The piano-and-voice presentations with script in hand are open to Village Originals members only. A talkback is offered following the readings.
On Jan. 23, Sacagawea, with book and lyrics by Mary Bracken Phillips and music by Craig Bohmler, will be explored. The famed journey of Lewis and Clark is seen a brand new way —through the eyes of their native American guide, Sacagawea — in what's billed as a "sweeping, romantic new musical." Brian Yorkey, associate artistic director for Village Theatre, will direct.
On Feb. 6, Cold Turkey, a musical comedy inspired by the MGM film of the same name, gets tested. Book, lyrics and music are by Rich Gray. The show tells of a nicotine-addicted town challenged to quit smoking. Previously seen in a new musicals festival at Village Theatre, the show's return features new songs and new scenes. Dick Van Dyke starred in the motion picture. Allison Narver, the artistic director for Empty Space, directs.
Performances (7 PM) are at First Stage Theatre, 120 Front Street North, Issaquah, WA.
"Mondays at Seven" is a free member benefit and available only to Village Originals Members. Memberships start at $100. These readings are a "vital step in a musical's development," according to Village Theatre. "Readings are a way to put a new musical on its feet, to hear how it plays on stage—to experience a new show for the first time."
To become a member, or for more information about the resident not-for-profit devoted to musical theatre and new works, call (425) 392-2202 or visit www.villagetheatre.org.
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Village Theatre's Village Originals program "is dedicated to every aspect of new musical development: workshops, readings, seminars and full productions." To date, over 55 new musicals have been developed, many of which have gone on to stages throughout the world, including The Ark (opened Off-Broadway November 2005), After the Fair, Play It By Heart, Making Tracks, The Wedding Banquet and Eleanor.
Village Theatre is one of the leading producers of musical theatre in the Pacific Northwest.
Its Mainstage season will offer the new musical Girl of My Dreams, set during World War II. Performances play March-May first in Issaquah, then in Everett.
Girl of My Dreams has music by Peter Ekstrom, lyrics by Steve Hayes and Peter Ekstrom, book and additional lyrics by David DeBoy and vocal arrangements by Peter Ekstrom.
"Experience the 1940s as they come to life in this funny, heartfelt, and tremendously entertaining new musical," according to Village Theatre. Developed through Village Theatre's Village Originals program, Girl of My Dreams combines winning drama and 1940s-inspired tunes. Performing for the troops of World War II, a traveling USO troupe discovers life and love as they encounter the world and embark on an eye-opening journey. This diverse and spectacular group of performers will warm your heart as they tickle your funny bone. Step back in time to salute 'The Greatest Generation' and fall in love!"
