Kyle Riabko will interpret the music of Burt Bacharach as part of New York Theatre Workshop's 2013-14 season, which will also include a new drama about boxing icon Cassius Clay and a new play by Caryl Churchill. An additional production will be added to the off-Broadway company's lineup at a later date.
The season kicks off in the fall with Tony winner Des McAnuff (Jersey Boys, The Who’s Tommy) directing Will Power’s latest play Fetch Clay, Make Man. The show examines the unlikely friendship between heavyweight boxing champion Cassius Clay (later known as Muhammad Ali) and controversial film star Stepin Fetchit. Based on a true story, Fetch Clay, Make Man explores their fight to form public personas and shape their legacies amidst the struggle of the Civil Rights Movement.
Next up will be What’s it All About? Bacharach Reimagined, which features Spring Awakening and Hair vet Riabko performing his own original arrangements of Bacharach’s beloved music. Directed by Steven Hoggett, the piece examines Bacharach’s timeless tunes through the eyes and ears of a new generation.
Churchill’s Love and Information will then run in winter 2014. Directed by James MacDonald, Love and Information illuminates society’s fascination with high-speed information and its threat to the very essence of our humanity.
Exact dates and casting for the productions will be announced shortly.