Nicholas Gonzalez, Kelechi Ezie, Tanesha Ross, Mercedes Ruiz, J. Manuel Santos Go to Rio, for NYMF, Starting July 10

By Andrew Gans
10 Jul 2012

Kelechi Ezie
Kelechi Ezie

The New York Musical Theatre Festival presents Mitch Magonet and Joey Miller's Rio July 10-18 at The Theater at St. Clement's.

Directed by Scott Faris and produced by Pinny Gniwisch, the cast features Nicholas Gonzalez as Pipio, Gilbert Glenn Brown, Jose Candelaria, Nina Crupiti, Kelechi Ezie, Dennis Kenney, Tanesha Ross, Mercedes Ruiz, J. Manuel Santos, Lelund Durond Thompson, Zurin Villanueva and Nik Walker.

"Twelve-year-old Pipio hunts for his lost mother among the street kids, gangs and drug lords that rule Rio's favelas — the toughest slums in the hottest place on Earth," according to press notes. "The boy's search for identity becomes a struggle for survival in this re-invention of Charles Dickens' Oliver Twist set in modern-day Brazil — a colorful, character-filled Carnaval tale presented by the Escola de Samba Foltando!"

The creative team also includes Charity Wicks (music director), Kate Dunn (choreography), Colin McGurk (set design), Ken Billington (lighting consultant), David Kaley (costume design), Janie Bullard (sound design), Jason Najjoum (casting), Jack DePalma (creative consultant) and Eve Rybnick (general manager).

Performances are July 10 at 8 PM, July 11 at 3 PM, July 13 at 9 PM, July 14 at 5 PM, July 15 at 8 PM and July 18 at 9 PM.

Tickets are $25 and can be purchased online at nymf.org or by calling (212) 352-3101. The Theater at St. Clement's is located at 423 W. 46th Street.