Monte Cristo, A New Musical

 Monte Cristo
A New Musical
The York Theatre
Theatre at St. Jean’s
March 20, 2026 

Photo courtesy of The York Theatre

The York Theatre production of Monte Cristo, A New Musical is a whimsical take on the Alexandre Dumas classic novel.  Peter Kellogg’s book keeps the action moving, finding humorous moments in this dark tale.  His lyrics dive into the emotional depth of the characters.  The music, by Stephen Weiner, sets the treacherous political environment of the period.  His duets are passionately composed, creating sweeping moments for the characters to explore.  Director Peter Flynn finds the rhythm and timing that aptly serves the style of this new musical.  The stellar cast is captivating. 

When Edmund (played by Adam Jacobs) finally returns from a long sea voyage, he asks Mercedes (played by Sierra Boggess) to marry him.  She accepts, sending Fernand (played by Daniel Yearwood) into a jealous frenzy.  Danglars (played by James Judy) takes advantage of this and convinces Fernand to deliver a forged letter accusing Edmund of treason.  At first, Villefort (played by Norm Lewis) finds Edmund not guilty, then changes his decision when he realizes this could put his father in danger of political prosecution.  Edmund is arrested and thrown into prison, where he meets Abbe (played by Danny Rutigliano), another political prisoner.  Abbe educates Edmund in the classics, and teaches him to fence and defend himself.  After eighteen years, Edmund escapes and returns to Mercedes, only to find she is married to Fernand.  He sets out on a year-long quest to seek revenge against those who imprisoned him and destroyed his life. 

Sierra Boggess & Adam Jacobs
Photo courtesy of The York Theatare

Adam Jacobs and Sierra Boggess shine as Edmund and Mercedes.  Their voices soar in their duets,
creating passionate moments that propel the action of the story.  Danny Rutigliano and Karen Ziemba deliver stunning comic relief as Caderousse and Carconte, the Inn Keeper and his wife.  It is in their Inn that the plan to frame Edmund is conceived and carried out.  Caderousse is recruited by Edmond to assist him in his plan of revenge.  

Norm Lewis
Photo courtesy of The York Theatre

Norm Lewis truthfully portrays Villefort’s guilt over his action against Edmund.  The scene where he confesses to Edmund and reveals the co-conspirators is gripping and sincere.  His regret is genuine, where Fernand and Danglars never face the consequences of their actions.  Daniel Yearwood plays Fernand as proud and arrogant, until Mercedes leaves him.  He falls quickly after that.  James Judy portrays Danglars as pompous and cowardly.    

Danny Rutigliano & Karen Ziemba
Photo courtesy of The York Theatre

There are also excellent performances by Stephanie Jae Park, Eliseo Roman, Kate Fitzgerald, and Jadon Lopez.

Anne Mundell’s scenic design transforms the moderate space at St. Jean’s into numerous locations, some vast and expansive, others confined and dangerous.  The lighting, by Alan C. Edwards, creates depth and mystery that draws the audience into mood of the story. 

The York Theatre production of Monte Cristo, A New Musical is playing at Theatre at St. Jean’s (150 E. 76 St.) through April 5. 

Domenick Danza

Desperate Measures

Desperate Measures

New World Stages

September 10, 2018

Photo courtesy of Desperate Measures

What would it be like if Shakespeare’s morally complex Measure for Measure was transported to the Wild West?  This question is answered in the melodramatic musical, Desperate Measures, now playing at New World Stages.  The bold, bawdy, and highly skilled cast of six takes the book and lyrics of Peter Kellogg and music of David Friedman far over the top, delivering delightfully fun performances.  Director Bill Castellino’s concept is based on concise, rhythmic timing, and topped off with his clever and sharp choreography.

Conor Ryan & Lauren Molina
Photo courtesy of Desperate Measures

Johnny Blood (played by Conor Ryan) is waiting to be hanged for shooting a man who was flirting with his girl, Bella Rose (played by Lauren Molina).  Sheriff Martin Green (played by Peter Saide) believes Johnny’s actions were motivated by self-defense.  He seeks out Johnny’s sister, the virtuous Susanna (played by Sarah Parnicky), to plead for a pardon from the villainous Governor (played by Nick Wyman).  Susanna resides in a religious mission and is preparing to take her final vows to become a nun.  When the Governor meets Susanna, he is infatuated.  He tells Susanna that he will pardon Johnny if she gives him her chastity.  The Sheriff comes up with a plan to fool the Governor and get Johnny pardoned.  Mayhem ensues as both the Governor and the Sheriff fall in love with Susanna.  

Conor Ryan & Peter Saide
Photo courtesy of Desperate Measures

The small ensemble cast fills the theatre with high energy, crisp characterizations, and powerful vocal quality.  The chemistry between Sarah Parnicky and Peter Saide is magnetic, and only surpassed by the comic timing of Lauren Molina and Conor Ryan.  Nick Wyman plays the self-serving, evil Governor to the max, while Gary Marachek is rib-tickling as Father Morse, the drunken, jailed Priest who finds himself tricked into helping with the Sheriff’s plan.

Nick Wyman, Sarah Parnicky, & Peter Saide
Photo courtesy of Desperate Measures

Desperate Measures is pure fun!  After the precise work in Act I of setting up the characters, location, and dilemma, Act II picks up the pace and adds intrigue and hilarity.  Get yourself to New World Stages for a melodramatic, knee-slapping good time.

Domenick Danza