The pop-rock musical tells of four high school friends who reunite a year after graduation. The writers, friends since their own school days, are 23 years old.
Signature artistic director Eric Schaeffer directs Glory Days, opening Jan. 22 and playing through Feb. 17 at Signature's larger theatre, The Max.
According to Signature, "Glory Days is the story of four high school friends who reunite one year after graduation only to discover how dramatically their lives have grown apart. While they attempt to reconnect and understand each other's differences, nothing can compare to the glory days of high school when life was simpler and all appeared right with the world. A funny and poignant coming-of-age story, Glory Days features music styles from pop and folk to contemporary rock."
The premiere will feature actors Steven Booth, Andrew C. Call, Adam Halpin, and Jesse JP Johnson.
The creative team includes scenic designer James Kronzer, costume designer Sasha Ludwig-Siegel, lighting designer Mark Lanks and sound designer Matt Rowe. Musical staging is by assistant director Matthew Gardiner. Jess W. Speaker III is production stage manager. Jesse Vargas is music supervisor/arranger/orchestrator. Music direction is by Derek Bowley (keyboard). The four-piece band includes Steven Walker (electric guitar), Jon Jester (drums) and Aaron Hubbard (bass).
Born and raised just outside of Washington, DC, in Bethesda, MD, Nick Blaemire is a songwriter and performer. After graduating from the Sidwell Friends School, he attended the University of Michigan, where he received his BFA in Musical Theatre as a part of the Class of 2006. Blaemire has composed two original musicals, an album of pop music, and has a respectable resume as an actor. His writing has been presented at Signature, as well as the Kennedy Center, Joe's Pub, and the Lucille Lortel Theatre, among numerous other venues across the country. He recently originated the role of Abraham in the first national tour of Altar Boyz.
Glory Days is the first book for musical written by College Park, MD, native James Gardiner. At Signature Theatre Gardiner performed the role of Michael Spofford in The Witches of Eastwick and Tyler in Merrily We Roll Along, as well as performing in Saving Aimee and Funny Girl in concert. Gardiner received his BA in theatre at the University of Maryland.
Gardiner and Blaemire have written a second musical, Millenials. For more information visit www.jamesandnick.com.
For more information about Glory Days visit www.signature-theatre.org or call Ticketmaster at (703) 573-SEAT (7328).
