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Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma presents World Premiere: I Want My 80's Musical!

By: Jan. 07, 2005
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OKLAHOMA PRESENTS WORLD PREMIERE SHOW
I WANT MY 80's MUSICAL!

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Lyric proudly presents the world premiere of I Want My 80's Musical!, a nostalgic trip back in time to an unforgettable era of pop music. This brand new production is written by Tom Stuart, whose acting credits include many on and off Broadway shows, as well as regional and international productions, including several starring roles for Lyric Theatre. I Want My 80's Musical! is a comedy that was originally based on Stuart's own high school experience, but soon took on a life of its own. He says, 'I really wanted to highlight the music of the 1980s, along with 80s pop culture'the hair, the clothes, the TV shows, the climate of the times. This show offers a chance to relive that time, and also to meet some people you may recognize from your own high school days.'

I Want My 80's Musical! keeps the laughs, and most importantly the music, coming in full force. Favorite 80s pop tunes ('Heaven is a Place on Earth', 'Break My Stride', and 'Girls Just Wanna Have Fun' are only a few of them) are mixed throughout the show, not simply for the sake of the songs themselves, but also to allow specific characters to express themselves and their stories.

The show tells of seven high school seniors: the cheerleader, the jock, the student activist, the preppie, the misfit, the exchange student, and the artist. And although each one experiences his or her share of teenage conflicts, 'this is not a show about teen angst, explains Stuart. 'This is a memory of a specific time and place. The difficulties these characters face are viewed through the lens of nostalgia, and that's where the piece derives its heart.'

Since he came up with the show's concept six years ago, Tom Stuart has been collaborating on the project with longtime friend and Lyric Theatre Artistic Director Nick Demos. In 2002, they produced a one-act version of the show, then called Kids in America, at the Triad Theatre in New York City. Afterwards, both were determined that the show eventually be fully produced and brought to the musical theatre stage. Lyric's newest series, 'Lyric Theatre Second Stage', or LT2, provides the perfect avenue for I Want My 80's Musical! to make its world debut.

The ensemble cast includes Ryan Link (who performed on Broadway as Roger in Rent), Amy Eschman (Critics' Circle Award recipient for her role as Adelaide in Guys & Dolls), and several Oklahoma favorites including Amber Leseney, Matt Brown, Jason Carroll, Oklahoma City University graduate Bentley A. Monk, and University of Oklahoma senior Keleen Snowgren. Lyric's production of I Want My 80's Musical! will be directed by Nick Demos.

'The music of that period evokes strong memories for me'it was such a specific time in my life, and I really love those songs because they can really bring me back there,' explains Tom Stuart. Lyric Theatre invites you to take a trip back to the 1980s and revisit those songs you'll always remember, from that time you'll never forget.

http://www.lyrictheatreokc.com 

I Want My 80's Musical!
Freede Little Theatre at the Civic Center Music Hall
downtown Oklahoma City
January 20-February 12
Thursdays & Fridays: 8:00PM
Saturdays: 5:00PM & 8:30PM
Call (405) 524-9312 for tickets!    Rated Mature 






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