The Stephen Schwartz Project, by the numbers, takes a new direction
This musical revue, conceived and directed by Michael Bobbitt, began with preview performances at the Theater Alliance Cabaret Series at the H Street Playhouse on August 19, 2006 and at the Page-to-Stage New Play Festival at the Kennedy Center Millennium Stage on September 2, 2006. Featured vocalists were Priscilla Cuellar, Erin Driscoll, Eleasha Gamble, Isaiah Johnson and Phil Olarte under the musical direction of Doug Bowles.
MetroStage will debut this musical April 10, 2008.
Over the Summer of 2007, three (3) auditions, two (2) callbacks and over seventy (70) actors were at MetroStage to find the cast of The Stephen Schwartz Project. Both Equity and Non-Equity members were encouraged to come out whether they were local to the DC area or as far away as New York City.
Director Michael Bobbitt and Music Director Doug Bowles had a huge challenge to pick five (5) individuals that were strong enough who could carry a show solely by themselves, but work well and harmonize with the other members of this exciting new musical revue. These ensemble actors had to have a sparkling and dynamic personality that represented a cross-section of America.
It was a very difficult choice, but after the show was workshopped at Theatre Under the Stars, in Houston, Texas, on September 21 and 22, The Stephen Schwartz Project is headed for a new direction.
ACT @ TUTS is an extension of the classes taught through The Academy at Theatre Under the Stars Humphreys School of Musical Theatre. The musical was showcased with a large group of talented actor/singer/dancers 13 to 18 years of age. The show featured music from Wicked, Godspell, Pippin, The Magic Show, The Baker's Wife, The Prince of Egypt and more. Stephen Schwartz joined them during the rehearsal period to work with the cast and view the performance.
Bobbitt said, "Stephen was 'surprisingly stunned' and moved at what he saw. The students were dazzling. Because of this workshop, he thinks it has the appeal of High School Musical - something that many area high schools and colleges would love to do.... Stephen only had a handful of notes for me and my collaborator, arranger John L. Cornelius. (He liked all the songs except for parts of two of the numbers.) We are plugging away at the changes."
The world premiere at MetroStage will now include a young cast of high school and college students mixed with young professionals that will have tons of energy.
More details to come later...
We'd like to thank everyone for their time and patience during this audition process and we wish the best of luck in your future endeavors!
MetroStage will debut this musical April 10, 2008.
Over the Summer of 2007, three (3) auditions, two (2) callbacks and over seventy (70) actors were at MetroStage to find the cast of The Stephen Schwartz Project. Both Equity and Non-Equity members were encouraged to come out whether they were local to the DC area or as far away as New York City.
Director Michael Bobbitt and Music Director Doug Bowles had a huge challenge to pick five (5) individuals that were strong enough who could carry a show solely by themselves, but work well and harmonize with the other members of this exciting new musical revue. These ensemble actors had to have a sparkling and dynamic personality that represented a cross-section of America.
It was a very difficult choice, but after the show was workshopped at Theatre Under the Stars, in Houston, Texas, on September 21 and 22, The Stephen Schwartz Project is headed for a new direction.
ACT @ TUTS is an extension of the classes taught through The Academy at Theatre Under the Stars Humphreys School of Musical Theatre. The musical was showcased with a large group of talented actor/singer/dancers 13 to 18 years of age. The show featured music from Wicked, Godspell, Pippin, The Magic Show, The Baker's Wife, The Prince of Egypt and more. Stephen Schwartz joined them during the rehearsal period to work with the cast and view the performance.
Bobbitt said, "Stephen was 'surprisingly stunned' and moved at what he saw. The students were dazzling. Because of this workshop, he thinks it has the appeal of High School Musical - something that many area high schools and colleges would love to do.... Stephen only had a handful of notes for me and my collaborator, arranger John L. Cornelius. (He liked all the songs except for parts of two of the numbers.) We are plugging away at the changes."
The world premiere at MetroStage will now include a young cast of high school and college students mixed with young professionals that will have tons of energy.
More details to come later...
We'd like to thank everyone for their time and patience during this audition process and we wish the best of luck in your future endeavors!
Labels: Schwartz
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