New York, NY – The theatre’s best are coming to life in exciting new ways with Stage17, the digital platform bridging the gap between traditional theatre and new media.  Giving theatre personalities an outlet for short form content and creative conversations, Stage17 marries audiences’ favorite aspects of theatre – actors, writers, directors, and creativity – with digital programming and theatrical content.  This allows audiences to access a slice of Broadway from anywhere on their favorite digital screen.

The newest flagship comedy web series, “What’s Your Emergency” will be premiering on January 27, directed by Michael Urie (“Ugly Betty,” Buyer & Cellar, “Partners”).  Created by and starring Ryan Spahn (Grantham & Rose and He’s Way More Famous Than You),) and Halley Feiffer (I’m Gonna Pray For You So Hard at Atlantic Theater Company, He’s Way More Famous Than You), “What’s Your Emergency” features a cast of beloved Broadway veterans including Sierra Boggess (It Shoulda Been You, The Little Mermaid, The Phantom of the Opera), Debra Monk (Curtains, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, “Mozart in the Jungle”), and Reed Birney (I’m Gonna Pray For You So Hard, “House of Cards,” Casa Valentina) in a six-episode arc. Taking place in Hell, Michigan, the show chronicles the misadventures of the inept rescue workers of the town’s 911 call center. The show will also feature a slew of guest stars including Urie’s “Ugly Betty” costar America Ferrera, Alan Cumming, Lynn Cohen, Richard Kind, David Krumholtz, and Mike Sorrentino.

“Stage17 epitomizes the kind of creativity I want to be a part of: quick delightful escapes from the everyday, material that caters to an audience with a theatrical sensibility, and a platform that reaches everyone, anywhere,” said Michael Urie, director of ‘What’ s Your Emergency.’  “In working on ‘What’s Your Emergency,’ I found in Stage17 leadership, artistic support, and as an added bonus we had a lot of fun.  I’m excited to take this journey with Stage17 as they become a major player in the future of web based entertainment.”

Working with Broadway’s best and brightest, Stage17 produces scripted and unscripted programming that lives exclusively on the site and aggregates great content from around the web with a theatrical bent.  Stage17 also captures and licenses live theatrical performances including Broadway and Off-Broadway productions, concerts, and cabaret which will be available on-demand in 2015.

  “Stage17 is thrilled to bring a unique viewing experience of digital content to Broadway fans, whether it be captures of live stage performances or web series born from the minds of theatrical artists,” said Ondine Landa Abramson, President and Executive Producer of Stage17.  “By bringing unique entertainment sourced from the theatrical community, the diversity of content that we are able to provide viewers, all over the globe, is fresh and engaging.”

 Additional popular web series are returning with new episodes in 2015 include “Middle (St)age,” “Fan Fare,” and “Dress Up! with George B. Style.” Additional details can be found below on these specific programs and the full list of shows can be found at http://stage17.tv/collections.

Middle (St)age introduces us to the quirky and upbeat Marina, a 40-something Broadway veteran who uses her fictional vlog to chronicle the trials and tribulations of an aging ingénue… as soon as she can figure out where the “Record” button is.

 Fan Fare, hosted by SiriusXM Radio personality Julie James, reunites the cast and creatives behind beloved Broadway productions at the legendary Sardi’s Restaurant. Relive the magic of your favorite shows with the people who made them possible!

Dress Up! with George B. Style invites you to join some of Broadway’s most radiant stars as they prepare for glamorous galas and ritzy red carpets, under the guidance of celebrity stylist George Brescia (author of Change Your Clothes, Change Your Life published by Simon and Schuster) with expert fashion advice that is heartfelt, entertaining, and always en vogue.

What’s Your Emergency, produced by Stage17 in association with urmee entertainment and Soffer/Namoff Entertainment, chronicles the misadventures of the inept rescue workers of Hell, Michigan (yes, this is a real place) as they attempt to run the town’s 911 Call Center, and fail at every turn. The show is directed by Michael Urie.  “What’s Your Emergency” is executive produced by Ondine Landa Abramson, and produced by Geoff Soffer and Diana Basmajian (VP of Programming, Stage17.)

The complete cast includes: Ryan Spahn, Halley Feiffer, Reed Birney, Sierra Boggess, Debra Monk, Kevin Covert, Daoud Heidami, René Houtrides, Sekou Laidlow, Erin McCarson, and Mckean Rand.

ABOUT STAGE17

STAGE17.tv is a digital platform that bridges the gap between traditional theatre and new media. We collaborate with the best of Broadway to present new stories in new ways by curating and creating scripted and unscripted, fiction and nonfiction content. Stage17 also produces and distributes digital captures of live theatrical performances to bring Broadway and Off-Broadway to theatre fans everywhere. Stage17 was founded by Chairman David Stoller (Executive Chairman of Reach4Entertainment) and President and Executive Producer Ondine Landa Abramson.