“Songs for a New World” coming to your screen!

ECU School of Theatre and Dance students and faculty are preparing for the first mainstage production back on the McGinnis stage in almost a year. Songs for a New World by Jason Robert Brown will stream March 12 and 13 at 7:00 p.m. and March 14 at 2:00 p.m.

This song cycle from the Tony Award-winning composer features a collection of stories from an array of characters throughout time. The score blends pop, rock, jazz, and gospel styles.

“Songs for a New World is unique because it doesn’t follow one narrative but rather the stories of several individuals and it is all done in song,” says the musical’s director, Assistant Professor Bryan Conger. “Each person is on the precipice of a new world where everything changes. So the stories all feel extremely potent and relevant to the change we all have experienced in the last year.”

The cast in rehearsal for “Songs for a New World”

Keagan Kermode, a Junior Musical Theatre and Professional Acting major and member of the cast, remarked on the show saying, “One of the biggest       messages in the show is that we’re moving into a new world, changes are going to happen, and it will be hard sometimes. But it is going to be okay.”

In the new, pandemic-safe world at ECU, the production has been staged to abide by state and campus recommendations regarding masks and social distancing. All performers and team members will wear masks during the performance and remain at least six feet apart. Despite the new procedures, students and faculty are looking forward to returning to the stage.

“This is our first show back from COVID isolation, and it has allowed us to experience what collaborating with other artists feels like again, despite the challenges that have come from social distance.” says Brenna Greene, a Senior Musical Theatre major in the cast. “It has reminded us of how live theatre makes you feel.”

The set for “Songs for a New World” going up on the McGinnis stage.

This will be the first scenic design on the McGinnis mainstage for Teaching Assistant Professor of Scenic Design Nolan O’Dell, who joined the ECU faculty last summer. “Since there is no traditional plot structure or real dialogue for this show, it so unique to design for because all of what the production team has to work from is the music and the emotional content explored through character,” O’Dell says. “My challenge is to create an environment on stage that lends itself to the overall feel of the work, while helping to provide focus for the actors and space for the choreography.  I have integrated projection surfaces into the design so we can further explore mood and tone through projected images.”

Another newcomer, Teaching Instructor Jacob Kerzner, is the music director, and the choreography comes from veteran faculty member, Teaching Assistant Professor Tommi Overcash Galaska. Faculty designers Delta Smith (costumes), Michael Shoaf (lighting and sound), and Jeni Parker (properties) round out the design team.

“This show paints this picture of hope and working through adversity, which has been so inspiring to me,” says Sophomore Musical Theatre major Maddie Lind. Lind is a member of the ten-student cast. In addition to Lind, Kermode, and Greene, the cast includes Jessica Balton, Naz Harvey, Allie Jessee, Emily Phoebus, Taylor Rouse, Lashaun Winslow, and Zion Zollicoffer.

Lighting Design by Michael Shoaf.

Tickets to this and all virtual ECU/Loessin Playhouse performances are $10 and available online at theatredance.ecu.edu or by calling the box office at 252-328-6829. Tickets for ECU students available for $5 by calling the box office.

The ECU/Loessin Playhouse virtual season will continue with the Spring Dance Concert April 9–11 and Lysistrata, adapted by Ellen McLaughlin, April 30 – May 2. Packages that include all three performances are available for $24.