North Carolina's Theatre Raleigh is currently presenting a developmental production of the solo musical What We Leave Behind through October 5 in the De Ann S. Jones Theatre.
Jessica Phillips, whose theatrical credits include Dear Evan Hansen, Next to Normal, Leap of Faith, and Redwood, stars in the new musical that explores love, resilience, and the impact of chronic illness on family. Watch Phillips perform the musical's title song in the video above.
Written and composed by husband-and-wife team Jenny Giering and Sean Barry, the musical is inspired by their own journey after Giering’s breast cancer diagnosis. Paige Price directs.
“What We Leave Behind is a stunning new musical by the deeply gifted writing team of Jenny Giering and Sean Barry—an intimate, original piece that explores chronic illness and resilience with raw honesty and emotional depth,” said Eric Woodall, Theatre Raleigh producing artistic director, in an earlier statement. “We are incredibly proud to produce this new work at Theatre Raleigh, and to have Broadway star Jessica Phillips bringing this role to life. It’s a rare and thrilling combination of daring new material and world-class talent.”
“We’re thrilled to finally have the chance to share our show with live audiences, and particularly here in Raleigh, where Theatre Raleigh has cultivated such a dedicated community of theatergoers,” added Giering, who co-wrote the play with Barry. "This collaboration has been nothing short of extraordinary. Having Jessica Phillips at the helm is the icing on the cake—we couldn’t be happier.”
The production also features music direction by Beth G. Tankersley, production management and technical direction by Chris Bernier, scenic design by Sonya Drum, lighting design by Eric Bell, sound design by Parker Gagnier, costume design by Kishara McKnight, property design by Lora McIntosh, and casting by Eric Woodall. Caroline ‘ODee’ O’Dekirk is the production stage manager.
Blaire Thompson is the standby performer for the role of Jenny.
Visit TheatreRaleigh.com.
