A new play with music written by Funny Girl's Julie Benko, entitled Down the Line, will receive industry presentations at NYC's Open Jar Studios March 27-28.
Brandon J. Dirden is directing the new work, about a New Orleans madame, her daughter, and their different dreams for the latter's life. The work was named a semifinalist at the Eugene O'Neill National Playwrights Conference.
Best known for her performing work as the Fanny Brice Alternate in Broadway's recent Funny Girl revival as well as playing Ruth in last season's Harmony, Benko will also perform in the presentations, alongside Crystal Dickinson (Clybourne Park), Emma Duncan (The Sandman), J. Harrison Ghee (Some Like It Hot), Florencia Lozano (One Life to Life), Michael Mastro (Funny Girl), and Lily Santiago (Mary Jane). Casting is by Geoff Josselson Casting.
Benko's husband, jazz musician Jason Yeager, will music direct and lead a three-piece ensemble playing classic New Orleans tunes. The creative team also includes dramaturg James Monta帽o.
Michael Patrick Productions is producing, and Mix and Match Productions is serving as general manager.
