American Lyric Theater has announced two upcoming concert readings for its latest commissions.

First up is “SHE WHO DARED” by Jasmine Barnes and Deborah D.E.E.P. Mouton. Per the company’s website, “’SHE WHO DARED’ recenters the spotlight on the courageous women who helped desegregate the Montgomery bus system. These Civil Rights pioneers pay homage to the quiet struggle for justice that has often gone unknown – further amplifying the effects of the historic case of Browder V. Gayle.”  The workshop will be conducted by Michael Ellis Ingram and stars Alyson Cambridge, Flora Hawk, Indira Mahajan, Ronnita Miller, Jazmine Olwalia, Chabrelle Williams, and Chrystal E. Williams, alongside pianist Djordje Steven Nesic. 

Performance Date: May 31, 2023

Next up is a concert reading of “Working for the Macbeths” by Johanny Navarro and Marcus Yi. The work is “a riotous look behind the tragedy we think we all know.  After three witches prophesize the downfall of Macbeth,  Florinda – Lady Macbeth’s Lady-in-Waiting –  is determined to fight fate and give the Macbeths the happy ending they deserve. Can destiny be changed, or is the play doomed to repeat itself?”

Kelly Kuo conducts a cast starring Daniel Belcher, David Blalock, Kara Dugan, Aundi Marie Moore, Laura Soto-Bayomi, Kimberly Sogioka, and Jennifer Zetlan. They are joined by pianist Justina Lee.

Performance Date: June 2, 2023

Both concert readings will be at the Manhattan School of Music in New York City.