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Blackfriars Theatre, a professional, not-for-profit theater in Rochester announced its first original production, “Melanie And The Record Man – A Musical Memoir,” starring Billboard Female Vocalist Of The Year and multiple gold record award winner, Melanie Safka, and Blackfriars alumnus, Nicolette Hart (Broadway /National tour RENT, Legally Blonde, The Wedding Singer) as Melanie’s younger self.

Melanie Safka, recording under her first name, “Melanie,” is a folk singer of impeccable talent, who has influenced an entire generation of singer-songwriters. A Queens, NY native, she did most of her growing up in New Jersey, and began playing in the folk clubs in Greenwich Village in the mid-1960s. Her breakout performance at the Woodstock festival in 1969 generated one of her greatest hits, “Lay Down, Lay Down (Candles In The Rain),” which was inspired by the candles that were raised by the audience during her set. She scored an international hit with “Brand New Key,” in 1972, selling over three million copies world-wide.

The musical, which will begin production in October, has a cast of eight with Melanie as narrator to bring the star’s story to life. It is set against the ever changing music industry, and her amazing life with her late husband/record producer and manager, Peter Schekeryk.

He was the record producer who fell for the only client.Through the hits and the misses, they made beautiful music.

“As a lifelong fan, I am delighted to bring this project to Blackfriars Theatre in it’s world premier production,” Blackfriars artistic director John Haldoupis said. “Melanie is one of the great originals of our time. She’s a legend, and now I am able to call her my friend “