Bluff City Theater presents the American Premiere of EMILY THE MUSICAL

 

For Executive Director Joe Anderson, the next production in the 2017 Season has deep personal meaning.

"Lucy Maud Montgomery is as quintessential to Canadians as Mark Twain is to Americans. Her Anne of Green Gables novels are read and loved all over the world and have been translated into 36 languages. More than 50 stage, screen and television adaptations have been generated since it was written in 1908. As a Canadian, I am thrilled to be able to bring the first American production here to my adopted home in Hannibal."

"The story is timeless and playwright Richard Ouzounian and composer Marek Norman crafted a magnificent full-on traditional musical that I know will thrill audiences. It's so good, I can't believe that it hasn't ever been performed in the U.S. before."

Emily is story of a young orphan girl sent to live with her maiden aunts and cousin at New Moon Farm, on Prince Edward Island when her father dies of tuberculosis. There, Emily meets a group of friends who share their dreams to escape the Island and accomplish great things in life- Emily as a writer, Teddy, a painter, Ilse, an actress and Perry who wants to be Prime Minister of Canada!

The tale follows them from teens to young adulthood, through joy and sorrow, pain and compromise.

"I think the story translates well, especially to people who grew up in small towns like Hannibal," says Anderson. "We all long to escape our roots, but they are always part of who we are."

Director Jennifer Stewart, also a Canadian, first became acquainted with the script when she appeared as Ilse Burnley in the 2000 production at The Charlottetown Festival and it has long been her dream to direct what is one of her favorite plays. Bluff City Theater audiences know Jennifer from her two acclaimed productions at BCT, last year's Best of Enemies and 2015's The Heiress.

Making this production even more special for Anderson and Stewart, 2017 is the Sesquicentennial of Canadian nationhood. On July 1st, 1867 England officially approved the confederation of five provinces into the new Dominion of Canada. Thirty-four leaders met at The Charlottetown Conference to negotiate the terms that would become The British North America Act. Just 40 years later, Montgomery penned the novel which would make Charlottetown and Prince Edward Island famous around the world.

Emily: The Musical will feature actors from the BCT Young Company alongside our company of professionals. They include: Janine Norman as Emily Star with Rosemary Watts, Courtney Friday, Dallas James, Kyle Klein II, Shannon Lampkin, Matthew Combs, Jake Samson, Jonathan D. Mesisca, Michelle Kasparie, Evie Rodenbaugh, Ramona Barker, Katie Schisler, Karen Myers, Emily Lennox, Jana Hinds, Jorie Thompson, Hallie Dalton.

Colin Healy serves as Musical Director. David Jameson is Choreographer. Scenic Design is by Daniel Polanco and Lighting Design is by Nick Walberg. The costumes will be designed by Ryan Moore. Production Stage Manager is Shannon Sturgis with AJ Kohlhepp-Holman acting as ASM.

Emily opens in preview on June 29 and officially on June 30. It will be performed in the intimate 90-seat theater at 212 Broadway in Hannibal. Tickets are $26 for adults and $15 for 14 and under. 4-ticket Flex Passes are also available for just $95. To book tickets, call the Box Office at 573-719-3226 or online at www.eventshannibal.com.

 

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