Songs for a New World brings “strong, impressionistic voice” to Ballantyne, Oct. 29-Nov. 7
Kirkwood Community College will open its 2010-11 theatre season with Songs for a New World. The musical/dance production is set for two weekends of performances in Ballantyne Auditorium on the Cedar Rapids campus, Oct. 29 through Nov. 7. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday nights, with a 2:30 p.m. Sunday matinee.
Rick D. Anderson directs the student production, with musical direction by Ray Salucka. Lisa Pettit leads the choreography for the show, with scenic and lighting design by Shelly Ford and costume design by Annee Noah.
Director Anderson said he was drawn to Songs for a New World by the “strong, impressionistic voice” playwright Jason Robert Brown achieved.
“This revue gives us the opportunity to tell so many human stories, all woven into one strong fabric. Brown takes the idea of a “New World” and explores it in both historic and personal terms. In the opening number of the show, a man sings, ‘It’s about one moment/the moment before it all comes clear/And in that one moment/You start to believe there’s nothing to fear.’ We think the spirit of human courage that Brown explores in this show will make a big impact with our audience,” Anderson said.
Songs for a New World played off-Broadway in 1995 and has since been produced hundreds of times around the world. Playwright Jason Robert Brown’s works have won Tony Awards and New York Drama Circle Critics honors. His musical The Last Five Years was named one of the “10 Best Shows of 2001” by TIME Magazine and won two Drama Desk Awards. Brown is also an accomplished musician and performer as well as a musical composer.
The production includes some adult language. Parental discretion is advised.
Tickets for Songs for a New World are $10 for adults and $8 for seniors and students with current ID. Kirkwood faculty, staff and students are admitted free of charge. Tickets are available from the Kirkwood Theatre box office in 336 Cedar Hall, or by calling 398-5899, ext. 4331. Tickets will go on sale Oct. 18.