Musical to conclude season
by Sandy Stamper
south news editor
The South Campus finishes its theater season with the musical revue Songs for a New World, opening Thursday, April 29.
The revue was written by the Tony Award-winning composer Jason Robert Brown.
The show, a “concept musical,” is not structured in book format but is representative of the recent trend in Broadway revue-style musicals, which have strong themes but no plots.
The show features a wide variety of moods as well as styles, including pop, gospel, rock and contemporary show tunes.
Brown transports the audience from the deck of a Spanish sailing ship to a ledge 57 stories above Fifth Avenue to meet a startling array of characters ranging from a young man who has determined that basketball is his ticket out of the ghetto to a woman whose dream of marrying rich nabs her the man of her dreams and a soulless marriage.
Jamie Tompkins is directing the show with music directed by Matt Bunn and choreography by Jamie Widener, all TCC faculty.
Although the production was originally written for only four cast members, Tompkins has reworked the script so that a larger number of actors can be included in the show.
Cast members include Anthony Cearley, Derrick Smith, Emily Hardy, Chris Randle, Leeann Brown, Jacque Tompkins and Sharie Henderson.
Brown told Music Theatre International about his revue.
“ It’s about one moment. It’s about hitting the wall and having to make a choice, or take a stand, or turn around and go back. The moment you think you know where you stand, the things that you’re sure of slip from your hand, and you’re suddenly a stranger in some completely different land,” he said.
Tompkins had definite reasons for selecting this particular show.
“ I felt this musical was one that would challenge musical theater students and inspire them at the same time. In today’s society and global uncertainty, who doesn’t need a hopeful and uplifting evening of entertainment?” she said.
Cast member Jacque Tompkins said this production presented some challenges in the rehearsals.
The music is somewhat difficult to learn in the sense that it’s more gospel rather than pop or jazz, Tompkins said.
“ It’s [the music] fun, but at the same time, it’s challenging,” she said.
The show includes songs such as She Cries, King of the World, Hear My Song, I’m Not Afraid of Anything, I’d Give It All For You and Stars and the Moon.
Henderson performs I’m Not Afraid of Anything as a solo.
“ I portray a young lady who is transitioning to college. Maybe she’s thinking about her family and her fears, but she also is thinking a lot about God and that she’s not afraid of anything. In all reality, I think she is afraid,” she said.
Brown’s awards include a Drama Desk Award and a Tony Award in 1999 for Best Original Score for Parade.
Performances are April 29-May 1 at 7:30 p.m. with a preview performance April 28 at 7:30 p.m. in the Carillon Theatre.
Tickets are $5 for general admission; $3 for non-TCC students, children and seniors, and free for TCC students, faculty and staff for performances April 29-May 1; the preview performance is free for everyone.
Seating is on a first-come, first-serve basis, and reservations are not required for the preview.
For more information, call the Box Office at 817-515-4642.
Last Updated: 4/21/2004
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