New Musical Somewhere in Time Will Debut at Portland Center Stage; Scott Schwartz Directs

By Andrew Gans
17 Oct 2012

Scott Schwartz
Scott Schwartz
Photo by Ric Kallaher

Somewhere in Time, a new musical based on the Richard Matheson novel and the Universal Pictures film of the same name, will make its world premiere in May 2013 at Portland Center Stage.

Directed by Scott Schwartz with choreography by John Carrafa, previews will begin May 28 with an official opening May 31.

Somewhere in Time features music by Doug Katsaros and lyrics by Amanda Yesnowitz with a book by Ken Davenport. Casting will be announced at a later date (Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour starred in the film).

In Somewhere in Time, press notes state, "young playwright Richard Collier has an encounter with a mysterious old woman on the opening night of his earliest success; she entreats him, to his bewilderment, to 'come back to me.' Several years later, with his life and career in disarray, he seeks quiet and contemplation and checks in to a storied hotel from his youth. But his stay at the hotel turns into the journey of a lifetime as he unravels history—and time—to discover a powerful but perhaps impossible love."

“Years ago, I fell hopelessly in love with the story of 'Somewhere in Time,' just as our lead character falls hopefully in love with Elise McKenna, and I’m thrilled that we will be premiering the production in Portland this spring,” said librettist Davenport in a statement. “Yes, the theater is the right size for our show. Yes, traveling to Portland from New York City is easy. But that’s not why we’re so excited to be going to Portland. Giving birth to a new musical isn’t easy. And, well, the people of Portland Center Stage under the incredible direction of Chris Coleman, and the people of Portland itself, are exactly the type of family that you want in that delivery room.”

“I’m proud that Portland Center Stage has earned a reputation as a theater committed to, and excelling in, the production of new work,” added artistic director Chris Coleman. “We have also cultivated an audience for great musicals, so when the opportunity arose to become part of launching this exciting world premiere musical, we knew it would be a terrific addition to our 25th Anniversary Season.”

The design team includes Alexander Dodge on sets, and Portland Center Stage resident costume designer Jeff Cone. Additional designers will be announced.

Tickets are on sale now at www.pcs.org/somewhere. For more information visit www.SomewhereInTimeTheMusical.com.

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Somewhere in Time replaces the previously announced Ella: The Musical in the PCS 2012-13 season. Ticket holders for Ella will receive new tickets for Somewhere in Time for the same dates and seats as purchased previously.