"Notes From New York" at Arts Theatre 4 July 2004

"Notes From New York" at Arts Theatre 4 July 2004

Following its recent success at the Donmar Warehouse on 7 March, Notes From New York, the West End's first and only platform for contemporary US musical theatre, will return on Sunday 4 July 2004 to celebrate Independence Day at the Arts Theatre, where the series began life last year, featuring the work of the Andrew Lippa, Craig Carnelia, and Jimmy Roberts.

Staged in an intimate cabaret setting, Notes From New York will feature a number of UK and European premières, including songs from Andrew Lippa's new musical "A Little Princess" ahead of its world première in the US this summer, material from Jimmy Roberts' recent Off-Broadway hit "The Thing About Men" and work from Craig Carnelia's oft-admired but rarely performed repertoire. Loosely themed to tie in with Independence Day, the show will focus on four young people's search for identity as they battle through teenage angst, discover each other, strive for independence and learn to live their lives.

The show will feature Julie Atherton and Paul Spicer, who starred in the first two shows of the series. They will be joined on this occasion by Kellie Ryan and Samuel Barnett.

Julie Atherton , whose credits include 'Sophie' in "Mamma Mia" and 'Serena' in "Fame", is currently rehearsing for the Chichester Festival Theatre's forthcoming summer season, whilst Paul Spicer, whose credits include "The Witches of Eastwick", "Fame" and "Taboo" is touring the UK as a featured dancer in the hit 70s musical "Saturday Night Fever". Kellie Ryan most recently played the role of Katie Brown in the UK tour and subsequent West End season of "Calamity Jane", prior to which she played Audrey in "Little Shop of Horrors"; Samuel Barnett's credits include "His Dark Materials" at the National Theatre, and is currently performing there in the world première of Alan Bennett's new play "The History Boys".

Produced by Neil Eckersley, Notes From New York is directed by David Randall with musical staging by Paul Spicer, sound by Marcus Wadland and costumes by DKNY.