NEXT Festival 2016
Project 1: In the Mines by Kate Hamill
Directed by Peter Rothstein Music Direction by Denise Prosek Dramaturgy by Elissa Adams
Performance Dates: Thursday, May 5, Saturday May 7, and Monday May 9, 2016
Ritz Theater
In Appalachian coal-mining territory, a devastating cave-in forever changes and intertwines the lives of three imperfect women - who soon find themselves swept up by forces beyond their control. This epic, imaginative “mutation” of Greek myths interweaves traditional folk music with magical realism to create a new mythology examining the forces (both seen and unseen) that shape our lives.
Featuring the talents of Christina Baldwin, Mark Benninghofen, Bear Brummel, Paul Coate, Beth Gilleland, Bradley Greenwald, Aeysha Kinnunen, Sara Ochs, and Thomasina Petrus.
Project 2: The Urban Farmer’s Almanac hosted by Dan Chouinard
Directed by Peter Rothstein
Performance Dates: Thursday, May 12, Saturday May 14, and Sunday May 15, 2016
Ritz Theater
The Urban Farmer’s Almanac, in its first trial run, is a live-performance written-for-radio variety show about raising food and living close to the ground in the city. Dan Chouinard is host, with a crop of guests bringing stories and first-hand how-to, from rooftop beekeepers to basement cheesemakers, backyard bakers to vacant lot farmers. Plus lots of music, history and lore. A fresh local take on a growing global movement.
Featuring the talents of Lucie Amundsen, Michael Cheney, Beth Dooley, Beth Gilleland, Prudence Johnson, Christopher MacLeod, Peter Ostroushko, Thomasina Petrus, Jordan Sramek, Dane Stauffer, the Farm House Band, members of the Rose Ensemble, and more!
Project 3: The Illyria Project
Book, Music and Lyrics by Jackson Doran and Postell Pringle
Directed by Jackson Doran and Postell Pringle
Performance Dates: Thursday, May 19, Saturday May 21, and Monday May 23, 2016
Capri Theater
The Illyria Project is the story of Viola, a barista and aspiring rapper who seizes the opportunity to fulfill her dream of becoming a star when she finds out about an audition for a new hip hop show, Shipwrecked, The Musical. A hip hop musical with a book written entirely in rap verse and performed over beats, The Illyria Project weaves together soul, rock, and rap music in a rollicking interpretation of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night.
Featuring the talents of Shinah Brashears, Ryan Colbert, Jonathon Dull, Aeysha Kinnunen, Kasono Mwanza, Thomasina Petrus, and Max Wojtanowicz.
Please note that The Illyria Project contains strong language.
