The Apple Boys: A Barbershop Quartet Musical makes its world premiere, officially opening December 9 following previews that began November 30 at HERE (145 Sixth Avenue). The limited engagement will continue through December 23.
The cast includes Jonothon Lyons (Basil Twist’s Symphonie Fantastique, Sleep No More) as Warren, Amanda Ryan Paige (Zanna Don’t!) as Hank, Jelani Remy (Smokey Joe’s Café, The Lion King) as Jack, and Teddy Yudain (The Little Match Girl) as Nathan. The four actors play over 40 characters.
LOOKING TO CAST OR BE CAST IN A SHOW YOURSELF? TRY PLAYBILL JOBS NOW
The Apple Boys features a book by writer and performer Lyons, music and lyrics by 2017 Jonathan Larson Grant recipient Ben Bonnema, and direction by David Alpert.
Set in Coney Island at the turn of the 20th century, the story centers on Jack Chapman III (Johnny Appleseed’s grandson), who sets out to save his family’s apple orchard by enlisting the help of Nathan Handwerker (founder of Nathan’s Hot Dogs), Warren Lincoln Travis (“The World’s Strongest Man”), and Lina “Hank” Beecher (designer of the first looping roller coaster). Together, this very different group of friends discover the magic of a new kind of music: barbershop harmony.
“Barbershop quartet music is a quintessentially American art form,” said book writer and performer Lyons in an earlier statement. “Nostalgic even at the time of its origin, this music is deeply rooted in a culture of friendship, kindness and joy. The Apple Boys is a timeless story of overcoming obstacles through unity, illustrating that harmony is something beautiful that is only achieved through embracing our differences.”
The creative team includes lighting designer Rui Rita, set designer Starlet Jacobs, choreographer Marc Kimelman, costume designer Lindsay McWilliams, and music director Cynthia Meng.
Tickets are available at AppleBoysNYC.com or by calling (212) 352-3101.
(Updated December 9, 2018)
