At a time when it seems as if the whole world is changing again, A new world is cominga jukebox musical set in the ’60s, recalls another time when women’s rights were an idea about to explode. In 1968, three childhood friends – Mickey, Sharon and Bonnie – leave Moose Town, Minnesota in a Volkswagen bus and head to New York City for a singing competition – but what happens when life gets in the way?
With music made famous by artists such as Cass Elliot, Petula Clark, Lesley Gore, Hurricane Smith, Martha and the Vandellas and Bobby Vee, A new world is coming was conceived and written by Dexter resident Dayle Ann Hunt, an award-winning playwright who recently moved to Dexter from New York City.
The show’s concept began as a project for artistic director Dan Cooney and his students at the Chicago College of the Performing Arts and has continued to evolve since then. Fresh from a reading in New York City, producers Judith Manocherian (Broadway credits include The Wiz, The Prom (Drama Desk Award) and Once on This Island (Tony Award)) and Joseph Romano (Brooklyn Heights Productions) bring New World Comin’ to Dexter for a first performance of this timely musical.
The New York-based creative team includes director Terry Berliner (Broadway credits include The Lion King and The Sound of Music, and associate director and choreographer for On Cedar Street at the Berkshire Theatre Group) and music director/arranger Seth Farber, who has performed in and conducted over 20 Broadway shows.
The cast includes Encore favorite David Moan (Oklahoma!, 42nd Street, A Christmas Carol), Shaun White (Oklahoma!, Crazy about you) and Mariah Colby (Tribute to Mamas and Papas, Spring Awakening at Flint Rep). Making their Encore debuts are Charly Dannis, who was part of the original reading in NYC, recent UM graduate Gabriella Palminteri, and recent University of Buffalo graduate Kira Whitehead.
Encore audiences will be the first to experience this brand new production, brought to life by a talented Encore team. 1960s-style set design is by Sarah Tanner, who also serves as The Encore’s technical director, with vintage props by Anne Donevan, assisted by Jennifer Colby. Lighting design is by Joseph R. Walls, assisted by Lauren Spiegel; sound design is by Chris Goosman, with Jasper Watson as sound engineer. Costumes are by Marilee Dechart, costume designer is Abby Hall, hair and makeup is by Gayle E. Martin. Alexander Kunitz is the PSM with resident ASM/production manager Emma Hutchinson and ASM Bee Rose.
“We are delighted to be part of the development of this new musical!” says Dan Cooney, artistic production director of Encore. “This is a wonderful and important opportunity for the creative team and producers of A new world is coming. Bringing this first fully realized production to life allows us to see what stands out and where we can improve, making it an invaluable opportunity to create the best show possible together.”
A new world is coming runs September 12-22. Tickets can be purchased online (theencoretheatre.org) or at The Encore box office at 734.268.6200 and range in price from $28 to $57. Last-minute student/theater professional tickets are available at the box office for $20 (subject to availability).
