A TURTLE ON A FENCE POST
THE SHOW THE (FORMERLY) MOST POWERFUL MAN IN NEW YORK DOESN’T WANT YOU TO SEE
First performance Tuesday, October 26, 2021
Opening Night Monday, November 14, 2021
Final performance Sunday, November 21, 2021
At Theater 555 (555 W. 42 Street)
“A turtle on a fence post,” is one of Bill Clinton’s favorite colloquialisms: “If you see a turtle on a fence post,” the former president likes to say, “you know it didn't get there by itself.”
Set in the contrasting locales of a comedy club and a correctional institution, Turtle on a Fence Post tells the fish-out-of-water story of a prominent New Yorker thrown into an unknown world by New York’s most powerful man, and how the experience changes him and those around him. The show deals with themes of freedom, forgiveness, truth and shifting perspectives, and features a bullying, toxic, retaliating, brutal New York Governor as its principal antagonist.
While at heart a vibrant story of love and friendship, Turtle… intersects with several major issues of our time including criminal justice, parole reform, and public leadership. The show reveals how learning can arise in the most unexpected places, from the most surprising sources, and with the most meaningful consequences.
Inspired by true events, the world premiere production will be directed by Gabriel Barre (The Wild Party, Amazing Grace) and choreographed by Kenny Ingram (Emojiland). The book is written by Prisoner #11RO731*, with music by Austin Nuckols, and lyrics by Lily Dwoskin. The creative team also includes Music Direction by Aaron Gandy (Romeo & Bernadette), Orchestrations and Arrangements by Steve Orich (Jersey Boys), and Casting by Paul Hardt of Hardt Casting (Once Upon a One More Time). General Management is by Michael Chase Gosselin & Tim Sulka of Visceral Entertainment (Emojiland, Midnight at The Never Get).
*11RO731 is the prison inmate number of Henry ‘Hank’ Morris.