ROCKLAND COUNTY, NEW YORK (August 2, 2022) – Summer fun starts August 12 when Penguin Rep
Theatre, the Stony Point-based nonprofit professional theatre, presents the world premiere of the new
comedy with music, THE VIRTUOUS LIFE OF JOSEPH ANDREWS, live on stage, Artistic Director Joe
Brancato announced today.
Inspired by Henry Fielding’s classic novel, this rollicking comic romp through 18th-century England is the
latest gem by the acclaimed playwright, Cary Gitter, author of THE SABBATH GIRL, produced at Penguin
Rep. JOSEPH ANDREWS features a book and lyrics by Gitter and music by Max Silverman, and is
conceived and directed by Mr. Brancato.
In JOSEPH ANDREWS, misadventures abound for the young, handsome, and naïve Joseph Andrews, a
servant abandoned as a baby. Tutored by the clueless Parson Adams, Andrews sets off to find himself,
but finds himself pursued by the lecherous Lady Booby, tempted by the wily chambermaid Betty, but in
love with the forbidden Fanny.
“Filled with humor, warmth and wackiness, JOSEPH ANDREWS is just the uplifting change of pace we
need today,” says Mr. Brancato. “It will vanish your cares and put a smile on your face.”
Guided by Mr. Brancato, who, in addition to scores of productions in Stony Point, has directed in New
York City and regionally throughout the U.S. and Canada, the show’s cast includes Maya Musial as
Fanny, Josh Powell as Parson Adams, Jonathan Randell Silver in multiple roles, Steven Telsey as Joseph
Andrews, and Liz Zazzi as Lady Booby.
Mr. Powell previously starred at Penguin in SYNCOPATION and ART. Ms. Zazzi has appeared in such
Penguin audience favorites as MIRACLE ON SOUTH DIVISION STREET, TEN PERCENT OF MOLLY SNYDER,
CENTENNIAL CASTING and TOUR DE FARCE.
The creative team includes Christopher and Justin Swader (set design), Alyssa Ridder (costume design),
Jamie Roderick (lighting design), Max Silverman (sound design), and Buffy Cardoza (properties). Michael
Palmer is production stage manager.
JOSEPH ANDREWS will be presented through September 4. Performances are scheduled Thursdays at 7
p.m., Fridays at 7:30 p.m. Saturdays (2 shows) at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m.
There is a specially discounted matinee scheduled at 2 p.m. on Friday, August 12. A post-performance
discussion among artistic director Joe Brancato, the actors and audience will follow the performance on
Friday, August 19.
Before the 4 p.m. show on Saturday, August 20, there will be a complimentary tasting catered by The
Filling Station of West Haverstraw.
Tickets to JOSEPH ANDREWS are priced at $39 (including facility fee and service charge). For tickets
purchased online prior to August 12, there is an early ordering discount available. Discounts are also
available for groups of 10 or more and for young people (30 and under).
Performances take place at Penguin’s intimate, 108-seat theatre, located at 7 Crickettown Road. “The
converted barn, circa 1880, has never been more inviting” (The New York Times). Says Executive
Director Andrew M. Horn, “it’s theatre so close you can feel it, with comfy upholstered seats and no seat
more than 30 feet from the stage.” The theatre is air conditioned, handicapped accessible, equipped
with assistive listening devices, and has plenty of free parking.
During its closure due to COVID-19, Penguin made physical modifications to its venue to make the
theatergoing experience safer and more comfortable. Air filtration was upgraded, air circulation
modified to ensure increased exchange of inside and outside air, and high-intensity UVC light installed
inside the ductwork to remove airborne and surface contaminants.
To order tickets or for further information, visit Penguin Rep’s website at www.penguinrep.org or call
845-786-2873.