Wellington Footlights Society Announce Summer Productions

Premiere Theatre Company Bringing Two Premieres and More to Wellington over Summer

Local theatre company The Wellington Footlights Society is delighted to announce its summer production. The celebratory musical theatre festival "Heart and Music" will see two premieres, a revue, and an old favourite.

Four one-act shows will be performed two at a time on alternating nights: A New Brain and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee – both by Tony Award winner William Finn; Flatline With Two Sugars – an original show written by Wellington Footlights members; and The Rising Sun, a revue of hit pop-rock songs centered around the overcoming of obstacles.

Opening on November 30th at the Gryphon Theatre, the company will perform two of their four shows each night, alternating between originals and old favourites.

Night A brings you their revue, The Rising Sun. This touching piece is designed to show the many sides to overcoming obstacles. Featuring hits from Green Day, P!nk, and many other favourites, the cast are sure to have audience members of any age singing along. The songs showcased take the audience on many routes to overcome whatever is in front of them. Whether you want to boogie to Queen, or reflect with Ed Sheeran, this revue has a song for you.

The second show of the evening is the first of the premieres, A New Brain. This is the New Zealand premiere of the musical. Based on William Finn's own life, we see a disillusioned man re-evaluate his life after a medical emergency leaves him needing brain surgery. Hilarity and heart ensue as other characters in his life tag along for the ride, some uninvited. Poignant and relatable, A New Brain reminds the audience to feel spring and embrace the sun.

Alternating Night B sees the company stage the premiere of an original musical written by Wellington Footlights members Laura Gardner (book and lyrics) and Katie Morton (music), Flatline with Two Sugars. The trail-blazing production shows a young woman who has the unfortunate gift of seeing someone's death when she touches them. Her life has left her isolated, but the bright show lets us into a learning curve that is part paranormal, part romance, and all heart.

The second show of this evening is the adorable 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Don't be fooled by the simple premise. This delightfully insightful musical became the platform for the success of Jesse Tyler Ferguson (Modern Family), and was nominated for a Grammy in 2006. The seamless blend of comedy styles has solidified this heartwarming piece in the pop culture stratosphere. Innocently looking into the lives of highly strung children, and even more highly strung adults. An additional bonus; this show even offers the chance for audience members to enjoy some stage time! The rousing score will leave a smile on the young and the young at heart.

The idea for this new showcase of talent came from wanting to give Wellington the best the company had to offer. This gives all of the more than 50 performing and associate members of the Wellington Footlights Society a chance to showcase their skills in challenging roles.

"Heart and Music" offers something for everyone to enjoy during the wind down of the year. From favourites that stir the heart, to new music with a powerful message, this innovation is a guaranteed success.

Tickets are available through Ticketbooth. Come for one, come for all! There’s an option for everyone. Only $25 for one show ($20 concession tickets available), or $35 for both shows on the same night. For true value, audience members can see all four shows across two nights for just $60.

The Wellington Footlights Society presents

HEART AND MUSIC

November 30 - December 9, 2017

Gryphon Theatre, 22 Ghuznee Street

Tickets available from www.ticketbooth.co.nz

Night A (November 30, December 2, 6, 8)

6:30pm: The Rising Sun

Directed by Ed Blunden

Music Directed by Michael Stebbings

8:00pm: A New Brain

Music and Lyrics by William Finn

Book by William Finn and James LaPine

Directed by Cassandra Tse

Night B (December 1, 5, 7, 9)

6:30pm: Flatline With Two Sugars

Book and Lyrics by Laura Gardner

Music Composed and Directed by Katie Morton

Directed by Karen Anslow

8:30pm: The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

Music and Lyrics by William Finn

Book by Rachel Sheinkin

Directed by Alick Draper

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