How to Dance in Ohio director Sammi Cannold is at the helm of a new musical from Bonnie Gleicher, Oy Band. The work will present industry readings in NYC June 21.
The work centers on a band of four Orthodox Jewish girls who re-fashion themselves as a boy band so that they can perform beyond the restrictions of their community. Gleicher has written the work's book, music, and lyrics.
The reading's cast will feature Anna Zavelson (The Light in the Piazza), Maya Jacobson (Fiddler on the Roof), Sofie Zamchick (Enchanted), and Hailey Lynn Elberg (Little Red Car). Casting is by Benton Whitley and Micah Johnson-Levy for Whitley Theatrical.
Cynthia Meng is music directing, and Mitchell Leib is producing for his King of Van Nuys Theatrical Productions. Marnie Price is a co-producer, with Evan Bernardin Productions' Hillel Firedman serving as general manager. Howie Tilkin is stage managing, and Travis Rigby is the music copyist.
“Oy, I’m kvelling, thrilled, and privileged to be back in business with Bonnie Gleicher on her new original project Oy Band,” says Leib in a statement. “Bonnie is a force of nature as author, songwriter, and visionary in creating this wholly (holy as well) original and timely story about figuring out who you really are. As the old adage goes, ‘you can’t pick your parents,' and Bonnie’s message is a passionate metaphor for the same. We are all born into that which we have no control over: skin color, sex, economic class, religion, expectation. And Bonnie’s heartfelt, insightful, and masterful storytelling is going to take the audience on a fulfilling and celebratory journey of self-discovery. ... I’m putting this important and timely musical on a fast-track path, heading for a defining workshop this fall, followed by a commercial Off-Broadway debut. This is a challenging time for the stage business, and the need to be more resourceful, inventive, and committed to out-of-the-box thinking, especially with how unique properties are brought to life, is an absolute must."
Industry members interested in attending can email Hillel@EvanBernardinProductions.com.
