The Hatpin, starring Caroline O'Connor at the Chernuchin Theatre

The New York Musical Theatre Festival presents The Hatpin, music by Peter Rutherford, with book & lyrics by James Millar, at the American Theatre of Actors' Chernuchin Theatre fron 15 - 24 Sep 2008.

The Hatpin: The true story of a single mother, Amber Murray, who advertised her baby in a newspaper trading column in the hope of saving his life...and ended up embroiled in one of the most captivating criminal trials in Australian history.

Directed by Kim Hardwick, The Hatpin stars Caroline O'Connor ((Harriet Piper) and Paul Kandel (Charles Makin)

Caroline O'Connor, who starred in the world premiere of The Hatpin for Australia's Kookaburra theatre company, will reprise her role in New York.

O'Connor played 'Velma Kelly' in an Australian production of 'Chicago,' and went on to make her Broadway debut in Chicago. She wa nominated for an Olivier Award for her performance as 'Mabel Normand' in the London production of Jerry Herman�s 'Mack and Mabel.'

Paul Kandel was nominated for a Tony Award for his role as 'Uncle Ernie' in 'The Who's Tommy' (1993), his other Broadway credits include 'The Visit' (1992), 'Titanic' (1997) and 'Jesus Christ Superstar' (2000). He last appeared off-Broadway in 'Shockheaded Peter' which played at the 'Little Shubert Theatre.'

The musical will also feature Alexis Fishman (Amber Murray), Gemma-Ashley Kaplan (Clara Makin), Casey Erin Clark (Marianne Rigby), Sharone Halevy (Rebecca Rigby), Matt Leisy (Edward Cleary), Mary Catherine McDonald (Minnie Davis), Michael A. Pizzi (Justice Stephens/James Hanoney) and Billy Clark Taylor (Thomas Williamson).

The creative team includes Mark Thompson (sets & costumes) and Martin Kinnane (lighting).