Tarell Alvin McCraney's Choir Boy & New Musical Murder Ballad to Launch MTC's Studio at Stage II Series

Manhattan Theatre Club will launch a series of new works at New York City Center - Stage II in the fall, including the world premiere of the rock musical Murder Ballad and the New York premiere of Tarell Alvin McCraney's Choir Boy. Dubbed "The Studio at Stage II," the series will mark MTC's return to its smaller off-Broadway house after several seasons in which other theater companies leased the space. 

Co-written by Julia Jordan and indie rock singer/songwriter Juliana Nash, Murder Ballad will begin previews on October 30 and open on November 15, directed by Trip Cullman. The show examines a love triangle gone wrong and centers on Sara, an Upper West Sider who seems to have it all, but whose downtown past lingers enticingly and dangerously in front of her. Casting and additional creative team members will be announced in the coming weeks.

McCraney’s Choir Boy will begin performances on June 18, 2013, and officially open on July 2. Commissioned by MTC, this play with music tells the story of the Charles R. Drew Prep School for Boys, dedicated to the creation of strong, ethical black men. Young student Pharus wants nothing more than to take his rightful place as leader of the school’s legendary gospel choir, but can he find his way if he sings in his own key? Casting and creative team members have yet to be announced. 

As part of The Studio at Stage II, MTC and Ars Nova will partner on The Writer’s Room, a program to commission, develop and support playwrights in the process of creating new work for the stage. Each year, MTC and Ars Nova will jointly select four playwrights to receive Writer’s Room commissions. The initiative is modeled on MTC and Ars Nova's successful collaboration in 2008 on Liz Flahive’s hit comedy From Up Here.