NEW GIRL IN TOWN Makes its San Francisco Debut at 42nd Street Moon

There is a musical based on Eugene O'Neill's masterpiece Anna Christie.

Wait. What? Are you kidding me?

San Francisco's acclaimed 42nd Street Moon has announced the San Francisco debut of Bob Merrill and George Abbott's New Girl in Town. This rarely-produced Tony Award-winner is a perfect show for the venerable theater company - featuring a great score and engaging book by Broadway legends and highlighting strong female characters fighting for their rights. New Girl in Town plays the Eureka Theatre at 215 Jackson Street in San Francisco from March 29-April 16, 2017. Tickets range from $28-$75 and can be purchased through the box office at (415) 255-8207 or online at www.42ndstmoon.org.

Co-Executive Director Daren A.C. Carollo makes his 42nd Street Moon directorial debut withNew Girl in Town. "I have always been a huge fan of Eugene O'Neill's work. I sat on the Board of Directors of the Eugene O'Neill Foundation for three years and was honored to direct staged readings of his lesser-known works, performed in the barn of his last California home in Danville. When I dove into New Girl in Town in the fall of 2016, I was impressed to see how Abbott and Merrill were true to O'Neill's intentions while creating a star vehicle for one of Broadway's biggest triple threats, Gwen Verdon. There are some very hummable tones and yet the grit and passion of Anna Christieis always present," says Carollo.

At the opening of New Girl in Town, we meet a former prostitute, Anna, with nowhere to turn other than her sea captain father, Chris, whom she has not seen in decades. Over the course of the show Anna and Chris explore the unbreakable bond of family and develop their own relationships - Anna with the sailor Matt and Chris with his lady friend Marthy. The show ran for over a year on Broadway, and in a first, the Tony Award for Best Actress was shared between the inestimable Gwen Verdon (as Anna) and Thelma Ritter (as Marthy). The show was also nominated for Best Musical and Best Choreography (by another Broadway legend, Bob Fosse).

42nd Street Moon celebrates and preserves the art and spirit of the American Musical Theatre. We contribute to its evolution and continuing vitality by presenting intimately produced performances of classic and rarely performed musical works. Through our productions, educational programs, and community outreach, we are committed to increasing the awareness and appreciation of the rich heritage and cultural perspective of the musical theatre and its vast influence on the world stage.

THE TEAM:

Principals: Theatre Bay Area Award Winner Allison F. Rich (Anna), Chris Vettel (Chris),

Judith Miller (Marthy), and Joshua Marx (Matt).

Ensemble: Mike Birr, Mark J. Enea, Ashley Garlick, John-Elliott Kirk, Lauren Meyer, and Elise Youssef.

Music and Lyrics by Robert Merrill

Book by George Abbott

Director: Daren A.C. Carollo

Music Director: Dave Dobrusky

Choreographer: Kelly Cooper

Costume Designer: Bethany Deal

Set Designer: Mark Mendelson

Light Designer: Ryan Weible