TRU Voices New Musical Reading Series December 14, 2009

Theater Resources Unlimited (TRU) is pleased to announce the winning selections of the 2009 TRU Voices New Musicals Reading Series. In a series that is unique because it develops new producers as well as new musicals, three works were chosen from submissions by emerging or established producers, as well as writers. The works will be read on Monday, December 14; Tuesday, December 15; and Monday, December 21, 2009 at 7pm at the Players Theatre, located at 115 MacDougal Street, NYC. The readings will be followed by a reception and a “Dollars and Sense” discussion of the development process. Admission is FREE but reservations are required. Online ticketing is available at www.theplayerstheatre.com or phone 212-475-1449. For more information, visit www.truonline.org.

The musicals chosen for the TRU Voices New Musicals Reading Series are: "The Thing About Joe", lyrics and book by Matthew Hardy, music by Randy Klein, directed by Tim Kashani, produced by Apples & Oranges Productions (Memphis, Hair revival); "RIPPED!", book, music and lyrics by Dan Furman, additional lyrics by Mary-Liz McNamara, directed by Igor Goldin / Musical Direction by Jeff Biering, produced by 6 Pound Productions/Maren Berthelsen (Yank! coming in the Spring to the York Theatre) in association with Theresa Wozunk, both of whom are in the TRU producer mentorship program; and "The Arresting Dilemma of Mr K," based on the novel "Der Prozess" by Franz Kafka, book by John Sparks, music & lyrics by Jon Steinhagen, produced by Kevin Hale and Jennifer Wilcox of the newly formed Playlab NYC.

"The Thing About Joe" will be read on Monday, December 14, 2009 at 7pm. A modern day Candide story, this quirky new musical comedy tells the story of Joe Christiansen from Preston, Idaho, who rebels against his pill-pushing psychiatrist mother and journeys to New York to pursue his dream of becoming a great Maitre d’ like his father who was killed in a freak flaming bananas foster accident. Along the way, Joe encounters a host of cool and culinary characters who help and hinder Joe as he comes to understand what it truly means to follow one’s dream.

"RIPPED!" will be read on Tuesday, December 15, 2009 at 7pm. Looking to escape his troubles, Rip Van Winkle volunteers for a military mission. 20 years later, he wakes up on a hillside. Can he go back to wife and home? "RIPPED!" is a magical story of love, loss and redemption set in the Hudson Valley in the time of the American Revolution.

"The Arresting Dilemma of Mr K" will be read on Monday, December 21, 2009 at 7pm. Joseph K awakes one morning to learn he’s “under arrest,” but the nameless officials can’t – or won’t - tell him what he’s done. Joseph, allowed to go about his business until his trial, lives a daily nightmare as he tries to discover his crime. He descends into the twisted, sordid world of the court system, which is no less confusing than his personal life. Without help from anyone, Joseph comes to embrace the individuality that has isolated him from his world - whatever the consequence.