Found, the new musical by Hunter Bell, Lee Overtree and Eli Bolin that played an extended 2014 Off-Broadway engagement, will be reimagined by its creators for a fall production at PTC.
The ensemble musical, inspired by true stories culled from discarded notes and letters, earned critical acclaim when it premiered at the Atlantic Theater Company. Performances will run November 9-December 11. It officially opens November 16.
Molly Pope, who appeared in the Off-Broadway production, will return for the Philadelphia staging. Cast members also include Christina Anthony, Andrew Call (Grease Live!), Alysha Deslorieux (Hamilton), F. Michael Haynie (Wicked), Erika Henningsen (Les Misérables), Juwan Crawley (Spamilton), Orville Mendoza (Adrift in Macao), Sandy Rustin (I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change) and Graham Stevens (The Robber Bridegroom).
The creative team is hoping for a future life for the musical beyond the revised Philadelphia presentation.
“We are thrilled to begin this next chapter of Found in Philadelphia,” Bell said in a statement. “The show had an amazing run at the Atlantic Theater Company Off-Broadway in New York City, and what's so exciting is that we get to build on what we learned there, and make the show even better. There are new musical numbers and hilarious and heartfelt new found notes too. We can't wait to continue this original new musical's incredible journey with the audiences at the Philadelphia Theatre Company.”
Based on Davy Rothbart’s Found Magazine, the musical has a book by Bell and Overtree and music and original lyrics by Bolin. Here’s how it’s billed: “They say that no one writes letters anymore, but Davy knows that’s not true. Ever since the day he found an absurdly funny note meant for someone else on the windshield of his car, he’s been obsessed with collecting and sharing the surprising, hilarious, irreverent and just plain weird notes and letters that surround us every day, everywhere. Featuring hundreds of real found letters culled from Davy Rothbart’s popular Found Magazine, this original musical is a humorous and moving exploration of human connection, friendship, communication and the beautiful weirdness in everyone.”
The creative team includes set designer David Korins, lighting designer Justin Townsend, video/projection designer Darrel Maloney and costume designer Theresa Squire.
