Found, the new musical by Hunter Bell, Lee Overtree and Eli Bolin that played an extended 2014 Off-Broadway engagement, will be reimagined by its creators for a fall production at PTC.
The ensemble musical inspired by true stories culled from discarded notes and letters earned critical acclaim when it premiered at the Atlantic Theater Company. Performances will run November 9-December 11.
“We are thrilled to begin this next chapter of Found in Philadelphia,” Bell said in a statement. “The show had an amazing run at the Atlantic Theater Company Off-Broadway in New York City, and what's so exciting is that we get to build on what we learned there, and make the show even better. There are new musical numbers and hilarious and heartfelt new found notes too. We can't wait to continue this original new musical's incredible journey with the audiences at the Philadelphia Theatre Company.”
Based on Davy Rothbart’s Found Magazine, the musical has a book by Bell and Overtree and music and original lyrics by Bolin. Here’s how it’s billed: “They say that no one writes letters anymore, but Davy knows that’s not true. Ever since the day he found an absurdly funny note meant for someone else on the windshield of his car, he’s been obsessed with collecting and sharing the surprising, hilarious, irreverent and just plain weird notes and letters that surround us every day, everywhere. Featuring hundreds of real found letters culled from Davy Rothbart’s popular Found Magazine, this original musical is a humorous and moving exploration of human connection, friendship, communication and the beautiful weirdness in everyone.”
The PTC season will also include a remounting of Theatre Exile’s Rizzo (September 23-October 16). Bruce Graham authored the play that explores the life of Philadelphia Mayor Frank Rizzo as he prepares for his 1991 mayoral campaign.
Also announced is Emily Mann’s two-hander Having Our Say (January 27-February 19, 2017) and Robert Askins’ Tony-nominated dark comedy Hand to God (April 7-30, 2017).
The season will conclude with the world premiere of Bill Cain’s American Canvas (May 26-June 18, 2017). According to PTC, the play “tells the fascinating story of Philadelphia painter Thomas Eakins through his personal relationships and in the subjects he so carefully studied and rendered – all taking place in a country fresh from war, on the cusp of a new age of industry, and in the middle of a shift in social attitudes.”
