UW-Green Bay presents ‘Songs for a New World’
The University of Wisconsin-Green Bay music and theatre programs will present the musical Songs for a New World, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, March 4-6, at the University Theatre in Theatre Hall.
Songs for a New World features music and lyrics by Jason Robert Brown and was first performed in New York City in 1995. It has been described as an abstract musical, a series of songs connected by theme rather than narrative.
During the two-act musical Brown transports the audience to at 1492 Spanish sailing ship, a flag maker in 1775 colonial America, to a present-day young man in the Bronx who dreams of being a basketball star.
“It’s about one moment,” the composer-lyricist of the hit musicals Parade and The Last Five Years has said of this musical revue. “It’s about hitting the wall and having to make a choice.”
Prof. Laura Riddle directs the UW-Green Bay performance, with musical direction by Prof. Courtney Sherman and choreography by Denise Carlson-Gardner.
Performing as an ensemble will be Jessica Breest, Chelsea Crevcoure, Alyse Delie, Noel Fricke, Matt Harris, Marta Knodle, Molly LeCaptain, Erin LeCloux, Zach McClain, Kyle Pingel, Katie Pugh, Derek Sklenar, Alison Tyler and Josh Weishaar.
Sherman will direct a band featuring Mary Slavek, piano; Emily Slavek, keyboard; Fletcher Gazella, bass; Adam LeGrave, percussion; and Ben Hogan, drums.
The musical will be performed at 7:30 p.m. on March 4 and 5, and at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on March 6. Tickets are $22 for adults and $15 for students and seniors and are available at the door, or in advance by calling (800) 328-8587 or online at www.uwgb.edu/tickets/.
Cast
ACT I:
The New World – Ensemble
On the Deck of a Spanish Sailing Ship, 1492 – Joe Feltz, Erin LeCloux, Ensemble
Just One Step – Katie Pugh
I’m Not Afraid – Erin LeCloux
The River Won’t Flow – Dustin James, Kyle Pingel, Ensemble
Transition to Stars and the Moon – Noel Fricke
Stars and the Moon – Jessica Breest
She Cries – Zach McLain
Steam Train – Kyle Pingel, Ensemble
ACT II:
The World Was Dancing – Erin LeCloux and Josh Weishaar with Dustin James and Molly LeCaptain
Surabaya Santa – Chelsea Crevcoure
Christmas Lullaby – Molly LeCaptain
King of the World – Derek Sklenar
I’d Give It All For You – Dustin James, Molly LeCaptain
Transition to the Flagmaker, 1775 – Derek Sklenar
The Flagmaker, 1775 – Alyse Delie
Flying Home – Joe Feltz, Ensemble
Final Transition: The New World – Marta Knodle, Dustin James, Kyle Pingel, Molly LeCaptain
Hear My Song – Ensemble
Direction
Prof. Laura Riddle – Director
Prof. Courtney Sherman – Musical Director
Denise Carlson-Gardner – Choreography
Prof. Jeffrey Entwistle – Scenic and Properties Designer
Prof. Kaoime Malloy – Costume Designer
Prof. R. Michael Ingraham – Lighting Design and Technical Director
Brittni Werner – Sound Designer
Amy Kooiman – Projections Designer
Erin Torkelson – Stage Manager
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