Austin Theatre Project Presents EDGES, Now thru 3/10

"But still I smile because I need to look strong;
And all the while I soldier along.
I know there's something much greater in me,
But I'm afraid to be who I am, who I want to become."

We've all been there, or we'll all be there. The lyrics above are taken from the opening number of Edges, where we find ourselves at that all too familiar point in life where we are ready to move into the next phase. It's an exciting, scary, and maybe a little bit of an awkward time. Edges is a new musical gem that takes a group of 20-somethings as they face the first major "shift" in their lives.

Written by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, Edges is the first musical by the team that wowed audiences with their delightful score to the Broadway hit A Christmas Story. Presented as a song-cycle, Edges is filled with songs that tackle love, family, dreams, dating, and even Facebook. However, this is much more than a cabaret or a revue. Pasek and Paul have an uncanny ability to create complete characters and stories within a single song.

Their work has received rave reviews critics around the world and is now being featured on the NBC Television series SMASH. Austin Theatre Project is thrilled to be presenting the Austin premiere of this marvelous show.

ATP's production of Edges features a wonderful cast of twenty-somethings who are also well-known for their ability to create memorable characters and performances. Joey Banks (Baby, Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson, 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee) and Brian Losoya (Corpus Christi, 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee) make up the male half of the cast. Sara Burke (Spring Awakening, Xanadu, Hairspray) and Taylor Moessinger (Footloose, Evita) complete the cast.

Edges also features the same production team that brought you last season's Baby. Director Barbara Schuler is once again joined by David Blackburn (music director) and Meg Steiner (choreographer) for this Austin premiere. Sound design is by Joel Mercado-See and Lighting is designed by newcomer Taylor Whitmire.

Edges opens tonight, February 28 and plays through March 10 at the Dougherty Arts Center. This is a limited run with only eight performances, so be sure to make your plans now to see this musical treasure! Tickets range from $15 to $30 and can be purchased online at www.austintheatreproject.org/tickets or by calling 1-800-838- 3006.