The authors of the new musical “Buddy’s Tavern,” winner of Curtain Call’s 2010 American Harmony Prize, are going to have to clear a little more room on their mantles. Yesterday, it was announced that “Buddy’s Tavern” has also been named by the Acardemy of Arts and Letters as the winner of the 2010 Richard Rodgers Award, one of the most prestigious honors given to developing works of musical theater. In addition to recognition, the Richard Rodgers Award carries with it funding for reading and productions of the winner musical.
“Buddy’s Tavern” was written by Raymond DeFelitta, Alison Louise Hubbard and Kim Oler. A concert reading of songs and scenes from the show will be presented at Curtain Call’s next Musical Mondays evening, scheduled for Monday, February 22, starring Broadway performer Michael Iannucci (Fiddler on the Roof) in the title role.
“Buddy’s Tavern” was chosen, after a nationwide search, as the winner of Curtain Call’s third annual American Harmony Prize -- an award that celebrates works of musical theater that explore our country’s many ethnic, religious and gender identifications. The focus of this season’s award is to showcase a new musical that dramatizes an aspect of the experience of Italian-Americans. “Buddy’s Tavern” is based on independent filmmaker DeFelitta’s 2000 film “Two Family House.”
A concert reading of material from “Buddy’s Tavern” will be presented on Monday, February 22, 2010, at 7:30 pm, as the second offering in Curtain Call’s 2009 Musical Mondays series. The performance will take place in the newly renovated Kweskin Theater, followed by the presentation of the award and a reception with the authors and cast. All tickets are $15.00 and reservations may be made by telephoning 203-329-8207 or visiting www.curtaincallinc.com. Curtain Call will alo host a free screening of “Two Family House,” in the Kweskin Theater at 7:30 pm on Sunday, February 21.
