The cast will be headed by Corey Cott (Bandstand) as third baseman Charlie Banks, Emily Padgett (Side Show) as Hazel MacKay, Robbie Alan Berson as Joey Margolis, Jim Kaplan as Craig Nakamura, and Chris Dwan as Stuke. The ensemble includes Lauren Braton, Joseph Carr, Gary Neal Johnson, Katie Karel, Mike Ott, Josephine Pellow, Ben Priestland, Tim Scott, Emily Shackelford, and John-Michael Zuerlein.
Last Days of Summer features book and lyrics by author Kluger and music by Grammy winner Jason Howland.
Set in early 1940s Brooklyn, soon-to-be Bar Mitzvah boy Joey Margolis and best friend Craig Nakamura write letters to their hero, New York Giants Charlie Banks, with the hope that Charlie will help them impress and suppress the neighborhood bullies. An unlikely friendship is formed between the two boys and Charlie, as they are there for each other through everything life throws at them while the turbulent events at the dawn of World War II unfold.
The production will also have set design by Jason Sherwood, costume design by Loren Shaw, lighting design by Jen Schriever, sound design by Ken Travis, and wig design by Alison Hanks. Rick Hip-Flores will serve as music director and Paul McGill as associate director-choreographer. Mary Honour is the stage manager.
“Last Days of Summer touches on issues I care very deeply about, and I believe will have universal appeal,” says producer Roth. “At its heart, the musical is a story about having the courage to stand up for yourself and those you love, and learning that the best friendships sometimes come from the people you least expect. We enjoyed collaborating with KCRep last year when we premiered Between the Lines, and are so happy to be back.”
Tickets may be purchased at kcrep.org/lastdays or by calling (816) 235-2700.
