BWW Previews: CAKEWALK at Atlanta Musical Theatre Festival

By: Jul. 19, 2017
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CAKEWALK is an official selection of the 2017 Atlanta Musical Theatre Festival. With lyrics and a book by Beverly Trader Austin and mucic by Bryan Mercer, the new musical will be presented on July 31 at Out Front Theatre.

Set in Claxton, Georgia, Commissioner John Clugston is running for mayor in the year 1917. The show revolves around Clugston's family and servants as the drama unfolds on all of them. Riddled with secrets and political drama, we can already tell this show is going to be a must see.

We even asked the creators of the show for an inside scoop on the show. Take a look below to hear all about CAKEWALK.

JCA: What inspired you to create this show?

This has definitely been an evolution over time but now is the right time. CAKEWALK is set in 1917, yet, the political and cultural satire seems pointed at this very moment. The first encouragement on the script came from a month-long residency with playwright Ted Tally, who was wonderfully encouraging.

JCA: Tell us about your reaction to being selected for this festival.

We were challenged, but happy to be included. Benjamin Davis has the talent and tenacity to see this through to completion-as evidenced by his team's first festival. We attended that and were amazed by the professionalism of the undertaking. CAKEWALK profited from an initial invited cold reading, but new musicals need a staged reading with music as the next step to getting on their feet and dancing into full production.

JCA: Give us an idea of what the Atlanta community can expect to see from you after AMTF.

We've had productions of other works in NYC, London, LA, Palm Beach and elsewhere. Composer Mercer is a multi-talented resident artist at the Hippodrome (The State Theatre of Florida.) Beverly will have four shows produced locally this year, but CAKEWALK is a special baby. It's not a commission with a guaranteed production. We hope to gain one out of the Festival, as the show is that much fun and timely.

JCA: And just for fun, what is your favorite musical currently on Broadway?

Wow. There are the obvious choices. Beverly is flying off to work in Canada this very day, so, maybe "Come From Away" is her sentimental choice.

CAKEWALK will debut at Out Front Theatre Company on July 31 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15 per seat and can be purchased online.

Leading the cast will be David Thomas as the director and Patrick Hutchinson as the music director. The cast will include India Tyree, Trevor Goble, Wendy Melkonian, Holly Stevenson, David Huenergardt, Kathy Halenda, Amber Hamilton and Ben Thorpe.



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