New York University’s Program in Vocal Performance in the Steinhardt School of Education’s Department of Music and Performing Arts Professions will present The Apple Tree, a musical originally written by Fiddler on the Roof lyricist Sheldon Harnick and composer Jerry Bock. The Apple Tree runs at NYU’s Black Box Theatre, 82 Washington Square East, November 4-5 and November 10-12 at 8 p.m., and November 6 and 13 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $10 general admission; $5 with valid NYU I.D.
The Apple Tree is set in the form of three unrelated one-acts, each featuring a different plot and musical style. Beginning with “The Diary of Adam and Eve,” adapted by Mark Twain’s Extracts from Adam’s Diary, the show offers an offbeat retelling about the first couple. The second act, “The Lady or the Tiger?” based on Frank R. Stockton’s short story, takes place in a mythical barbarian kingdom with a rock and roll vibe. The third act, “Passionella,” has the feel of a 1960s Cinderella romance and stars a chimney sweep named Ella and her quest to find true love.
The original production of The Apple Tree opened in 1966 at the Shubert Theatre. The show was nominated for numerous Tony Awards and won Best Leading Actress for Barbara Harris. Mike Nichols directed the original show; Nichols is director of Monty Python’s Broadway hit Spamalot.
NYU’s production of The Apple Tree will be directed by Gary John La Rosa, with musical direction by Michael Ricciardone. The cast and orchestra will feature undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students from Steinhardt’s Department of Music and Performing Arts Professions.
For more information about The Apple Tree, contact John Simpkins, director of production, at 212.998.5131 or john.simpkins@nyu.edu.
Editor’s note:
NYU’s Steinhardt School is a rich source of ground-breaking scholarship on issues of national and global significance and innovation in research, teaching, practice, and performance. The School prepares students to be musicians, artists, educators, health professionals, counselors, and psychologists, academics, communication specialists, and policy analysts. The Steinhardt School values its location in New York City, where it is engaged in research, partnerships, and community service aimed at improving urban life and the city’s institutions.