Casting Announced for “The Last American Newspaper” Industry Reading in New York City

ALBANY (May 27) — Capital Repertory Theatre, in collaboration with Adirondack Theatre Festival and the nonprofit newsroom New York Focus, will present an industry reading of “The Last American Newspaper” 6 p.m. Tuesday, June 9 at Open Jar Studios in New York City.

Adapted by Upstate New York journalist Ken Tingley from his memoir, this gripping drama follows the rise and fall of a close-knit team of small-town journalists. From a daring exposé on the opioid epidemic to a Pulitzer Prize, “The Last American Newspaper” reveals the true story of a community newsroom’s struggle against a national tide of economic and political forces that will redefine America’s access to information. 

The reading, directed by Marcus Kyd, stars Sebastian Arcelus (“Wicked,” “Jersey Boys,” “Into the Woods”) as Tingley alongside Nick Baroudi (“Junk”), Teisha Duncan (“The Lion King” UK Tour), David Girard, Beth Pietrangelo, William Oliver Watkins, and Gabra Zackman. The reading will be immediately followed by a panel discussion featuring Editor-in-Chief of New York Focus Akash Mehta, playwright Ken Tingley, and Producing Artistic Director of theREP Miriam Weisfeld. Seating is limited.

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About Capital Repertory Theatre  
Capital Repertory Theatre, located in Albany, is a professional regional theatre dedicated to producing high-quality, socially relevant work that reflects the diversity of its community. As a producing organization, theREP develops new plays and musicals, reimagines classics, and presents educational programming that engages audiences and artists alike. Its mission centers on storytelling that inspires conversation, connection, and change. 

About Adirondack Theatre Festival

Adirondack Theatre Festival (ATF) in Glens Falls, NY is the region’s leading professional theatre dedicated to developing and producing world-premieres, and contemporary plays and musicals.  ATF has produced over 30 world premieres, many of which world have gone onto receive productions in NYC, across the country and internationally. ATF strives to challenge, entertain, and nourish its audience as well as engage the community in workshops, discussions, and educational programming. 

About New York Focus

New York Focus is an independent nonprofit newsroom investigating power in the Empire State. We publish in-depth journalism that explains how the state really works. As the state’s only nonprofit statewide newsroom, our goal is to help rebuild a local news ecosystem that has faced years of relentless cuts. Our journalism exposes how power works in New York, holds decision-makers accountable, and gives citizens the tools they need to participate in their democracy.