Romantic Poetry announces full cast

Manhattan Theatre Club (MTC) has announced the full cast for the upcoming world premiere of Romantic Poetry, a new musical by John Patrick Shanley and Henry Krieger, opening at NY City Center Stage 1 on 28 Oct 2008, following previews from 30 Sep for a limited engagement.

The musical will star Jeb Brown, Jerry Dixon, Ivan Hernandez, Mark Linn-Baker, Patina Renea Miller and Emily Swallow.

Romantic Poetry will feature book and lyrics by John Patrick Shanley, music by Henry Krieger, and direction by Shanley.

Romantic Poetry: Connie of Woodmere has just married Fred of Newark, but her exes are back in the picture and not sure they approve of the union. Judy of Westchester is being wooed by Arthur, a dishwasher poet of no particular address, while her husband is out of town. And Lily of Soho is climbing Wally of Little Italy's fire escape with amorous erotic intent.

The creative team includes David Korins (sets), Laura Bauer (costumes), Donald Holder (lighting) and Brian Ronan (sound).

Bios.

John Patrick Shanley (book,lyrics, director) is the author of the Tony Award winning Best Play, Doubt (2005), which also won the Pullitzer Prize for Best Drama. His plays include 'Where's My Money?,' 'Missing/Kissing: Missing Marisa/Kissing Christine,' 'Four Dogs and a Bone,' and 'Beggars in a House of Plenty' all of which have been produced off-Broadway by MTC and directed by the playwright.

Henry Krieger (composer) has been nominated for Tony's for his scores for 'Dreamgirls' (1981) and Side Show (1997). Off-Broadway he composed the music for 'Love's Fowl,' which was produced by the New York Theatre Workshop in 1998.

Jeb Brown currently plays the role of 'Vince' in the Broadway revival of Grease, other Broadway credits include 'High Fidelity' (2006), 'Ring of Fire' (2006), 'I'm Not Rappaport' (2002 revival), 'Bring Back Birdie' (1981) and 'Cat on a Hot Tin Roof' (1974). Jerry Dixon's Broadway credits include 'Five Guys Named Moe' (1992), and 'Once on This Island' (1990), he has also wrote the music and lyrics for 'An Evening With Mario Cantone' (2002) and 'Laugh Whore' (2004). Dixon last appeared Off-Broadway in 'tick, tick...BOOM!'

Ivan Hernandez made his New York debut when he played 'El Gallo' in the Off-Broadway revival of 'The Fantasticks' at the Snapple Theater Center's Jerry Orbach Theater.

Mark Linn-Baker many New York Theatre credits include Broadway productions of 'Losing Louie' (2006), 'A Year With Frog and Toad' (2003) and 'A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum' (1996). Off-Broadway credits include 'Almost an Evening,' 'A Flea in Her Ear' and 'The Miss Firecracker Contest.'

Emily Swallow made her Broadway debut in 'High Fidelity' (2006), her off-Broadway credits include 'The Black Eyed,' 'Measure for Pleasure' and 'Much Ado About Nothing.

Patina Renea Miller is making her off-Broadway debut.