Emma Hunton, Molly Ranson & More Set for PUMP UP THE VOLUME Workshop Today

Veteran film and theatre producer Sandy Stern, with Louis Hobson, Jake Groshong and Katie Tomlinson Diamond of Seattle's Balagan Theatre, will present a closed workshop performance today, July 12, of Jeff Thomson and Jeremy Desmon's new rock musical Pump up the Volume, directed by Tony Award and Drama Desk Award winner Christopher Gattelli (Newsies,South Pacific) and Dave Solomon, with choreography by Christopher Gattelli and music direction by James Sampliner (Legally Blonde, The Wedding Singer).

The cast features Alex Brightman (Big Fish, Wicked), Emma Hunton (Rent Off-Broadway, Next to Normal tour, Spring Awakening) and Drama Desk nominee Molly Ranson (Carrie: The Musical, Jerusalem, August: Osage County), alongside Broadway veterans and Tony nominees John Dossett (Newsies, Gypsy) and Liz Larsen (Hairspray, Most Happy Fella).

The cast is rounded out by ensemble members Preston Sadleir, Gabe Violett, Andrew Call, Julia Mattison, Alice Lee, Brynn Williams, Andrew Brewer, Connor Russell, Diana Huey, and Lindsay Morgan Williams. The creative team also includes Martha Donaldson and Lindsey Hope Pearlman (Stage Managers) and Ashley Kate Adams (Associate Producer).

Based on the 1990 cult film by Allan Moyle and starring Christian Slater, Pump Up the Volume centers on mild-mannered teenager Mark Hunter, who secretly moonlights as shock jock "Hard Harry" on his FM pirate radio station. When Harry exposes corruption and discrimination in his local high school, he becomes a hero to his peers, and invokes the wrath of his principal and the authorities who try to silence him.

With a script by award-winning bookwriter Jeremy Desmon and a score by emerging composer Jeff Thomson, Pump up the Volume is a story about the power of one voice, the need for community, and the journey from isolation to action.

Balagan Theatre produces thought-provoking, well-crafted theatre to raise up the next generation of artists and audiences (while challenging the traditional theatre-goer). From award-winning shows like Spring Awakening and Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog to "Best of the Year" productions like Avenue Q, Balagan is known for producing highly acclaimed theatre at a highly accessible price. For more information, visit www.balagantheatre.org.

Photo Credit: Walter McBride