NOW. HERE. THIS. Journeys Through Time at Monster Box Theatre

Monster Box Theatre presents:

"Now. Here. This."

This new musical comedy follows the evolution and adventures of four friends in a natural history museum as they journey through time-from present day in the museum, to the past, and back again. Inspired by various exhibits (bees, reptiles, early man, ancient civilizations, and outer space), the foursome shares their stories about friendship, hoarding, hiding, laughing, living, dying, and the traumas of middle school in an attempt to step directly into that elusive present moment: into the Now. Here. This. The book is by Hunter Bell and Susan Blackwell, with music and lyrics by Jeff Bowen who are also the writers of [title of show]. [Title of show] was performed last summer at Monster Box and was nominated for 2016's Wilde Award for Best Teamwork in a production.

Now. Here. This. is also a loose sequel to [title of show] in that it utilizes the same four characters, but it is a completely new production in that it begins by taking audiences back 4.57 billion years ago to the dawn of time on Earth as we know it. Not only are the writers the same for both musicals, but the Monster Box production team is intact from their 2016 rendition of [title of show] as well. Directed by Paul Stark with musical direction by Daniel Bachelis and starring Jono Mammel, Theodora Pardales, Taylor Stark, and Owen Woityra, this production picks up where [title of show] leaves off. Previously, the quartet was contemplating writing a musical (about writing a musical); this time they are reflecting on life as a whole and its meaning. A heavy subject to ponder but addressed with Jeff Bowen and Hunter Bell's signature quirky humor, energy, and self-awareness, and with their music.

Now. Here. This. is a new musical tackling life's big questions with inimitable humor and humanity. The show will run from August 17 through August 20. Tickets are $22 at the door and $18 in advance, $16 for seniors and students and are available at monsterboxtheatre.com or by calling the box office at 248.787.1400. Call 248.787.5365 for dates and reservations for signed performances for the deaf.