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
Director & 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
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.
Lou Baron
Producer
Lou Baron (she/her) is a multidisciplinary producer based in New York City.
She’s in the middle (always) of a varied slate of projects, from new musicals like Tess, to new plays, to films and audio-first stories. Past collaborations include the off-Broadway production of Crystal Skillman’s OPEN, the NYC premiere of Lydia Riess’ ROCKS AND GEODES, and the podcasts of American Public Media and the Brains On! universe.
By day, you can find her managing audio production for top marketing agencies and brands, feature films, podcasts and installations.
More at lou-baron.com
