The Lied Center for Performing Arts will offer a free concert hosted by Stephen Bray and two staged readings of new musicals as part of the ASCAP/Grow A Show New Musical Theatre Workshop Sept. 12-14.
Bray, composer and lyricist of the Tony-winning musical “The Color Purple,” is a panelist for the workshop. Other panelists are Kevin Bannerman, the co-creator of “Ice Age” and regular panelist for the Los Angeles ASCAP New Musicals Workshop; and Jason Michael Webb, writer, arranger and Broadway musical director. Bray and Webb will also lead master classes at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln on Sept. 12 and 14.
The panelists will offer feedback on the musicals “Gumbo” and “Dust and Shadow,” which were selected from among nearly 100 submissions by playwrights, lyricists and composers from around the world.
The performances are:
“Gumbo” staged reading, Sept. 12, 7:30 p.m.: The musical, by Christina Quintana (book and lyrics) and Brett Macias (music), is a fantastical retelling of the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Set in New Orleans and inspired by the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, the plot unfolds through musical storytelling in the styles of soul, jazz, funk and bluegrass. The reading will feature a cast of Lincoln and Omaha actors directed by Beth Thompson, artistic director of the Shelterbelt Theatre, with musical direction by Liz Stinman. General admission tickets are $10.
“Broadway at the Lied,” Sept. 13, 7:30 p.m.: Bray will host an evening of Broadway and pop music, which will feature top Nebraska talent performing songs from “The Color Purple” and his many collaborations with Madonna. The concert is free, but attendees must acquire tickets from the Lied Center.
“Dust and Shadow” staged reading, Sept. 14, 7:30 p.m.: “Dust and Shadow,” by Kasey Marino (book), Dustin Sullivan (lyrics) and Jonathan Reid Gealt (music), is a musical based on the novel of the same name by Lyndsay Faye, featuring the detective duo of Sherlock Holmes and John Watson as they follow the trail of Jack the Ripper. A 50-minute reading will feature local actors and musical theater students from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln under the direction of Alisa Belflower, coordinator of musical theater studies in the Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts, with musical direction by Louis Claussen. General admission tickets are $10.
Tickets are available here, by phone at 402-472-4747 or at the Lied Center box office, 301 N. 12th St.
