Invitation-only readings of the new musical Forty Elephants will be held in New York City September 16. The project, directed by Donna Vivino (Hell's Kitchen), features a book and music by Bryan Blaskie and a book and lyrics by Laurie Hochman. Blaskie is also music directing the presentation.

Described as a "queer, feminist, anti-capitalist, dual-timeline, pop-punk heist musical comedy," the work follows two timelines of capers of the Forty Elephants, a real gang of female pickpockets. The musical was previously developed in New York Theatre Barn's Choreography Lab.

The presentation cast will feature Nicci Claspell (Moulin Rouge! The Musical), 2025 Tony nominee Julia Knitel (Dead Outlaw), Ali Regan (Girl from North Country Broadway), Jonathan Gabriel Mousset (Much Ado About Nothing), Heather Sawyer (James and the Giant Peach), Eddie Korbich (The Music Man), Danielle Cohn (Drunk Shakespeare), Erica Lynn Bridge (Jersey Boys), Katie Emerson (The Little Mermaid), Morgan Smart (6888: A New Musical), Sarah Goldstein (Drunk Shakespeare), and Trinity Harvey (A Christmas Story).

Industry members interested in attending can email [email protected].