New York City will see a private industry reading of new stage musical The Goree All-Girl String Band April 24 at the Drama League. Hamilton's Ashley Brooke Monroe will direct the reading, set to star Broadway alum Hannah Elless (Bright Star, Godspell).
Based on a true story, The Goree All-Girl String Band follows a band of six women who become radio sensations in 1938 Texas. The surprising twist is that they're all convicted criminals. Teaching themselves music behind bars, they work and play their way to freedom after earning a slot on a prison-based radio program. The work features a book by Jenny Stafford with music and lyrics by Artie Sievers.
Joining Elless in the cast will be Kendra Jo Brook (October Sky), Anthony Chatmon II (Hadestown), Whit. K Lee ( Assassins), Lorinda Lisitza, Kara Mikula (A Man of No Importance), Natalie Grace Ortega, Bruce Sabath (Company), Titus Tompkins, Skyler Volpe (Sing Street!), and Ruby Wolf.
Serving on the creative team will be music supervisor Mike Rosengarten and music director Sheela Ramesh.
