Living on the Upper West Side, it’s easy to cling to the easily accessible theater stops off the 1 train.
Though Midtown West is on the red line and no doubt the theater powerhouse of the city, in Midtown East there’s a quieter more intimate theater scene worth crossing the park for.
The York Theatre Company located at 619 Lexington Avenue between 53rd and 54th streets provides a venue to explore smaller musical endeavors. Specifically dedicated to musical theater, the York has historically been the birthplace for new pieces as well as a place dedicated to the revival of previously under-appreciated musical nuggets.
A number of creations started at the York before migrating to successful show runs on Broadway and off-Broadway such as The Musical of Musicals (the Musical!), Sweeney Todd. and Stephen Schwartz’s Captain Louie. Since its founding in 1969 by Janet Hayes Walker, the York commits not only to producing an abounding quantity of musical theater—presenting approximately 200 musical performances per year—the company continues to commit to quality in its handiwork.
Through its Mainstage Series the York has had the opportunity to premiere three to four full productions per year by both novice and reputable writers. Their Musicals in Mufti Series presents concert revival readings—full concerts in which actors perform with scripts and minimal staging—to showcase the city’s musical performing talents.
Not only does the York provide a space for recognition, the company also offers a site for innovation. The York has nurtured theatrical advancements among the ranks of Broadway’s Tony Award-winning musical Avenue Q, which launched via their ongoing Developmental Reading Series.
As a residence endorsing musical theatrical progression, the York also leads initiatives to diversify and educate audiences through free and low-cost theater. Moreover, the York offers practical education initiatives through its volunteer and internship programs to help manage current productions.
Enter Laughing is currently playing on a recently extended run at the York. According to the York Theater Company’s Web site, the show—directed by Stuart Ross—tells the story of a “stage-struck, woman-struck teenager who blunders his way into manhood via showbiz.” The musical comedy in the most literal sense now closes March 20th.
It may not be the vigorous scene of Times Square, but the musical theater of Midtown East is loud enough to still cause a ruckus in its relentless enterprise to bring new and under-appreciated musicals to the forefront.
The York Theater is located at 619 Lexington Ave. (between 53rd and 54th streets). Enter Laughing plays through Friday March 20th with performances Tuesday–Friday at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sundays at 3 p.m. Student tickets are available for $20 at ovationtix.com.
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