Winter Park Playhouse will host readings of six new productions for the next installment of the Florida Festival of New Musicals, happening June 20-23.
The festival was created to foster project development and artist growth by bringing writers and composers together with patrons, press, producers, and directors for a one-hour, concert-style performance of each selected musical, without staging. Audiences have the unique opportunity to see musicals in the early stages of development and offer feedback.
The selected musicals are:
Carolina Rising: Inspired by a true story, this new musical follows a woman’s journey from local troublemaker to passionate activist. The production features an original score with country, bluegrass, blues, and gospel numbers. Book and lyrics by Bryan Leys, music by Kevin Kuhn
Cheer Wars: Shakespeare’s Henry IV is given a modern makeover in this story of a high school senior vying to become the next captain of her varsity cheer squad. She’s soon caught up in her mother’s quest for glory when an old cheerleading rival trains her own daughter for the role. Book and lyrics by Gordon Leary, music by Karlan Judd
Foodies: This musical comedy tells the tale of a fussy eater who is mistaken for the guest of honor at a food and wine festival. But he must play the part to win the affections of the event organizer. Book and lyrics by Michael Kaplan, music by Michael Kaplan and Jeff Mar
In Emily’s Words (adapted from Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights): This original musical tells the story of English novelist Emily Brontë as she writes Wuthering Heights. Despite having little worldly experience, she created a sweeping melodrama that has left a legacy nearly two hundred years after her death. Book, music and lyrics by Jessy Tomsko
Julie Bunny Must Die!: Reality meets fantasy, and offer a unique take in the creative process, when a comic book creator’s imaginary characters create havoc on his real life. Book, lyrics and music by Ned Wilkinson
Promise You’ll Shoot Me: A secret club of senior citizens fails in their promise to end each other’s suffering when they botch an attempt to dispatch one of their own. The situational comedy spotlights a journey of hope, friendship and love in the golden years of life.Book by Michael Rogers and Bill Wandel, music by Bill Wandel
Tickets are currently on sale at $10 per show with a 6-show “Festival Fun Pass” available for $50. For ticket purchases and additional information, visit online winterparkplayhouse.org or call the box office at 407-645-0145.
Founded in 2002, the Winter Park Playhouse is a nonprofit, professional musical theatre that offers patrons an up-close-and-personal experience. The theatre is affiliated with Actors’ Equity Association and The National Alliance For Musical Theatre, and offers year-round programming.