‘Voice Lessons,’ starring Laurie Metcalf and French Stewart, headed off-Broadway

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‘Voice Lessons,’ Justin Tanner’s comedy about an aspiring singer with no talent, earned strong reviews when it opened at the Zephyr Theatre in Los Angeles last year.

Now the play is set to transfer to off-Broadway’s Theatre Row with the two leads from the L.A. cast: television veterans Laurie Metcalf and French Stewart, who play the singer and her suffering vocal coach, respectively. Also joining the New York production from the original company is Maile Flanagan.

The play will have a brief run at Theatre Row’s Studio Theater from May 22 to 31.

Metcalf plays Ginny, a middle-aged community theater actress who decides to pursue a singing career following the death of her father. Ginny connects with Nate, a singing instructor who learns that his pupil’s ambitions far outstrip her potential.

‘Voice Lessons’ has a running time of 60 minutes. The L.A. production of the play was directed by the playwright and Bart DeLorenzo.

A Times review praised Metcalf’s comic performance, saying that it ‘must be seen to be believed.’

-- David Ng