Vassar & New York Stage and Film's 33rd Powerhouse Season celebrates the opening of its highly anticipated musical workshop production of The Secret Life of Bees tonight, July 27, at 8 p.m. at the Vogelstein Center for Drama & Film, with performances continuing on Friday, July 28, Saturday, July 29, and Sunday, July 30. This is the final weekend of the season.
Two-time Emmy Award winner Uzo Aduba ("Orange Is The New Black" headlines the cast in the role of Rosaleen, joined by Pulitzer Prize finalist and Obie winner Eisa Davis ("House of Cards", Passing Strange) as June, Allison Blackwell (The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess) as May, Sophia Anne Caruso (Lazarus, The Nether) as Lily, Kecia Lewis(Dreamgirls, The Drowsy Chaperone) as August, Tony Honors recipient Ben Davis (La Bohe?me, Thoroughly Modern Millie) as T. Ray, and Odiseas Georgiadis as Zach, with an ensemble featuring Akron Watson (The Color Purple), Rory Donovan (Finding Neverland, Elf), and Peter Matthew Smith (Hairspray, Rent).
As previously announced, The Secret Life of Bees is based on the novel by Sue Monk Kidd, and features book by two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage (Sweat, Ruined), music by Tony Award winner Duncan Sheik (Spring Awakening), lyrics by Tony and Drama Desk nominee Susan Birkenhead (Ain't Misbehavin', and directed by Tony winner Sam Gold(Fun Home). Casting by Telsey + Company / Patrick Goodwin, CSA.
Saw this today! It's in excellent shape, with a strong score & book, and perfect casting. Sheik has workshopped a number of new shows at Powerhouse over the years and this is by far the best. Can definitely see this having a life in New York.
Sophia Anne Caruso is an insanely talented young woman and has plenty of chances to sing her face off in this show. I also particularly loved Uzo Aduba, Kecia Lewis, and Eisa Davis.
TheGingerBreadMan said: "I'd see Uzo in anything. I adore her. I have high hopes for this.
Silly question: How does one get to see a workshop production? I assume that they are not open to the public. Do you have to know somebody?
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I think this was a rare open workshop. I believe they had a certain amount of tickets open to the public. A friend of mine who isn't in the industry is going tomorrow and bought her ticket online.
gleek4114 said: "TheGingerBreadMan said: "I'd see Uzo in anything. I adore her. I have high hopes for this.
Silly question: How does one get to see a workshop production? I assume that they are not open to the public. Do you have to know somebody?"
I think this was a rare open workshop. I believe they had a certain amount of tickets open to the public. A friend of mine who isn't in the industry is going tomorrow and bought her ticket online."
Really? I don't think it's a rare open workshop. It seems like it's part of the usual Powerhouse Season which is basically open to anyone who can buy a ticket on that website. I mean, that's what I did. As I've done for workshops and readings at Powerhouse for at least the past four summers. :)
Thoughts on the Secret Life of Bees... as Suzycat said, it's in really good shape. I really liked the cast and the music & lyrics were pretty good. I enjoyed the variety of music used from really southern roots with the banjo to big band tunes with the trumpets. I could see it having a future in NY... maybe at Second Stage or the Public.
I saw the matinee today and basically agree with everyone. The score is textured and excellent, I think the book just needs to be a tad more focused so the show can have a better idea about "what it wants to be". It was a promising start for an early workshop though, 90% of the audience gave it standing ovation
As a side note, a large group (made up of industry professionals) who saw the Diana reading last Sunday say that show was far more finished/polished and a true highlight of the Powerhouse Season
So disappointed I couldn't see this! TSLOB is one of my favorite books, and this looks like a really wonderful team. If anyone who saw it has more detailed thoughts, I would love to hear. I really hope it has a life in the city--does anyone have insight on future plans?
sorano916 said: "gleek4114 said: "TheGingerBreadMan said: "I'd see Uzo in anything. I adore her. I have high hopes for this.
Silly question: How does one get to see a workshop production? I assume that they are not open to the public. Do you have to know somebody?"
I think this was a rare open workshop. I believe they had a certain amount of tickets open to the public. A friend of mine who isn't in the industry is going tomorrow and bought her ticket online."
Really? I don't think it's a rare open workshop. It seems like it's part of the usual Powerhouse Season which is basically open to anyone who can buy a ticket on that website. I mean, that's what I did. As I've done for workshops and readings at Powerhouse for at least the past four summers. :)
Thoughts on the Secret Life of Bees... as Suzycat said, it's in really good shape. I really liked the cast and the music & lyrics were pretty good. I enjoyed the variety of music used from really southern roots with the banjo to big band tunes with the trumpets. I could see it having a future in NY... maybe at Second Stage or the Public.
"
Oh I just meant that it's one of the only companies that allows workshops to be public. I know their other shows are as well, I just meant in comparison to something like Frozen or Mean Girls.
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Posted: 7/27/17 at 12:13pm