Whirlwind Theatre Productions to Present Locally-Written CONNECTED: THE MUSICAL, 7/19-27

Three local performers and musical improvisers have successfully written their first musical that is set to run at Pacific Theatre this July 19th-27th. Inspired by news reports about Vancouver being a lonely city, Connected: The Musical is a story about an online dating firm and four characters that struggle to find love, connection and ultimately themselves in a fast-paced, internet-obsessed world.

"Connected is a very real story about love and connection in 2013," says writer Alison Chisholm. "With Vancouver getting flack for being an unwelcome city and with online dating on the rise - we knew we had a great story to write."

"And what better way than to make it a musical?" laughs Peter Abando, composer of Connected.

"It's thrilling and terrifying to see our work come alive," says writer Jennifer Pielak. "We are performing in it too and are excited to have such an amazing team of local talent to work with."

Created by Peter Abando, Alison Chisholm, and Jennifer Pielak, Connected: The Musical features these three performers along with local talent including Richard Meen, Brad Rossington, Evan Thompson, John Voth and Jeremy van Dyck. The show is directed by Jessie Award Nominee Chris Lam with set design by fellow nominee Lauchlin Johnston, lighting design by Jonathan Kim, choreography by Andrea Loewen, and stage management by Christie Maxson.

Produced by Whirlwind Theatre Productions, Connected: The Musical runs from July 19th-27th at Pacific Theatre (1440 W 12th Ave). Shows are Wednesday-Saturday at 8pm with 2pm matinees on Saturdays. Pay-What-You-Can Preview on July 18th. Tickets are $15 at the door or can be purchased online at www.whirlwindtheatre.com.

Photo by Colin Mills