Red Branch Theatre's [TITLE OF SHOW] is Howard County Homegrown; Opens 4/5

Red Branch Theatre Company opens [title of show], their first mainstage production of the 2013 season entitled "Red Branch: Write On!" on April 5, 2013.

With a book by Hunter Bell and music and lyrics by Jeff Bowen, [title of show] chronicles its own creation from a submission in the New York Musical Theatre Festival to Broadway. It follows the initial three-week creative period that the authors and their two actress friends Heidi and Susan embarked upon to write the original iteration of the play.

[title of show] was chosen for production at the New York Musical Theatre Festival in 2004. It later received limited runs Off-Broadway at the Vineyard Theatre as well as at Broadway's Lyceum Theatre.

This production of [title of show] has especially strong ties to the Howard County community. Three of the four cast members are graduates of Howard County high schools (Stephanie Lynn Williams and Jennifer W. Culotta graduated from River Hill and Josh Kemper from Hammond). Music director Dustin Merrell is a graduate of Atholton High School, and director Jenny Male is an Assistant Professor at Howard Community College. Costume designer Jessica Welch and props designer Erika Hagen are both students at Howard Community College as well.

"It has always been my dream to be a part of a regional theatre company that casts regional performers," shares Dustin Merrell. "To be able to showcase local talent from an area that has such strong arts education programs in its schools and supports the performing arts is really important," he continues.

Adds Stephanie Lynn Williams, "We are fortunate to live and work in a county led by a local government that place quality performing arts toward the top of their priority list. The vibrant arts community is supported by the Howard County Arts Council and dedicated arts patrons."

Red Branch Theatre Company is dedicated to fostering a love of theatre in its audiences that is life-long through professional performances and a passionate Acting Company. The company strives to bring together artists and audiences in the Baltimore/Washington community and beyond by providing theatrical work that is exciting, affordable, powerful and thought-provoking. Red Branch Theatre Company produces 4-5 shows each season including a mix of contemporary and family-friendly titles.

[title of show] is presented with permission through special arrangement with R&H Theatricals, Inc.

Show Dates & Times: April 5-6, 12-13, 19-20 at 8 PM and April 7, 14, 21 at 3 PM.

CAST:
Hunter: Jack Powers
Jeff: Josh Kemper
Heidi: Jennifer W. Culotta
Susan: Stephanie Lynn Williams

PRODUCTION TEAM:
Director: Jenny Male
Music Director: Dustin Merrell
Costume Design: Jessica Welch
Lighting Design: Cory Jones
Scenic Painting: Carrie Loughry
Props Design: Erika Hagen
Stage Managed by: Caitlin Quinn
Production Managed by: Daniel P. Clemens

Tickets are on sale now at www.redbranctheatrecompany.com or by calling 410-997-9392. Prices: $18-$19 in advance; $20 at the door. All performances run at the Drama Learning Center, 9130-I Red Branch Rd., Columbia, MD.

Photo Credit: Erika Hagen/Red Branch Theatre Company