NightBlue Theater to Stage SONGS FOR A NEW WORLD, 3/7-30

NightBlue Performing Arts Company presents Jason Robert Brown's "Songs for a New World" March 7 through March 30 at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont. "Songs for a New World" was Brown's first produced show and features 16 songs connected by the common theme "the moment of transition". NightBlue's Artistic Director David Walters directs "Songs for a New World". Previews are March 1 and 2 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 to $35. For tickets and information visit www.NightBlueTheater.com.

"We are so excited to present 'Songs for a New World'", said Walters. "I was drawn to this play because it showcases Brown's intensely personal and highly dramatic songwriting. His songs range from country-ish story songs to gospel tinged wails and from pop colored romps to solo pieces of either concentrated personal revelation or slightly off beat comedy. Each song is musically distinctive and dramatically effective. It makes for a magical show!"

"Songs for a New World" features 16 songs Brown wrote for various projects (shows, cabaret, concerts) which director Daisy Prince linked together through the common theme of the moment of decision, the point at which a person transitions from the old to the new. The change may be geographical, emotional, professional or marital but things are different than they were before. The result is neither musical play nor revue, it is closer to a theatrical song cycle.

The cast includes Curtis Bannister (Man 1), Nathan Gardner (Man 2), Mary Margaret Roberts (Woman 1) and Kyrie Anderson (Woman 2).

NightBlue Performing Arts Company has presented "Rent", "Avenue Q" and Monty Python's "Spamalot!". NightBlue encourages innovation and creativity in a safe and educational environment. It seeks Truth and honesty in performance through self-exploration. NightBlue strives to present performances that are as deep and complex as the night but as truthful as the blue sky.

NightBlue Performing Arts Company presents Jason Robert Brown's "Songs for a New World" March 7 through March 30 at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont. Previews are March 1 and 2 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 to $35. For tickets and information visit www.NightBlueTheater.com.

BIOS:

Curtis Bannister (Man 1)- Musical theater credits include Pirelli- SWEENEY TODD (Off-Broadway- OFY Productions),Coalhouse Walker Jr.- RAGTIME (Maryland Arts Festival), John- MISS SAIGON (Merry Go Round Playhouse), Andre- AIN'T MISBEHAVIN' (The National Players). Opera credits include performances with Lyric Opera of Chicago, The Metropolitan Opera- National Council, Lyric Opera Baltimore, Musiques de Chambre- Musee du Louvre, Utah Festival Opera Company, and Sarasota Opera. Future engagements: Enjolras- LES MISERABLES (Utah Festival Opera Company), Soloist/Uriel- THE CREATION (Waukesha Choral Union).

Nathan Gardner (Man 2) - Chicago credits include Sweet Smell of Success (Dallas, Kokandy Productions), Triumph of Love (Agis, Music Theatre Co.), and work with Chicago Opera Theater, Chicago Children's Theater, Theo Ubique, and The Cabaret Project. Off-Broadway: Ordinary Days (Jason, The York Theatre Co.); ten months with Disney Cruise Line. Nathan is a proud graduate of Penn State's musical theatre program. Upcoming work includes Les Mis (Drury Lane Oakbrook), Assassins (Kokandy), and Women on the Verge... (Theater at the Center).

Mary Margaret Roberts (Woman 1)- She is going on her second year in Chicago after receiving her Masters in Acting from Western Illinois University. Some of her favorite roles in the city include Dee Dee in Why Do Fools Fall in Love (Fox Valley Repertory) and Sui in The Three Little Pigs (Emerald City Theatre). In April-May, you can see her onstage in Hey Dancing! Hey Musical! with the Factory Theatre.

Kyrie Anderson (Woman 2)- Kyrie has most recently performed as Jo March in Little Women and Princess Leonide in Triumph of Love with the Memorial Opera House, Brooklyn in Brooklyn with the Towle Theatre, and Donna in Under a Rainbow Flag with Pride Film and Plays. She thanks her family and friends for their unconditional love and support in her love for the stage.