Industry readings of a new version of The Fields of Ambrosia—the Southern Gothic musical based on the 1970 film The Traveling Executioner—will be held October 17–18 in Manhattan.

Featuring a book and lyrics by Joel Higgins, music by Martin Silvestri, choreography by Matthew Johnson Harris, and direction by Gabriel Barre, the cast will include Mike McGowan (The Book of Mormon) as Jonas Candide, Sierra Boggess (Harmony) as Gretchen Herzallerliebst, Jordan Dobson (Hadestown) as Jimmy, Manoel Felciano (Parade) as Doc, J. Robert Spencer (Next to Normal) as Warden Brodsky, and Robert Cuccioli (Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark) as Malcolm Piquant with Ryan Andes, Melessie Clark, David Corlew, Daniella Dalli, Benjamin Eakley, Deven Kolluri, Nathan Salstone, Ann Sanders, Byron St. Cyr, Nathaniel Stampley, Anne Fraser Thomas, and Katie Thompson.

Set in 1918 in the Deep South, The Fields of Ambrosia follows Jonas Candide, an ex-con man turned traveling executioner, and Gretchen Herzallerliebst, an Austrian immigrant prisoner, who sings her way into his heart. Soon there is nothing he won’t do to save her from her fate.

The musical received its world premiere in 1993 at George Street Playhouse followed by a 1996 production in London's West End. Authors Higgins and Silvestri, working with director Barre, have taken a fresh look at the show, incorporating revised material with an eye toward a new production.

The musical also features orchestrations by David Siegel, musical direction by Lawrence Yurman, stage management by Tia Harewood-Millington, and general management by ShowTown Theatricals. Casting is by Chad Eric Murnane and Amber Snead of Murnane Casting.

6 Feet 8 Paws Productions and ShowTown Productions produce.

For inquiries, email [email protected].