TYA to Present GHOST THE MUSICAL, 6/13-22

Drama Learning Center's teen professional company will present the area premiere of GHOST, the musical this spring. Based on the hit film by Academy Award-winning screenwriter Bruce Joel Rubin, GHOST, the musical follows young couple Sam and Molly as their relationship takes a challenging turn with Sam's untimely death. The national tour of GHOST recently performed a limited engagement at Baltimore's historic Hippodrome Theater, but this production marks the area premiere for a local performing group.

With book & lyrics by Bruce Joel Rubin and music & lyrics by Glen Ballard and Dave Stewart, GHOST is a supernatural love story that promises to be visually dazzling with the incorporation of various special effects and multimedia components. Marriotts Ridge High School senior Josh Altenburg has been cast as Sam Wheat. On his participation in this production, Josh states, "I'm so glad I have this opportunity to be a part of telling such an iconic story. I'm thoroughly excited to take on my role as Sam Wheat." Catonsville High School Senior Claire Cerand will play Molly in the upcoming production. "We are all very excited to be putting together such a challenging show and are ready for whatever comes our way," Claire remarks.

Drama Learning Center's Teen Professional Company, TYA (Teaching Young Actors), presents its spring production of GHOST from June 13-22, 2014 at Drama Learning Center in Columbia. Available by audition only, the TYA program allows students to work in a professional theatre environment as they learn about all aspects of theatrical work. TYA has a strong history of bringing cutting-edge titles to Howard County audiences. The group has previously mounted area premieres of 13 the Musical, Legally Blonde, and High School Musical. "Our aim is to provide our talented students with theatrical opportunities that they would necessarily have in another atmosphere. Students aren't likely to perform in Sweeney Todd, Side Show or Ghost in their high schools, but they will perform in these shows with TYA in a professional atmosphere," states director Stephanie Lynn Williams.

On tackling this title, Williams continues, "Ghost is a challenging show to mount in the intimate space at Drama Learning Center, but we are confident that we will be able to do justice to the story with our reimagining. We set out to prove that big theatre can happen in small spaces!" A team of designers will be instrumental in bringing the vision to life. Baltimore-based illusionist Brian M. Kehoe will be at the helm of the show's special effects.

Ghost the musical is presented by permission through special arrangement Theatrical Rights Worldwide.

Show Dates & Times:
June 13-14, 19-21 at 7:30 PM
June 15, 21-22 at 2 PM

Production Staff:
Director: Stephanie Lynn Williams
Music Director: Tiffany Underwood Holmes
Choreographer: Adeline K. Sutter
Set Designer: Terry Cobb
Lighting Designer: Jason Aufdem-Brinke
Illusionist: Brian M. Kehoe
Costume Designer: Amy R. Weimer
Production Coordinator: Cory Jones
Stage Manager: Iris Shih

Starring TYA Company Members: Lauren Alberg, Josh Altenburg, Meredith Beisel, Claire Cerand, Lila Cooper, Seth Fallon*, Brittany George, Keri Goto, Lindsay Hopkins, Hailey Ibberson, Aly Murphy, Jason Quackenbush, Alexander Rothfield, Ryan Ritzes, Sophie Smith, Tori Stroud, Shannon Taylor, Dumar Valencia

*TYA Alum

Featuring Special Guest Artist: Felicia Akunwafor as Oda Mae Brown

Tickets:
On sale beginning May 10 at www.dramalearningcenter.com or by calling 410-997-9392.; $18 in advance, $19 at the door