature New York actors singing songs from emerging musical theater composers. The first New Voices concert will be held on December 5, 2011, the second in March 2012. Finally, MHTP will mount a full production of "Nevermore" in June 2012.

The MHTP staff includes Producing Artistic Director David Norwood, Associate Producer B.J. Evans and Marketing Director Tommy O'Malley. To find out more about MHTP and our staff, please visit www.musicallyhuman.org, or email info@musicallyhuman.org.