Presented as part of York's Developmental Reading Series, Blue Roses (billed as "a memory play with music") takes place in an empty theatre, which "stirs the imagination of Tom, a poet/playwright, evoking his mother, sister, a gentleman caller, his father and us, his audience," according to the York. "Music accompanies his journey to a past he longs to heal."

The musical is presented with special permission from The Tennessee Williams Estate. There is a waiting list for reservations.

With music by Nancy Ford and lyrics and book adaptation by Mimi Turque, Blue Roses is directed by Tony Award-winner Albert Marre (Man of La Mancha), and will feature Edwin Cahill (LoveMusik), Jason Danieley (Curtains), Anita Gillette (Chapter Two), Piper Goodeve (Anne of Green Gables) and Bert Michaels (Cabaret).

The musical's title? As fans of the play know, it stems from a nickname in Williams' play that Laura was given by Jim, her gentleman caller, when they were in high school. Laura had been absent from school due to a bout of "pleurosis," and Jim, whom she knew only casually, had mistakenly heard her say "Blue Roses," which he called her whenever they met.

— Allison Klamkin