NEXT Festival 2014
May 1 - 18, 2014
CLOSED MAY 18
The Lab Theater
NEXT: New Musicals in the Making—is our new work series that showcases three new musicals in various stages of development. Each of the three workshops will culminate in three public performances followed by a post-show discussion. These discussions provide audience members the opportunity to give immediate feedback and “get in on the ground floor” of the creative process.
This year’s series includes workshop readings of the musicals The End of September by Minneapolis-based writer Aaron Gabriel, Horizon by New York-based writers Chip Klose and Michael Holland, and a musical comedy improv Some Assembly Required featuring local artists from Comedy Sportz and Huge Improv. Theater Latté Da Artistic Director Peter Rothstein will direct both The End of September and Horizon with Music Direction by Barbara Brooks and Denise Prosek, respectively.
The End of September
Book, Music and Lyrics by Aaron Gabriel
Directed by Peter Rothstein
Music Direction by Barbara Brooks
Featuring music inspired by hymns and folk songs of Ojibwe, Scandinavian and American traditions, The End of September is a moving portrait about the bonds of friendship and family. In this contemporary re-telling of the Old Testament story about the relationship between King David and his boyhood friend Jonathan, a small town grapples with a friendship that they don’t understand.
Featuring: Janet Hansen, Bear Brummel, Laurie Flanigan-Hegge, Alan Sorenson, Caleb Craig, Jake Waid, Eric Vollen and Erin Capello
Some Assembly Required
An improvised musical featuring: artists from ComedySportz and Huge Improv: Jill Bernard, Madde Gibba, Brian Kelly, Doug Neithercott and Michael Ritchie with Musical Direction by Todd Price.
Some Assembly Required brings together some of the hottest Twin Cities improv comedians working with audience suggestions to create a brand new musical in real-time. Come for one evening of spontaneous musical comedy, or come to all three nights and watch a musical develop over the course of the three performances.
Horizon Book
By Chip Klose
Music and Lyrics by Michael Holland
Directed by Peter Rothstein
Music Direction by Denise Prosek
Featuring music from the southern rock and bluegrass genres, Horizon focuses on a love triangle between two brothers and the beautiful girl next door. Adapted from Eugene O'Neill's play Beyond the Horizon, this new musical is a touching story about ambition, regret, and the seemingly small spaces in between.
Featuring: Betti Battocletti, Cat Brindisi, Eric Buron, Kevin Leines and Jared Oxborough
This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a Minnesota State Arts Board Operating Support grant, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.
