The American premiere of jazz and blues musical The City Club begins previews April 3 at off-Broadway’s Minetta Lane Theatre, starring Kristen Martin as Crystal Labelle. Directed by Mitchell Maxwell, the new musical features music and lyrics by James Compton, Tony DeMeur and Tim Brown and a book by Glenn M. Stewart. Opening night is set for April 23.
Set after Prohibition in 1934, The City Club tells the story of Charles “Chaz” Davenport, the privileged son of a corrupt family whose vice grip on their city is as tight as it is inescapable. Obsessed with music and the people who write, play, sing and worship it, Chaz opens The City Club, a night spot of pure and unbridled musical genius, opportunity and escape. The City Club originally premiered at the Edinburgh International Festival.
In addition to Martin, The City Club features Andrew Pandaleon as Chaz Davenport, Ana Hoffman as Maddy, Peter Bradbury as The Lieutenant, Kenny Brawner as Parker Brown, Autumn Guzzardi as Rose, Kaitlin Mesh as Lily, Patrick O’Neill as Jacobus “Jake” Olsen, Emily Tyra as Candy and Robert J. Townsend as Prince Royale.
The creative team of The City Club includes choreographer Lorin Latarro, scenic designer Rob Bissinger, costume designer David C. Woolard, lighting designer David F. Segal and sound designer Carl Casella.