Readings and WorkshopsAlice Ripley, Aisha de Haas, Caesar Samayoa to Star in Reading of The Learned Ladies MusicalMargarett Perry directs the industry presentation.
By
Andrew Gans
November 16, 2017
Alice Ripley
Tony winner Alice Ripley (Next to Normal, Side Show) will star in a reading of the new musical The Learned Ladies November 17 at 3 PM at Manhattan Theatre Club Studios.
Directed by Margarett Perry, the cast will also include Aisha de Haas (Caroline, or Change; Rent), Caesar Samayoa (Come From Away), Will Mann (Memphis), Sydney Morton (American Psycho), Brian Ogilvie (Something Rotten), Christina Nieves (Exit Strategy), and Jordan Tyson (Sweetee).
Rounding out the cast are Lindsey Carothers, Nora Cole, Sarah Knapp, Erin Salm, Dana Winkle, and Virginia Woodruff.
Based on the comedy by Molière, The Learned Ladies features music by Ray Leslee (Standup Shakespeare, Avenue X) and a libretto by playwright and actor Brian Dykstra. Kimberly Grigsby will serve as musical director for the reading.
Dykstra's libretto transports Molière's comedy to a large metropolis just a few years into the future. The text, in its original verse, is completely sung-through. According to Perry, “The musical feels extremely timely because it’s about equal rights and education for all and it celebrates love in all its various forms. It makes my heart soar.”
Alice Ripley and Alan Campbell in Sunset Boulevard (Broadway, 1994)
Alice Ripley and Alan Campbell in Sunset Boulevard (Broadway, 1994)
Alice Ripley, Alan Campbell, Glenn Close, George Hearn and Vincent Tumeo during the Broadway opening night curtain call for Sunset Boulevard, November 17, 1994
Emily Skinner and Alice Ripley in the 1997 Broadway musical Side Show.
Emily Skinner, Alice Ripley and Hugh Panaro in the 1997 Broadway musical Side Show