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  Arts Center

Six New Musicals,
Five Parties!
Four Days!

By Invitation Only.

Over the years, the Annual Festival of New Musicals has become a jumping off point for some of Village Theatre's most popular new works. Both of the new works in the upcoming 2009-2010 Season, Chasing Nicolette and The Gypsy King, debuted in last year’s festival. Additionally, the past two Mainstage seasons have boasted audience favorites from the festival, including Saint Heaven, Stunt Girl, Million Dollar Quartet, and Little Women.

In addition to the Mainstage successes, many Village Original workshops and developmental productions begin at the Festival. Recently, Village Originals produced such crowd pleasers as Iron Curtain and The Last Starfighter in the form of workshops. Both of these productions began in the Festival of New Musicals. Our Annual Festival has become the first look at tomorrow's freshest and most exciting new musicals

Schedule and shows are subject to change.

Download and read First Stages, the official newsletter for Village Originals. This issue highlights the Festival of New Musical (550KB PDF).

For information about becoming a Village Originals Member, call the Box Office at (425) 392-2202 or visit our Village Originals Membership page.

Due to high demand, all readings and events will take place at Francis J. Gaudette Theatre, 303 Front Street North, (instead of First Stage Theatre) unless otherwise listed.

Badges
Every Village Originals member receives the appropriate number of badges for their membership level upon arrival. The badges serve as your pass into each show. Simply show your badge to the usher, get your sticker for the show, and take a seat.

Seating
Seating is general admission. Members receive priority seating and may enter as early as 30 minutes before curtain. Artists and staff members may sign up on the waiting list and will be admitted 10 minutes before curtain.

Surveys
After each show, please take the opportunity to fill out the surveys included in your packet. Individual surveys are also available at each show or online (surveys will be activated and posted below just prior to the Festival). You can tell the writers your favorite songs, characters, and scenes, offer feedback on what works and what doesn't, and maybe even see your ideas come to life. Once you're done, turn the survey in after the show in the theatre, or mail it to us at 303 Front Street North, Issaquah, WA 98027.

THURSDAY AUGUST 13th, 2009
Opening Reception 6:00-7:15 PM
Including Musical Previews
Francis J. Gaudette Theatre Lobby

THURSDAY, AUGUST 13th - 7:30PM

Rocket Science
Book - Patrical Cotter
Music - Stephen Weiner
Lyrics - Jason Rhyne
Based on the HBO film Rocket Science by Jeffrey Blitz

St-st-step into the shoes of Hal Hefner, a high school junior burdened with a surplus of family chaos and crazy teachers—not to mention the debilitating stutter that only recently came to join the party. Set to an upbeat rock score by Stephen Weiner (Once Upon a Time in New Jersey), Hal navigates the frenzied halls of high school—from his first attempt at romance, to the simple yet overwhelming task of ordering a slice of p-p-pizza, to the even more daunting prospect of competing in the state debate contest—and manages to keep both his dignity and his humor intact. This wryly-comical new musical will take you back to those high school years as you watch Hal discover the importance of friendship, trust, and self-confidence.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 14th - 7:30PM

The Cuban and the Redhead
By Robert Bartley & Danny Whitman

Everybody loves Lucy…but what happened before Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz took Hollywood by storm? In this affecting new musical, watch as a young Cuban boy and a starry-eyed redhead from Jamestown set sail on a turbulent journey that leads them all the way to Hollywood—and into each other’s arms. But life in Tinseltown, they quickly discover, isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Struggling to keep their careers, egos, and marriage afloat, these two starlets are about to discover what it takes to make it in show business, and in life.

Meet the Members Party 10:00 PM
Francis J. Gaudette Theatre Lobby

SATURDAY, AUGUST 15th - 2:00PM

Green Gables
By Janet Yates Vogt & Mark Friedmanr
Based on Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery

Charming readers for over 100 years, this beloved tale rises to the musical theatre stage with a spellbinding score. The Cuthbert’s expected to adopt a boy, so imagine their surprise when and a talkative and clever young girl steps off the train instead. Witness Anne’s transformation into a confident young woman as she works her way into the hearts of everyone she meets—despite a knack for getting into trouble. Be captivated by this endearing coming of age story, as it transforms into a moving musical for all ages.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 15th - 7:30PM

Route 66
Book - Jerold Goldstein & William Squier
Lyrics - William Squier
Music - Fred Stark

This upbeat country musical is a toe-tapping, foot-stomping journey about love and the American spirit. Take a breathtaking ride on Route 66, the iconic highway that is the backbone of this unexpected love story. A struggling journalist is given an assignment no one else would take and paired up with a free-spirited photographer, forcing her to look at life from a new angle. Their assignment: Route 66. Come along as this duo learns that success is about the road taken, relationships developed, and the people you meet along the way.

Meet the Artists Party 10:00 PM
At Executive Producer Robb Hunt’s Home
Circle Level Members and Artists Only

SUNDAY, AUGUST 16 - 2:00PM

Take Me America
Book & Lyrics - Bill Nabel
Music - Bob Christianson

When Gary took his first job out of college at Immigration and Naturalization Services, he had no idea how trying his new career would become. Take Me America is an honest, striking, and sometimes-comical new pop/rock musical set in the single workday of three immigration agents. As Gary and his co-workers weigh the fear and integrity of each individual seeking refuge in America, they are forced to face the complicated space between right and wrong. Join them as they take in the extraordinary (and often befuddled) stories of those seeking refuge in America and struggle with the power they have been granted over the fate of others.

Circle Level Members Party 5:00 PM
Lombardi’s Neighborhood Italian
695 N.W. Gilman Blvd
** Circle Level Members Only **

SUNDAY, AUGUST 16 - 7:30PM

The Man Who Would Be King
Book & Lyrics - DJ Salisbury
Music - Neil Berg
Based on the novella by Rudyard Kipling

Featuring a soaring score, this tumultuous musical breathes vibrant life into Kipling’s celebrated novella. Two con men in search of the ultimate jackpot embark on an exotic quest as they devise a plan to conquer a native culture in colonial India. Originally focused only on treasure, both men are surprised to find that this particular adventure has much more in store, and much more at stake, than they had ever dreamed. Blinded by greed, power, and love, the two adventurers struggle to regain focus as they realize that the past can never be undone, and their futures are dissolving before their eyes.

Closing Night Party 9:30 PM
FINS Bistro
301 Front Street North

Read about 2008's Eighth Annual Festival!