New York, NY - Feinstein's/54 Below will host EXPOSURE in Concert, featuring an exciting ensemble of Broadway stars performing selections from the powerful new musical conceived and created by Cathy Nathan, with original music and lyrics by Erik Della Penna, musical direction by Doug Peck, and photography by Sandro. EXPOSURE in Concert will play Feinstein's/54 Below, 254 W 54th St., Cellar, in New York, Monday, May 23 at 9:30 p.m. ( Doors open at 8:45 p.m. ).
EXPOSURE, a fearless and empowering new work currently in development, was the winner of FWD Theatre Project, a Chicago-based organization dedicated to the discovery, development, and delivery of the new American musical. EXPOSURE follows a "discarded" female youth, who projects as a male and most specifically as James Dean, as she tries to navigate the treacherous homeless systems in Chicago. When she crosses paths with a disgruntled former star-photographer, she reignites his artistic imagination. He has visions of using her as his muse while desperately trying to recreate his earlier success. Ever present, the relentless spirit of James Dean shadows our homeless girl and becomes a force of comfort, friction and eventually salvation. Come hear the innovative and captivating score that has enamored audiences and stars alike.
The concert cast includes Krystal Joy Brown, Chris Dwan, Tracy Jai Edwards, Jenn Gambatese, Jess Godwin, Clark Kinkade, Janelle McDermoth, Matthew Morrison, Sydney Patrick, Matthew Saldivar, Paul Stovall, Lillias White, Virginia Woodruff, David Yazbek, and more to be announced. They will be accompanied by musical director Doug Peck ( piano ), composer/lyricist Erik Della Penna ( guitar ), Alexandra Eckhardt ( bass ), Dean Sharenow ( drums ), and others to be announced. Sharenow is also the Music Contractor.
The cover charge for EXPOSURE in Concert is $40-$50 with a $25 food and beverage minimum. Premium tickets are priced at $80. There is an additional $5 fee when paying at the door. For tickets or more information call ( 646 ) 476-3551 or visit www.54below.com .
"When I developed this piece, the more I learned about Dean, our LGBTQ kids, adults and senior community, the dialogue opened up naturally," said creator Cathy Nathan. "We know that 40 percent of the homeless youth out there right now identify as LGBTQ and that the highest amount of sex trafficking occurs in the LGBTQ community. It is a tragedy and something we need to get behind and be part of the answer. We are really blessed to have such a loving, caring, thoughtful community of people lending their talents to this important new work."
EXPOSURE features music and lyrics by Erik Della Penna, a musician and songwriter that has worked extensively with David Yazbek, Natalie Merchant, Joan Baez and Hazmat Modine. Musical direction is by Doug Peck, winner of six Joseph Jefferson Awards, including the World Premiere of The Jungle Book at Goodman Theatre. The project includes photography by Sandro ( International Photographer of the Year Award, 2014 and 2015 ). In his Current Award winning project: Malkovich Malkovich Malkovich - Homage to Photographic Masters, Sandro has reinterpreted a selection of iconic photographs that he painstakingly re-staged some of the hallmarks in the history of the medium and then introduced only one significant change; their main subject became John Malkovich. This exhibit will be on display in NYC at Yancey Richardson Gallery from May 12th, 2016 to July 1st, 2016.
EXPOSURE was created and conceived by Cathy Nathan whose Broadway investing and/or producing credits include Hairspray, Little Shop of Horrors ( revival ), High Fidelity, The Wedding Singer, and Irving Berlin's White Christmas, as well as Legally Blonde*, Young Frankenstein*, A Chorus Line*, A Little Night Music*, and Leap of Faith* ( *participation through Endgame Entertainment ). She was also Associate Producer for the Off-Broadway production of Mistakes Were Made at Barrow Street Theatre, which originated from The Red Orchid Theatre in Chicago, IL. Nathan has also served as a Board Member for About Face Theatre, and currently is a Directors Circle Committee Member for Steppenwolf Theatre.
EXPOSURE in Concert is co-directed by Cathy Nathan and Doug Peck and produced by Cathy Nathan Unltd.
Feinstein's/54 BELOW is owned and operated by Tony Award winning producers Tom Viertel, Marc Routh, Richard Frankel, and Steven Baruch.
