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A woman tossed over Niagara Falls locked in barrel? You automatically assume it’s the makings of a reality television show, but this story is one that takes you back earlier into our American History. That woman was Anne Edson Taylor, the truly original reality show contestant of them all.

Taylor’s fearless journey will be told in Michael LaChiusa’s musical this coming October with Transport Group Theatre Company. LaChiusa’s compelling and haunting musical is one that captures Taylor’s courageous spirit and brings it from her century into ours . In a world where reality television is cast of ordinary people overcoming their fears and sharing their intimate, private lives with us, who could overlook the original daredevil of them all, Anne Edson Taylor?

Queen of the Mist

Tonight, the cast and crew of Transport Group’s QUEEN OF THE MIST met for their first music rehearsal at Pearl Studios. Our director and fearless leader, Jack Cummings III, gathered us around and mentioned how much this Queen has meant to him and the company. This idea of a musical concerning Anne’s fall over Niagara Falls began seven years ago as a collaboration between Jack, Mary Testa, and Michael John LaChiusa. All these years later, the Queen has risen.

Queen of the Mist Cast & Crew - Photo Credit: Lori Fineman

Creator Michael John LaChiusa joined us tonight to meet the cast that would shape and mold the clay of words he would bring to them. Michael John mentioned how vital the cast is to this writing process and to bringing Anne Edson Taylor’s story to the stage. “Jack and I have brought two barrels full of clay and we are dumping them into the rehearsal room for you to play with. Now go play!”

Queen of the Mist Cast - Photo Credit: Lori Fineman

Starting tonight and carrying on for the rest of the week, the cast will learn, rehearse, and prepare the music. Next week, they will dive head first into their scripts of QUEEN OF THE MIST. With a talented and versatile cast such as this one, we can expect crowds to come and bow with their applause to this Queen.

Jack Cummings III & Mary Testa - Photo Credit: Lori Fineman

Stay tuned for photos and videos of the Cast Meet & Greet coming next week!

This weekend marked the first set of previews for our new show, The Patsy, starring Obie Award Winner, David Greenspan. So far, we have had a fantastic crowds come out and support, and tons of great feedback from the audience. On Sunday night, we had a Transport Group Alumni Evening, with tons of veterans from past TG shows coming out to the Duke on 42nd. The crowd included Nick Westrate (Boys in the Band), Tom Ligon (Our Town), Glenda DeAbrau (See Rock City), Elizabeth Stanley (Hello Again) , and Max VonEssen (Hello Again). We also had a great crowd for the post-performance talk back with David, Jack Cummings III (Director of The Patsy) and Kristina Corocan Williams (Dramaturg for The Patsy). It was great to hear the three of them speak about the development process of The Patsy, and gain some insight into David’s personal creative journey with both pieces.

We can’t wait for this week’s performances, and for our official opening night, July 24th! Don’t forget to friend us on Facebook follow us on Twitter! And be sure to come to The Duke on 42nd to see The Patsy and Jonas!!

Hi Bloggers!

Long time no post! LYSISTRATA JONES’ run is over, and all of us over at Transport couldn’t be happier with how it went. It was a blast of a show, and we all hope to see more of it in the future!

On a more recent note, tickets are on sale now for our newest show, opening on Friday, July 15th at The Duke on 42nd . THE PATSY and JONAS are two new pieces by Obie Award winner and all around theatre rock star David Greenspan. THE PATSY is a new adaptation of an old play from the 1920s by Barry Conners; an old fashioned living room comedy about Patricia, the less beautiful and less loved member of a loud and dramatic family, and her search for love. The twist is that all 8 parts that appear in the adaptation are played by David. It is incredible to see him switch seamlessly from one character to another, in a whirlwind performance that somehow remains sweet and funny, and a little bit touching.

JONAS is a world premiere of a new monologue, written and performed by David. It was inspired by the character that he played in The Royal Wedding at Manhattan Theatre Club in 2009, and chronicles David’s experience of living inside that character. It is an absolutely stunning piece, that plays with language in a new and creative way. It is truly a once in a lifetime experience to see David perform it.

Be sure to stay tuned to this blog for videos and pictures coming this week, including an exclusive interview with both David and director Jack Cummings III on the process of creating both pieces. And don’t forget to order your tickets at The Duke on 42nd website!

Listen up!