John Denver Songs Tell Story in New Musical BACK HOME AGAIN

The new musical Back Home Again, featuring songs by John Denver with book by Stewart F. Lane will have a limited run at The Lesher Center For The Arts from January 11-21.

The Lesher Center for the Arts, located in Walnut Creek, California, is the premier destination for an exceptional arts and entertainment experience. First opened in October 1990, the Center now presents more than 900 productions and events each year. More than 350,000 patrons walk through the Center's front doors each year.

Home Again is an original musical. Stewart F. Lane used the lyrics in John Denver's songs such as Annie's Song and Leaving on a Jet Plane along with some lesser known tunes to develop the story line. The musical follows a young soldier's journey home to his family and first love. When the war-torn veteran finds himself face to face with his past, he must reconcile the life he left behind before his bright future can begin. Director Sheldon Epps states, "The story is a universal one, following the main character through tough times, but then capturing the essence of the human spirit as he overcomes adversity." It focuses on how family and community are essential support to getting through adversity. In rehearsal in New York since December 1, the cast has had a chance to get past memorizing lines and stage cues to the point of identifying as their characters. "The chemistry of the actors is amazing - something you can't direct, but something that's come naturally," says Epps.

"The audience is the last character in the play - not separate, but part of it. Responses you get from audience change the show every performance, but they can also be used to change the play," states Epps. While in Walnut Creek the play will be further refined, layering in new thoughts and concepts. The goal is to mount the production on Broadway in the future.

The cast of Back Home Again features Maddie Shea Baldwin, Shawn Bowers, Brian Russell Carey, Brad Greer, Michael James, Jessica Jaunich, Sarah Killough, Jeff McCarthy, Ethan Steiner, Billy Harrigan Tighe, Kalyn West, and Whitney Winfield.

Back Home Again is conceived by and Book by Stewart F. Lane, directed by Sheldon Epps, choreographed by Patricia Wilcox with Scenic Design by John Iacovelli, Costume Design by Nicole Wee, Lighting Design by Jared A. Sayeg, Sound Design by Rafe Carlotto, Music Direction, Arrangments, and Orchestrations by David O Back Home Again is produced by Bonnie Comley and Harold Thau, Co-Produced by Alex Washer, Leah Lane and Alyssa Renzi, and Associate Produced by Jay Hershkowitz.

Tickets are $55-$61 (discount tickets available for Students 25 and under with ID) and may be purchased at lesherartscenter.org, by phone at 925/943-SHOW (7469) or at the Lesher Center Box Office at 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek.

In addition to writing the book for the musical, Back Home Again, Stewart Lane, Creator, has produced 40 shows, written an additional three books and two plays and has earned six Tony Awards and an Olivier Award. He is the co-owner of the Palace Theater in New York, NY and the founder of BroadwayHD, essentially a Netflix for Broadway shows streamed live at www.BroadwayHD.com.

Sheldon Epps, Director, made his theater directorial debut with the Off Broadway musical Blues in the Night. It was revived in 1982, this time on Broadway. After directing numerous stage productions on Broadway and in regional theaters he moved to television, directing episodes of Evening Shade, Smart Guy, Sister, Sister, Frasier, Everybody Loves Raymond, Friends, Girlfriends and George Lopez. Epps was the artistic director of the Pasadena Playhouse from 1997 to 2016.