MELANIE AND THE RECORD MAN Plays at Blackfriars Theatre, Now thru 10/28

Blackfriars Theatre, a professional, not-for-profit theatre located on Rochester, NY's "Theatre Row" has announced its first original production, MELANIE AND THE RECORD MAN – A MUSICAL MEMOIR, starring Billboard Female Vocalist Of The Year and multiple gold record award winner, Melanie Safka and Blackfriars alumnus Nicolette Hart as Melanie's younger self. The show runs from tonight, October 19-28 at the Blackfriars Theatre, 795 East Main Street.

A cast of eight with Melanie as narrator will bring the star's story to life. It is set against the ever changing music industry, and her life with her late husband/record producer and manager, Peter Schekeryk.

He was the record producer who fell for the only client. Through the hits and the misses, they made beautiful music.

Blackfriars artistic director John Haldoupis notes, "As lifelong fan, I am delighted to bring this project to Blackfriars Theatre in it's world premier production. Melanie is one of the great originals of our time. She's a legend, and now I am able to call her my friend."

This is not Melanie's first foray into musical theatre. A workshop at New York's Lincoln Center of her musical "Ace of Diamonds," about Calamity Jane and Wild Bill Hickok was Broadway bound in the early 80s.

MELANIE AND THE RECORD MAN – A MUSICAL MEMOIR has Music and lyrics by Melanie Safka was Conceived, designed and directed by John Haldoupis has Musical Direction by Beau Jarred Schekeryk (Melanie's son), Lighting design is by Nic Minetor, Projections and sound design by Ron Heerkins Jr. and Stage management by Ted Plant.

Melanie Safka, recording under her first name, "Melanie," is a Queens, NY native. She did most of her growing up in New Jersey, and began playing in the folk clubs in Greenwich Village in the mid-1960's. Her breakout performance at the Woodstock festival in 1969 generated one of her greatest hits, "Lay Down, Lay Down (Candles In The Rain)," which was inspired by the candles that were raised by the audience during her set. She scored an international hit with "Brand New Key," in 1972, selling over three million copies world-wide. She continues to perform at concerts and festivals today.

Production dates are: tonight, October 19, 26, at 8pm, Saturday, October 20, 27, at 2pm and 8pm, Sunday, October 21, 28 at 2pm, Wednesday and Thursday, October 24, 25, at 7:30pm.

For information and reservations, call (585) 454-1260. Tickets can also be purchased online at www.bftix.com If available, tickets can be purchased at the door beginning one-hour prior to performance. Box Office hours are Monday through Friday, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, and Saturdays, noon to 4:00 pm. For more information regarding Blackfriars Theatre, please visit their website at www.blackfriars.org.

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