Molly Pope is SECOND TO NUN at Zeiders American Dream Theater

Zeiders American Dream Theater (ZADT) in Town Center, under the leadership of Artistic Director Bart Kuebler and Executive Director Terry Flint, is pleased to present the world premiere new musical, Second To Nun, written by Broadway songwriter Michael Cooper and award-winning librettist Anton Dudley.

Celebrated New York City cabaret artist Molly Pope will portray Canadian saint Marguerite Bourgeoys, hijacking Zeiders American Dream Theater to relive her death-defying journey (The Black Plague! Iroquois scalpers! Randy French soldiers!) to bring women to New France. A one woman musical about the power of faith, the persistence of invention, and the importance of staying true to your calling, even when you're the only one who hears it, Second To Nun begins June 29 through August 5, 2017 with performances Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 7pm.

Molly Pope is a critically acclaimed singer, actor, and entertainer whose shows have played Joe's Pub, Feinstein's/54 Below, Ars Nova, and The Eugene O'Neill Theater Center. With her thrilling powerhouse vocals, razor-sharp timing, and hilarious and heartbreaking stage presence, Molly was named one of Time Out New York's "Top Ten Cabaret Acts."

Anton Dudley (Book & Lyrics) is a Helen Hayes Award winning director, playwright and lyricist. Growing up in Montreal, surrounded by the legacy of Marguerite Bourgeoys, he was inspired to adapt her life for the stage. "Marguerite braved the ocean and wilds of nature at a time when men dominated exploration of our planet. Fierce, forgiving, trailblazing, and tender, Marguerite Bourgeoys is an iconic, historical figure, as unique now as she was in the 17th century." Dudley's plays and musicals have premiered off-Broadway at Playwrights Realm, Second Stage, and Cherry Lane Theater, and across the country at theaters including La Jolla Playhouse, Williamstown Theater Festival, and Signature Theater.

Michael Cooper (Music) describes Second To Nun as "a story of inclusion and love. I was galvanized by the voyage of this incredible woman who overcame such unbelievable odds to forge a new path in the New World. She's a survivor - living life without walls - that really resonates for me as an artist." Cooper is the Jonathan Larson Award winning composer who wrote music and lyrics for Zeiders' Summer 2016 world premiere, Love, Always, and contributed additional lyrics to the hit Broadway musical, It Shoulda Been You.

Based on a true story, Second to Nun explores - and explodes through soaring song and monologue - the heroic, adventurous account of a fearless pioneer woman, not well known outside of Canada - until now. This summer, her incredible journey comes to life onstage at The Z, in a dynamic musical theatre event that Virginia Beach audiences will not want to miss.

Second To Nun runs June 29 - August 5 at 7:00pm on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Tickets are $23 at the door or online at AmericanDreamTheater.org

Zeiders American Dream Theater is located at 4573 Bank Street, Virginia Beach, VA 23462

Zeiders American Dream Theater is funded in part by the citizens of Virginia Beach through a grant from the City of Virginia Beach Arts and Humanities Commission.

ABOUT ZEIDERS AMERICAN DREAM THEATER

Zeiders American Dream Theater develops the potential we have to foster local and emerging talent and provide them an opportunity a stage, a voice to do what they are passionate about doing and hopefully, in the process, inspire others to do the same. Currently Zeiders American Dream Theater is a nonprofit theater with an 80-seat theater in the Block 6 area of Town Center in Virginia Beach. In 2018, we will be moving to Block 9 of Town Center with new facilities, which will include a 300-seat thrust stage, 100-seat cabaret space, recording studio and spacious new lobby facing the plaza. Learn more at AmericanDreamTheater.org.