The Seattle cast includes Tony Award nominee Patti Cohenour (The Phantom of the Opera, The Mystery of Edwin Drood), Allen Fitzpatrick (Les Misérables, Memphis), Mari Nelson (Six Degrees of Separation, Guys & Dolls), Auston James, Kirsten Helland and Mike Spee.
Rounding out the ensemble are Aaron Finley, Dane Stockinger, Rachel Fitzgerald, Bhama Roget, Mark Carr, Kody Bringman, Justin Huertas, Sasha Conley and Lucy Given.
Here's how Something as Big as This is described: "Based on a true-life murder case that captivated and shocked the nation, this original musical chronicles the disparate lives of three New Yorkers and how they become intertwined one fateful night in the dark corners of Central Park. In the light of recent events across our nation, this timely piece explores the nature of violence in America, social isolation and our search for identity in the postmodern age."
Somers' rock/folk-infused score is being developed with Drama Desk Award-winning orchestrator Mary-Mitchell Campbell (Carrie, Company, The Addams Family) and Scott Wasserman.
Next to Normal alum Louis Hobson produces and directs with musical direction by Chris DiStefano. The reading is presented in coordination with Balagan's executive director, Jake Groshong, and literary manager, Matt Smith.
The Balagan Theatre is located at 1524 Harvard Avenue in Seattle, WA. Tickets are free at the door with a suggested donation of $10. All proceeds will support Balagan's New Works Initiative. For more information, visit BalaganTheatre.org.