Asa Somers' SOMETHING AS BIG AS THIS Workshop Set for Seattle's Balagan Theatre, Jan 2013

Asa Somers' original rock musical, Something as Big as This, will receive a January 2013 developmental workshop at Seattle's award-winning Balagan Theatre, a follow up to the recent NYC workshop starring Brian d'Arcy James and Emma Hunton. There will be a public presentation of selected music and scenes at Balagan January 14th at 8pm.

The Seattle cast includes Tony Nominated Patti Cohenour (Phantom, Big River, Light in the Piazza), Allen Fitzpatrick (Les Miserable, Memphis), Mari Nelson (Six Degrees, Guys & Dolls), and stars local favorites Auston James, Kirsten Helland and Mike Spee. The A-list ensemble is rounded out by Aaron Finley, Rachel Fitzgerald, Bhama Roget, Mark Carr, Kody Bringman, Justin Huertas, Sasha Conley and Lucy Given.

Based on a true life murder case that captivated and shocked the nation, this original musical chronicles the disparate lives of three New Yorkers and how they become intertwined one fateful night in the dark corners of Central Park. It the light of recent events across our nation, this timely piece explores the nature of violence in America, social isolation and our search for identity in the post modern age.

Somers' dynamic rock/folk infused score is being developed with Drama Desk Award winning Orchestrator Mary-Mitchell Campbell (Carrie, Company, Addams Family) and Scott Wasserman. Next to Normal alum, Louis Hobson produces and directs and Chris DiStefano music directs. This reading is presented in coordination with Balagan's executive director, Jake Groshong, and literary manager, Matt Smith.

The public presentation will be held at 8 p.m., January 14, at Balagan Theatre, 1524 Harvard Avenue, in Seattle. Tickets are free at the door with a suggested donation of $10. All proceeds will go to support Balagan's New Works Initiative.

Formed to embrace the immense talents of local theatre artists, Balagan Theatre strives to create smart and fearless theatre of the highest artistic quality. Since the first production over six years ago, Balagan has grown from another upstart theatre into one of the more exciting and successful theatre companies in Seattle, currently in residence at the Erickson Theatre on Capitol Hill. From Footlight-award winning shows like Avenue Q, Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog and Picasso at the Lapin Agile to "Best of the Year" productions like Elephant's Graveyard, Big Love and Spring Awakening, Balagan is known for consistent artistic success no matter what genre or period of theatre is being tackled. The entire community finds something for them at Balagan. For more information, visit www.balagantheatre.org.

Pictured: Asa Somers