The Lippi Musical New York Performance at the York Theatre

Steve Kayser and Ken Sutherland review the Lippi Musical performance in New York.

Steve: Lippi, the Musical, was performed at The York Theatre Developmental Read program, an award-winning venue in New York with 180 Broadway theater goers and industry leaders in attendance. Now that the dust has settled – what’s your take?

Ken: The New York performance at the York Theatre was exceptional. Standing ovation to a packed house. With 9 actors from Dallas and 6 from New York, the show was smoother and better paced than the Dallas presentation. We have learned so much from the staged readings. The York Theatre really is the place “where musicals come to life”.

Steve: Were there any story-line issues or concerns that came up?

Ken: The main concern expressed by a number of folks at the New York read was consistent: we need to shorten the running time. We’ve now done that. The show is tighter, more exciting and flies by with no serious damage to the score or the heart of the story. Characters are now fully flushed out and the through-story line is focused.

The major asset we brought in was Eugene Gwozdz, our New York based musical director. What a phenomenal talent. And though the intention of the read was to showcase the score and the story, the combined Dallas and New York cast was terrific. Hollis Scarborough was spot on as Angelina and Michael and Angelo – played by Seth Grugle and Joe Cooper – almost stole the show. Renee Freeman, Samantha Blair and Haley Patersen added great vocals, youthful enthusiasm and minimal but effective choreography. Kim Whalen’s turn as Lucrezia captivated everyone. Director Tod Booth once again showed creativity and style with this performance.

Steve: Next steps?

Ken: Looks like right now a work shop (also in New York) off Broadway in October. “Lippi” continues to move forward!