LET’S TALK

Join us for our post-show TALKBACKS with artists and AUDIENCES CONVERSATIONS moderated by MCC staff after select performances, and for FORUM DISCUSSIONS and events aimed at provoking conversation and public engagement.

AUDIENCE CONVERSATIONS

ROCK AS REBELLION
TUE, APR 30 at 7 PM

FOUND FAMILY
TUE, MAY 21 at 7 PM

TALKBACKS

CAST TALKBACK
WED, MAY 15 — After 7 PM Performance

AUTHOR/DIRECTOR TALKBACK
THUR, MAY 23 — After 7 PM Performance

OPEN CAPTION PERFORMANCE

WED, MAY 29 at 7 PM

PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT EVENTS

Southern & Rural Queer Social Hour
THU, MAY 16 at 5:30 PM
Pre-Show Jam Session with Singer/Songwriter Noe Saenz
SAT, MAY 18 at 7:30 PM

THE LONELY FEW PLAYED ITS FINAL PERFORMANCE JUN 9, 2024

Lila and her band, The Lonely Few, have a standing gig at Paul’s Juke Joint in their small Kentucky town. When an established musician, Amy, gives them a chance to join her on tour, they take it. Love blossoms between Lila and Amy on the road, but can it endure? THE LONELY FEW is a New York premiere rock musical about the forces that launch us from home and the gravitational pull that can bring us back.

By award-winning composer ZOE SARNAK (A CROSSING, GALILEO) and RACHEL BONDS (JONAH; SUNDOWN, YELLOW MOON) and directed by TRIP CULLMAN (MCC Theater’s YEN, CHOIR BOY) and ELLENORE SCOTT (FUNNY GIRL, TITANIQUE).

READ THE DIGITAL PROGRAM

READ THE SHOW GUIDE

SIT ON STAGE

Step on stage into Paul’s Juke Joint, and experience THE LONELY FEW inches from the action! Limited onstage tix are available from $39 for this one-of-a-kind immersive (but not interactive!) experience.

TYPES OF SEATING

Choose your own way to enjoy THE LONELY FEW — from limited on-stage seats to a more traditional approach!

LIMITED ON-STAGE SEATS
Be at the heart of the action in Paul’s Juke Joint and experience the show from on-stage bar stools (cushioned with back support) and bar table chairs, available from $39.

COMFY LOVE SEATS & CUSHY CHAIRS
Chill out in comfy love seats or cushy chairs from the theater’s mid-point.

TRADITIONAL THEATER SEATS
Our roomy, traditional theater seats have plenty of leg room and a great view from all points in the house — whether downstairs or in the mezzanine.

PRE-SHOW

Our lobby bar opens 1 hour before the show with specialty cocktails, beer, wine, and bar snacks.

The Newman Mills Theater at
THE ROBERT W. WILSON
MCC THEATER SPACE
511 W 52 ST
NY, NY 10019

ALL SUBSCRIBERS, AND PATRONS MUST BE LOGGED IN TO ACCESS THEIR TIX & DISCOUNTS

BOX OFFICE HOURS
MON – FRI noon – 6pm
(once performances begin, Box Office will be open through curtain time on performance days)

All tix include $4 facilities fee. An additional $5 service fee will apply to tix purchases made online or over the phone.

Got Questions?
Please contact us
(646) 506-9393 or
boxoffice@mcctheater.org

Trouble logging in?

LISTEN

COMPANY

CREATIVE

RACHEL BONDS

book

Rachel Bonds is a playwright, screenwriter, essayist, and writer for scripted podcasts. Her plays have been developed or produced by Roundabout Theatre Company, Ars Nova, MCC, Manhattan Theatre Club, Atlantic Theater Company, The McCarter, Geffen Playhouse, South Coast Rep, La Jolla Playhouse, Studio Theatre, Marin Theatre Company, and Williamstown Theatre Festival, among others. She is the recipient of the Laurents/Hatcher Prize, the Weissberger Award, the Sky Cooper Prize, the Heideman Award, as well as a Tow Foundation Fellowship. She recently finished writing “The Boars’ Nest” scripted series about the beginnings of the Outlaw Country movement with Dub Cornett and Holly Gleason for Audible, is currently developing an original scripted series, also for Audible, and preparing for the New York debut of her and Zoe Sarnak’s original musical THE LONELY FEW at MCC. Her new play JONAH premiered at The Roundabout in February 2024, directed by Danya Taymor, and was named a Critic’s Pick by the New York Times. Bonds is a proud parent and a parent-artist advocate. Originally from the mountains of Tennessee, she is now based in Brooklyn. www.rachelbonds.com

TRIP CULLMAN

co-director

Trip Cullman is a director. Broadway: THE ROSE TATTOO, CHOIR BOY, LOBBY HERO, SIX DEGREES OF SEPARATION, SIGNIFICANT OTHER. Select Off-Broadway: MOSCOW MOSCOW MOSCOW MOSCOW MOSCOW MOSCOW, YEN, PUNK ROCK (Obie Award), A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE GYNECOLOGIC ONCOLOGY UNIT AT MEMORIAL SLOAN KETTERING CANCER CENTER OF NEW YORK CITY (MCC); DAYS OF RAGE, THE LAYOVER, THE SUBSTANCE OF FIRE, LONELY I’M NOT, BACHELORETTE, SOME MEN, SWIMMING IN THE SHALLOWS (Second Stage); UNKNOWN SOLDIER, THE PAIN OF MY BELLIGERENCE, ASSISTANCE, A SMALL FIRE (Drama Desk nomination), THE DRUNKEN CITY (Playwrights Horizons); CHOIR BOY (MTC); MURDER BALLAD (MTC and Union Square Theatre); THE MOTHER, I’M GONNA PRAY FOR YOU SO HARD (Atlantic); ROULETTE(EST); THE HALLWAY TRILOGY: NURSING (Rattlestick); THE LAST SUNDAY IN JUNE (Rattlestick and Century Center); DOG SEES GOD (Century Center); US DRAG(stageFARM); and several productions with The Play Company. London: THE COLBY SISTERS OF PITTSBURGH, PA (Tricycle). Select regional: Geffen, Arena, Alliance, Old Globe, La Jolla, South Coast Rep, Bay Street, Williamstown Theater Festival.

ZOE SARNAK

music & lyrics

ZOE SARNAK (Music & Lyrics/Orchestrations/Arrangements) is a New York City-based composer, lyricist, and writer. She is a Jonathan Larson Award winner; and a finalist for the Ebb, Kleban, and Billie Burke Ziegfeld Awards. Her work has been developed with and presented by many notable institutions including Second Stage, New York Stage & Film, The Public, Roundabout Theatre Company, Williamstown Theatre Festival, The Guggenheim, New York Theatre Workshop, WP Theatre, and MCC Theater. Works include: the upcoming World Premiere of GALILEO (with Danny Strong and Michael Weiner) at Berkeley Rep; A CROSSING (with Josh Bergasse, Mark St. Germain, and Calpulli Mexican Dance Company) at Barrington Stage Company; THE LONELY FEW (with Rachel Bonds) at the Geffen Playhouse; the upcoming World Premiere of EMPIRE RECORDS (with Carol Heikkinen) at McCarter Theatre; PARTICLE FEVER (with David Henry Hwang and Bear McCreary), and others soon to be announced. Her music has been featured by the “NY TIMES LIVE,” “SILENT WITNESS” (BBC) and in benefit concerts and albums for Everytown. www.zoesarnak.com @zoesarnak

ELLENORE SCOTT

co-director

Ellenore Scott (she/her) is a New York-based choreographer and director. Broadway: GREY HOUSE, FUNNY GIRL, MR. SATURDAY NIGHT Off-Broadway: LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, TITANIQUE (Lucille Loretel Nomination)Other choreography credits include: So You Think You Can Dance?Single All the Way (Netflix), and Ratatouille: The TikTok Musical. In 2023, Scott directed THE LONELY FEW, a world premiere musical at the Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles, CA. Scott’s work has also been seen at The Bushwick Starr, The Old Globe, Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival, McCarter Theatre, Cherry Lane Theatre, Asolo Repertory Theatre, Cape Fear Regional Theatre, and Seattle Repertory Theatre. As a performer, Scott appeared in numerous television shows (Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Smash, The Blacklist, Glee!) and was a finalist and All-Star on So You Think You Can Dance? Scott is the Artistic Director of ELSCO Dance, a contemporary-fusion dance company. As a content creator, Scott makes lifestyle, dance, and comedy videos for over 1 million followers on TikTok. @helloellenore https://www.ellenorescott.co/

CAST

BILLY COHEN

ADAM

BILLY COHEN (u/s Dylan, Adam) Credits: THE BAND’S VISIT (1st National Tour, dir. David Cromer), I CAN GET IT FOR YOU WHOLESALE (Classic Stage, dir. Trip Cullman), NATASHA, PIERRE… (PCLO), BEAUTIFUL (Sacramento Music Circus), BILLY ELLIOT (Goodspeed), INDECENT (San Francisco Playhouse), PETER AND THE STARCATCHER (Theatre Aspen), ONCE (Geva), OKLAHOMA! (Weston Playhouse). Graduate of Princeton University. @cohenbilly.

DAMON DAUNNO

DYLAN

Damon Daunno is an award-winning actor, musician, songwriter and recording artist. For his portrayal of Curly in Daniel Fish’s Tony winning revival of OKLAHOMA!, Damon received nominations for Tony, Grammy, Drama Desk and OCC awards. He can be heard on the Grammy nominated cast album and the Off-Broadway soundtrack for Anais Mitchell’s HADESTOWN, as Damon originated the role of Orpheus at NYTW. As a recording artist, Damon is signed to Sunken Living Room and has just released his debut single “Time Machine” which can be heard on all streaming platforms. TV/film credits: “INTERVIEW WITH A VAMPIRE” (AMC), THE HATING GAME (Amazon), “THE MARVELOUS MRS. MAISEL” (Amazon), and “BLUE BLOODS” (CBS). Other theater credits: THE LONELY FEW (Geffen), The Bengsons’ THE LUCKY ONES (Lucille Lortel Award Best Lead Actor in a Musical), Daniel Fish’s OKLAHOMA! (St Ann’s, Bard), Dave Malloy’s BEARDO, Anais Mitchell’s HADESTOWN (NYTW). Damon has performed with orchestras on behalf of the US State Dept throughout Russia and Europe. He is a multiinstrumentalist and has scored short and feature length films. @damondaunno

CHRISTINE DWYER

UNDERSTUDY

CHRISTINE DWYER (u/s Lila) is stoked to be joining the family of The Lonely Few at MCC! Broadway/National Tours: WICKED(Elphaba), WAITRESS (Jenna), FINDING NEVERLAND (Sylvia Lewellyn Davies), RENT (Maureen). Other favorite credits include “JCS Live” with John Legend, Sara Bareilles and Alice Cooper, RAGTIME (Mother), MURDER BALLAD (Sara), ROCK OF AGES (Regina). Currently she is most proud of being the co-founder of The Janice Jam with her husband Matt DeAngelis in honor of her late Mother In Law, which helps women struggling with Breast Cancer. All my love to Mom and Katie and Noel Smith Voice Studio. Special thanks and extra love to Matt and dog Chowdah. Thank you CLA, HCKR, MCC, Bryan Perri and Zoe Sarnak and the entire team for believing in me. Dedicated to her late Dad, Thomas Leonard Dwyer, who is the only reason she ever picked up a guitar.

DEWITT FLEMING

UNDERSTUDY

DEWITT FLEMING JR (u/s Paul) – was most recently seen in the pre-Broadway tour of A WONDERFUL WORLD as Lincoln Perry and is the show’s tap choreographer. Off- Bwy: NY City Center’s THE TAP DANCE KID (Daddy Bates) and COTTON CLUB PARADE (Lead/Nicholas Brother), Orphan Train(conductor), Pearl (Bill Bailey),  Dutchman(Clay) Regional: AFTER MIDNIGHT, SCOTTSBORO BOYS (Ozie/Ruby), JELLY’S LAST JAM (Jelly), JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR (Simon).  National Tours: Riverdance (Lead Tapper, Baritone Soloist), Cirque Du Soliel’s Banana Shpeel (Ensemble, featured tapper).  TV/Film: Boardwalk Empire, Smash, Limitless, How to be Single. DeWitt has played drums with The Hot Sardines at the Bluenote Tokyo, Jennie-Harney Fleming at Carnegie Hall, Brandon Victor Dixon on MTV,  Daniel J Watts at Lincoln Center, and Jared Grimes at The National Auditorium in Mexico City, to name a few. DeWitt is also the proud owner of DeW It Right Tap Mics BE HEARD! For more on DeWitt please visit www.dewittflemingjr.com instagram @dewittflemingjr

PATRICK ANDREW JONES

UNDERSTUDY

Patrick Andrew Jones is an actor, writer and producer based in Brooklyn, NY. He is thrilled to be joining THE LONELY FEW! Jones has worked extensively in theater, film, television and commercials. Select credits- Theater: ART/NY, The Lark, Hudson Stage, The Brick, Marin Theatre Co, SF Playhouse, Capital Rep, Pacific Rep, Berkeley Rep, ACT, Livermore Shakes, Teatro Delle Due (Italian tour); Film and Television: The Worst Best Man Ever, The Traumatist, The Food That Built America, Empires, Diarra from Detroit. MFA: American Conservatory Theater. Thanks to my team and family. Learn more at: patrickandrewjones.com

TAYLOR IMAN JONES

AMY

Taylor Iman Jones recently left the cast of SIX after a year run. Previous Broadway original casts: HEAD OVER HEELS, GROUNDHOG DAY. Off-Broadway and Regional: Roundabout’s SCOTLAND, PA, TALE OF DESPEREAUX, THE WHO’S TOMMY AT KENNEDY CENTER, HAMILTON and AMERICAN IDIOT tours. She dedicates her performance and sends love to her parents, and thanks Liberman Zerman and Cornerstone Talent for believing in her.

TALORIA MERRICKS

UNDERSTUDY

TALORIA MERRICKS (u/s Amy) is making their MCC Theatre debut. With a rich background in musical theatre, they have showcased their talents in various productions. Some memorable performances include Dorothy in THE WIZ, True Colors Theater; Duckling Donna in THE DONNA SUMMER MUSICAL, Aurora Theatre; Leading Player in PIPPIN, School Street Playhouse; Chantel in ALL THE NATALIE PORTMANS, Out Front Theater; and most recently the new musical KING OF PAGEA by Martin Storrow. Taloria continues to pursue their passion in all forms of performing arts and is excited to take on MCC Theater’s THE LONELY FEW.

LAUREN PATTEN

LILA

LAUREN PATTEN (she/her) (Lila) is thrilled to make her MCC debut with this piece after originating the role of Lila in the world premiere production of THE LONELY FEW at Geffen Playhouse in 2023. Lauren was the breakout star of the Broadway musical JAGGED LITTLE PILL, and won the Tony Award, Grammy Award, and Drama Desk Award for her performance as Jo. Other stage credits include: FUN HOME (Broadway), THE WOLVES (Playwright’s Realm; Obie and Drama Desk Awards), DAYS OF RAGE (Second Stage Theater), SPRING AWAKENING (Deaf West Theatre, Los Angeles). On television, Lauren stars in the Hulu original series “DEATH AND OTHER DETAILS.” She is best known as Rachel Witten on “BLUE BLOODS” (CBS), and can also be seen on “THE GOOD FIGHT” (Paramount+) and “SUCCESSION” (HBO). As a musician, Lauren has played shows at Mercury Lounge, Sony Hall, Rockwood Music Hall, The Bitter End, and Tavern on the Green with her band. Their EP “covers” is streaming on all platforms. @pattenlauren

HELEN J SHEN

JJ

Helen J Shen (she/they) (JJ) is thrilled to return to THE LONELY FEW after appearing in the world premiere at the Geffen Playhouse. Off-Broadway: TEETH (Playwrights Horizons). Regional: MAN OF GOD (Williamstown Theatre Festival), SUNSET BOULEVARD (ACT of Connecticut). BFA: University of Michigan. A huge thanks to her parents, friends, John, Ben, Ashley, and their childhood piano teacher, who always reminded them to practice. @helenjshen

THOMAS SILCOTT

PAUL

Thomas Silcott (he/him) broke out performing in national and international tours of the Tony Award® winning Broadway musical BRING IN ‘DA NOISE, BRING IN ‘DA FUNK playing “‘da Voice.” Broadway: Sarah Ruhl’s BECKY NURSE OF SALEM directed by Rebecca Taichman, BIRTHDAY CANDLES opposite Debra Messing, and Off-Broadway: Fugard’s BOESMAN AND LENA at the Signature Theatre. Regional: THE ROYALE (Merrimack Repertory Theatre); TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD (Alliance Stage Company); BAREFOOT IN THE PARK (Laguna Playhouse); Fugard’s COMING HOME (Berkeley Repertory Theatre and The Fountain Theatre, LA, winning Best Supporting Actor from Backstage Theatre Awards, and an NAACP Image Award Best Actor nomination) and PAINTED ROCKS (The Fountain Theatre, LA, Stage Raw Best Actor nomination), and as a musician “Slow Drag” in MA RIANY’S BLACK BOTTOM (Mark Taper Forum, LA, Ovation Award for Best Ensemble). Television credits include: Law & OrderEvilNew AmsterdamLuke CageThis Is UsHand of God, and Criminal Minds. Graduate of Salem State University with a degree in theatre, and an M.F.A from New York University Tisch School of the Arts.

ROSE VAN DYNE

UNDERSTUDY

ROSE VAN DYNE (u/s JJ) is a multifaceted artist and educator based in NYC. She is the co-founder of @BroadwayCooks, an organization that provides fresh food for houseless and hungry community members in Times Square and the five boroughs. Recent credits include: Actor— 1776 (Broadway, National Tour, ART), CAMBODIAN ROCK BAND, ALL’S WELL THAT ENDS WELL (Oregon Shakespeare Festival), INTERSTATE (Mixed Blood Theatre). Music Director— ALLEGIANCE (54 Below), DRAGON BABY (ART), SPRING AWAKENING (Montclair State University), YOU’RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN (Out of the Box Theatrics), American Theatre Wing Songwriters Competition (2020-2022). Educator— Pace University, Marymount Manhattan College, BroadwayVox. @rose_van_dyne

scenic designer SIBYL WICKERSHEIMER
costume designer SAMANTHA C. JONES
lighting designer ADAM HONORÉ
sound designer JONATHAN DEANS, MIKE TRACEY
orchestrations ZOE SARNAK, BRYAN PERRI
arrangements ZOE SARNAK
music supervisor BRYAN PERRI
music director MYRNA CONN
keyboard programming RANDY COHEN KEYBOARDS
guitar programming DILLON KONDOR
music coordinator TOMOKO AKABOSHI
dramaturg PHAEDRA MICHELLE SCOTT
production stage manager BESS MARIE GLORIOSO
casting by BETH LIPARI, CSA , PHYLLIS SCHURINGA, CSA, and THE TELSEY OFFICE

The Lonely Few is supported by the Gary Platt Initiative for New Musicals at MCC Theater and the Burton A. Zipser and Sandra D. Zipser Foundation.