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Cast of Desperate Measures Performs For the Press

Bill Castellino directs the new musical for York Theatre Company.

The company of Desperate Measures meets the press.
The company of Desperate Measures meets the press.
(© David Gordon)

The cast and company of the York Theatre Company production of Desperate Measures met with the press today to preview the new musical in advance of performances beginning September 19. Opening night is set for October 1.

Emma Degerstedt as Susanna and Sister Mary Jo.
Emma Degerstedt as Susanna and Sister Mary Jo.
(© David Gordon)

With book and lyrics by Peter Kellogg, and music by David Friedman, Desperate Measures, inspired by Shakespeare's Measure for Measure, is described as follows: "In 1890, in a territory out West, Johnny Blood, a hot-tempered young cowboy is sentenced to hang for killing a man in a bar fight. His sister, a novice nun in a nearby mission, is persuaded to plead with a corrupt governor to spare her brother's life. The governor promises to pardon Johnny if his sister, the Sister, will 'do his bidding' for the night. Adding to the humorous complications are a hard-bitten sheriff, a voluptuous saloon girl and a priest who reads Nietzsche."

Conor Ryan stars as Johnny Blood.
Conor Ryan stars as Johnny Blood.
(© David Gordon)

The cast will feature Emma Degerstedt as Susanna and Sister Mary Jo, Gary Marachek as Father Morse, Lauren Molina (Rock of Ages) as Bella Rose, Conor Ryan (John and Jen) as Johnny Blood, Peter Saide (Skin Tight) as Sheriff Green, and Nick Wyman (Les Misérables) as Governor von Richterhenkenpflichtgetruber.

Nick Wyman stars as Governor von Richterhenkenpflichtgetruber.
Nick Wyman stars as Governor von Richterhenkenpflichtgetruber.
(© David Gordon)

Directed and choreographed by Bill Castellino (Marry Harry), and with music direction by David Hancock Turner (Money Talks), the creative team will include James Morgan (set), Nicole Wee (costumes), Paul Miller (lights), Julian Evans (sound), Deb Gaouette (props), Carol Hanzel (casting), Joseph Hayward (associate director), and Kevin Maloof (production manager). Christine Lemme will be the production stage manager, with Laura C. Nelson assistant stage manager.

Lauren Molina and Conor Ryan lock lips in Desperate Measures.
Lauren Molina and Conor Ryan lock lips in Desperate Measures.
(© David Gordon)

For tickets and more information, click here.