About Tess
A new musical with an old story.
The Story
Tess is more than a musical—it’s a powerful reimagining of Tess of the d’Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy, shedding light on gender-based violence, class and power dynamics, and resilience.
Set in Victorian England, the story follows Tess Durbeyfield, a young woman from a poor rural family who discovers her noble ancestry. Hoping for a better future, she becomes entangled with the wealthy Alec D’Urberville, setting off a series of hardships that shape her life. Later, she falls in love with Angel Clare, a man with progressive ideals but rigid moral views. Throughout her journey, Tess is supported by her friends Iz, Retty, and Marian, as well as her sister Liza-Lu—women who share in her joys and sorrows.
Mullee’s adaptation weaves indie-folk-rock music with a vivid portrayal of the challenges faced by women in a changing world, emphasizing the deep connections they forged through adversity. Tess’s journey is shaped by tragedy and societal pressure, offering a poignant reflection on survival and the search for justice.
TW: sexual assault, death, suicide, murder
Meet The Team
Annie Mullee
Writer & Composer
Annie Mullee (she/her) is a Brooklyn based writer and musician. Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, Annie made the transcontinental jump to attend Chapman University where she studied Music (Vocal Performance) and Literature. Annie has a strong background in theater and choral music in and outside of school and has been writing music since she was 12 when she first learned guitar. After completing her Bachelor's degree, Annie moved to New York City where she wrote and produced her first album, Stages, and began working on her next project, Tess, with creative partner Margot New. Annie is grateful for the continued opportunity to write, perform, and make music in the world's greatest city for art!
Margot New
Producer, New Story Productions
Margot New (she/her) is a director and producer based in Brooklyn, NY, and the founder of New Story Productions, a theater company dedicated to creating opportunities for artists in safe, collaborative spaces. Her career spans theater, film, and live events. Early on, Margot worked as a theater stage manager, graduating from Chapman University with a BA in Theater Technology before pivoting to film and commercial production. In 2022, she moved to New York to develop Tess, A New Musical with Annie Mullee and joined Imposter, a TV commercial production company, where she is now a producer. In 2023, Margot directed Tess at the Kraine Theater, and this summer, she is excited to produce Tess at 54 Below.
Margot is passionate about pushing the boundaries of the performing arts through innovative storytelling and equitable collaboration.
Jordan Yampolsky
Director & Producer
Jordan Yampolsky (she/her) is thrilled to be directing, producing, and performing in Tess at 54 Below!
Jordan is a Chapman University graduate and an NYA Award Winner for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Musical. Laguna Playhouse audiences saw her in The Graduate starring Melanie Griffith, and she was featured in the 10th Anniversary Concert of Ryan Scott Oliver’s 35MM at 54 Below. More of her credits include Legally Blonde (Serena), Significant Other (Vanessa), and Cabaret (Fritzie). Jordan is a student of Actor Therapy NYC and enjoys doing gigs with Annie Mullee & the band in her spare time.
Jen Sapiro
Music Director
Jen Sapiro (she/her) is a Brooklyn-based operatic soprano, keyboardist, songwriter, and vocal coach. She earned her Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance/Pedagogy from Stetson University.
Equally at home in the genres of classical, musical theater, rock, folk, and jazz, Jen has performed with such artists as Daedelus, Daniel Carter, gabby fluke-mogul, Billy Martin, and Ken Kobayashi.
She is the vocalist for avant-garde quartet orchiddBB and keyboardist for indie rock band Tree Signs. Jen’s project, Buried Giant, is a chamber pop vehicle for her own songwriting.
As an educator, Jen emphasizes healthy technique and open communication. She teaches voice (including gender-affirming vocal training), piano, and songwriting in the greater New York City area.
