The festival opens Jan. 15 at 7:30 PM with We Foxes at The Goodspeed. The show is described as such: "Set in 1945 Missouri, this Southern Gothic musical tells the story of Willa—a tough, unmannered orphan adopted by the sheriff’s wife—and the bloody domestic war that ensues between them when Willa uncovers the secrets lurking beneath the floorboards. It is the story of intense human struggle, deliverance, and salvation that can only be found from within." We Foxes features a book, music and lyrics by Ryan Scott Oliver.
A Festival Cabaret will be presented Jan. 15 at 10 PM, showcasing new songs by festival writers.
Jan. 16 includes 6 seminars at 10 AM at Gelston House. Seminars include:
"Spotlight On: Alfred Uhry," described as "an up-close interview with the only American playwright to have won a Pulitzer Prize, an Academy Award and two Tony Awards."
"Razzle Dazzle: The Battle for Broadway," described as "Michael Riedel, Broadway’s most respected (and feared) commentator, shares stories from his new book revealing the shocking drama, intrigue, and power plays that happen off stage."
"How Do They Do That?," described as "the writing team who created Broadway’s First Date, Michael Weiner and Alan Zachary, share 'how musical theatre writers make a living on their way to Broadway.'"
"Selling the Show 101," described as "Rick Miramontez, one of the top Broadway press agents, shares his perspective on the press agent’s role in a new musical’s life."
"Orchestrating 101," described as "longtime Goodspeed orchestrator Dan DeLange shares his process behind the magic of making eight instruments sound like twenty-eight."
"And 5, 6, 7, 8!," described as "theatre historian John Pike talks about the history of dance in musical theatre."
The festival continues at 2:30 PM with a preview of a new musical planned for Goodspeed in 2016 at Goodspeed Opera House.
At 4 PM a free symposium, titled "Elevator Pitch Challenge: The Writer’s Audition," will be presented at Goodspeed Opera House. The symposium is described as such: "Musical theatre writing teams only have a few minutes to pitch a panel of guest producers on a new musical project. How will each team make their pitch attention-grabbing, compelling and concise? What does it take to persuade a producer to invest? After the teams make their pitch, a panel led by WNPR’s Colin McEnroe will ask questions and give feedback."
Milo at the Movies will be presented Jan. 16 at 7:30 at Goodspeed Opera House. The show is described as such: "Milo and Dexter thought they’d make a killing in vaudeville, but thanks to silent movies, they’d have better luck getting arrested than getting on stage. So when Milo’s gumption lands the duo an unexpected gig, the brothers figure they’ve struck gold: a regular gig, good dough, and a pretty dame to boot! As long as they can avoid the censor, the cops, the fiancé, and each other, everything’ll be just fine." Milo at the Movies features a book by Tom Diggs and music and lyrics by Mark Gaylord.
Only Anne will play Jan. 18 at 1 PM at Goodspeed Opera House. The show is described as such: "It’s 'Jane Austen' meets 'Downton Abbey' in this musical update of her popular novel 'Persuasion,' set in 1920s Britain at the dawn of the Jazz Age. Anne Elliot is forced to confront the sacrifices she made for her family when she finds herself face-to-face with the highly-regarded Admiral Frederick Wentworth, the once-penniless true love she was persuaded to abandon. Only Anne maneuvers through a landscape of miscommunications, misperceptions, and, ultimately, the search for love in a rapidly changing world." Only Anne features a book and lyrics by John Dietrich and music by Will Buck.
Closing the festival will be a Meet the Writers Reception Jan. 17 at 3:30 PM at Gelston House.
For more information or to purchase tickets, click here.
