Celebration Theatre Announces SONATA 1962

Celebration Theatre presents, as part of its Celebrating New Works reading series, its first new musical reading in years- SONATA 1962 by this year's Chuck Rowland Award recipient Patricia Loughrey, music by Thomas Hodges, directed by Brittney S. Wheeler and performing one night only onTuesday, August 15 at 7:30pm at Celebration Theatre @ The Lex in Hollywood.

When her daughter receives a scholarship to the music department of a prestigious university, Margaret Evans rejoices that the world recognizes her amazing, talented daughter. But Laura Evans returns home with a diagnosed mental illness and a criminal arrest record. Now Margaret must find the courage to get her daughter the treatment she needs... but it will come at a cost. Sonata 1962 is inspired by history and dedicated to the parents of LGBT children who, through love and ignorance, destroyed the relationships- and sometimes the children- they were trying to save.

ABOUT THE CREATIVE TEAM AND CAST

PATRICIA LOUGHREY (Playwright) Patricia Loughrey's Dear Harvey, about the life and impact of Harvey Milk, has received numerous readings and productions nationwide, including Diversionary (the commissioning theatre), the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival, Celebration Theatre, The New York Fringe Festival, and The New Conservatory Theatre. The script for Dear Harvey was entered into the Harvey Milk collection of the California Museum Hall of Fame. She wrote the libretto for The Daddy Machine, an LGBT family musical with music and lyrics by Rayme Sciaroni based on the children's book by Johnny Valentine. Her HIV/AIDS education play for youth, The Inner Circle, has received over 500 productions worldwide including: Australia, Canada, Holland, Mexico, New Zealand, South Africa, the U.K., and the U.S. She is the recipient of a Special Commendation from the City of San Diego Human Relations Commission, Special Recognition for Cultural and Artistic Excellence from San Diego LGBT Pride, and the Chuck Rowland Pioneer Award from Celebration Theatre. Ms. Loughrey is a member of the Dramatists Guild.

Thomas Hodges (Music) Thomas is based in New York but is a California boy at heart. He spends his days teaching music and his nights playing music. Past compositions include: The Things We Never Say (San Diego Fringe "Outstanding Score" 2015, Perry Mansfield 2017); Dear Harvey (The Kennedy Center, New York Fringe, Celebration Theatre, Diversionary Theatre; Dorian (Diversionary Theatre, Trinity Theatre- this September); Underground (Perry Mansfield 2014). The Things We Never Say and Dorian are both available on iTunes as well as his personal albums Distance and Small Little Victory. To stay up-to-date on his upcoming projects go to www.thomashodgesmusic.com.

Brittney S. Wheeler (Director) Though a longtime company member, Sonata 1962marks Brittney's Celebration Theatre directorial debut. Previous directing credits include: Edward The Musical (World Premiere, Long Beach Playhouse) and The Wiz(Assistant Director, A.R.T.S.). Regional & Community Theatre: Failure: A Love Story(Kirk Douglas Theatre, Center Theatre Group), Side Show (Conejo Players), Parade (Panic! Prod.), All Shook Up! (Morgan-Wixson), Failure: A Love Story (Couerage Theatre Co, Ovation Award Nominee), Ragtime (Norris CFTA), bare: a pop opera (SVCAC), RENT (ECC & BTS), In the Next Room (Santa Paula Theatre Ctr), The Color Purple (Celebration Theatre, Ovation Award Winner). BA in Theatre Arts from Concordia University, Irvine. Casting Associate/Company Member of Celebration Theatre. Proud member of AEA.

The cast of SONATA 1962 will feature: Katie Caldwell, Kaitlyn Fajilan, Chrisanne Eastwood, Brittany Gael Vaughn, Brad Griffith, Lori Lee Gordon and Christopher

Maikish.

PRICING

One night only - Tuesday, August 15 at 7:30pm at Celebration Theatre @ The Lex in Hollywood.

Admission is free... with donations gratefully accepted.

Celebrating New Works is produced by Celebration Theatre's Literary Director Nathan Frizzell. Celebration Theatre is headed by its Co-Artistic Directors Michael Matthews and Michael A. Shepperd, along with its Executive Director Michael C. Kricfalusi.

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