Arts and Entertainment

Penn State New Musical Theatre Festival to present five works in March

University Park, Pa. -- The Penn State New Musical Theatre Festival, in its third season, will present five new works of musical theatre, March 20-21 and March 27-28, at the Citizens Bank Theatre, in the Penn State Downtown Theatre Center.

"The Red River Quilt," book, lyrics and music by Richard Biever, directed by Ted Christopher, is based on Ken and Alice Ross' book, "The Cemetery Quilt." When Josie's grandfather dies, the family travels to Grandmother's house for the burial. Once there, Josie begins to understand her family's beautiful history.
Performances: 8 p.m. March 20, and 2 and 4 p.m. March 21.

"Ecoute: Pieces of Reynaldo Hahn," conceived and performed by Norman Spivey and written by Susan Russell, is an intimate and informative look at the life and music of French song composer Reynaldo Hahn.
Performances: 7:30 p.m. March 21, and 8 p.m. March 27.

"Preface," music and lyrics by Adam Gwon, directed by Matthew Kaylor Toronto, is a comedic tale of a gay author attempting to dedicate his new book to his husband. With a boyfriend who might not want to get married and a publisher demanding the book, the author's good intentions might not go as planned.
Performances: 8 p.m. March 27, and 2 and 8 p.m. March 28.

"Buzz & Bud," music and lyrics by Bruce Trinkley and Jason Charnesky, directed by Amy Anders Corcoran, where being in a relationship is tough for anyone . . . especially when you are a bee and a flower. In this charming musical, Bud and Buzz attempt to see if they can put the fact they are different species behind them and form a love that is as sweet honey.
Performances: 8 p.m. March 27, 2 and 8 p.m. March 28.

Note that the March 27 performances are a special "triple play" of "Ecoute,", "Preface," and "Buzz & Bud."

"Unsung!," conceived and directed by Robert W. Schneider, choreographed by Jason Sparks, will lead you through a wide variety of songs cut from famous musicals. Songs never before heard from such shows as "Guys and Dolls," "Wicked," and "West Side Story" will make their public debut! All donations will benefit The Aids Project of State College.
Performances: 2 and 8 p.m. March 28. 

The performances are free and open to the public. For additional information and submissions for the 2009-10 season, visit http://www.psunewmusicals.org.

Last Updated March 25, 2009

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