McNeese Spring Musical Set

McNeese State University’s W.A. and Dorothy Hanna Department of Performing Arts opens the 2019 spring McNeese Theatre season with the musical production of “Songs for a New World” Jan. 9-13 at Tritico Theatre. Times are 7:30 p.m. Jan. 9-12 and 2 p.m. Jan 13.

Written by Tony-Award winner Jason Robert Brown, “Songs for a New World” is a series of musical vignettes connected by themes of life, love and choices. Follow as various characters are confronted with moments that are, in Brown’s words, “about that one moment, hitting the wall and having to make a choice, or take a stand, or turn around and go back.”

Brown transports his audience – from the deck of a 1492 Spanish sailing ship to a ledge, 57 stories above Fifth Avenue – to meet a startling array of characters that range from a young man who has determined that basketball is his ticket out of the ghetto to a woman whose dream of marrying rich nabs her the man of her dreams. . .and a soulless marriage.

The play will be directed by guest director Renee Luedders, of Denver, Colo., and musically directed by Garry Leonberger, McNeese faculty member. Hasmig Aroian, of Austin, Texas, will conduct. Michelle Brunson, Rosepine, will serve as technical, light and set director and Luke Conbally, Austin, Texas, will serve as stage director.

Cast members include: Tyler Brumback, Lake Charles; Lara Connally, Lake Charles; MaryKate Core, Lake Charles; Heather Foreman, Sulphur; Amy Phillips, Livingston, Texas; and Peyton Stanford, Welsh. Band members include: Keegan Crawford, Houston, Texas; Tony James, Lake Charles; Brent Lensing, Livingston, Texas; Isaiah Windsor, Riverside, Calif.; and Tyler Young, Westlake.

Ticket prices are $15 for adults, $10 for McNeese faculty/staff, senior citizens, K-12 students and teachers, and free for McNeese students with a current ID.

For tickets or more information, call 337-475-5040 or go online at www.mcneese.edu/performingartsboxoffice.

Persons needing accommodations as provided by the Americans with Disabilities Act should contact the ADA Coordinator at 337-475-5428, voice; 337-475-5960, fax; 337-562-4227, TDD/TTY, hearing impaired; or by email at cdo@mcneese.edu.