FREEDOM'S SONG to Debut at Forslund Theatricals' N.E.W. Musicals Reading Series, 10/14-15 & 11/11

From producer John Forslund (Bound for Broadway, Let My People Come), comes 'Freeom's Song', a new original musical as part of his N.E.W. (Never Even Workshopped) Musicals Series. The show has SOLD-OUT the first two performances on 10/14 and 10/15 but has added a third showing on 11/11/13 at 8pm. To secure tickets, email JDProductions.casting@gmail.com.

An epic new, original full length musical, 'Freedoms' Song' is the brainchild of two 16 year old kids Alison Holman and Caleb Collins, now grown and working to bring their childhood dream to reality. Set in the Civil War era, the show chronicles the love stories, tragedies and adventures of several interwoven characters trying to find happiness and life answers in a nation torn apart by hate, fear and war. The story weaves themes of equality and love while questioning one's belief systems and political agendas and eerily parallels the sentiments of that era to our own. Along with them, come subjects of racism, homosexuality, gossip, death, war and a timeless story of unconditional and undying love as Martha and Cyrus wait for the day they can reunite and be together forever. The sweeping score offers audiences a myriad of musical styles from old traditional music theatre to gospel, bluegrass, ragtime and pop/Broadway infused sounds giving every theatre patron something to move and enthrall them. With the moving, inspiring and socially relevant story, 'Freedoms' Song' is sure to find its place among the classics of musical theatre.

Direction is by Jacob Braun, with a cast that includes Lawrence Neals (Julie Taymor's Juan Darien: A Carnival Mass); Lauren Testerman; Danny Wilfred; Tim Hein; John Cormier; Tiffany Renee; MJ Rodriguez (Off-Broadway revival of Rent); Kimberly Faye Greenberg (Ghostlight at NYMF); Brian Childers (Off-Broadway's Danny and Sylvia); Patryce Williams (Show Boat at North Shore Music Theatre); Brock Goben; Victoria Pace (Off-Broadway's Mimi and Gustav in Love and Pirates!); and Marcus Desion.

Holman and Collins will also musical direct the evening, with Collins at the piano. Holman's next project is that of musical director for December's highly anticipated, star-studded industry reading of the musical Ghostlight. Collins is a popular gospel singer, whose albums include the self-titled Caleb Collins; Caleb Collins: Christmas; Dream; and Caleb Collins! Live In Memphis. Outside of solo performances, Caleb has also had the privilege of performing with several prominent artists including David Archuleta, and Orla Fallon (Celtic Women), among many others. Caleb has received two Dove Award nominations for his songwriting and several of his songs have reached the charts in gospel radio. This is Collins and Holman's first musical as a songwriting team together.