STAGE TUBE: Behind-the-Scenes of Virginia Stage Co.'s SKSBTD; Opens Tonight!

A New Musical by Bruce Hornsby officially opens at The Wells Theatre tonight, Friday, January 21. This world premiere production features music and lyrics by Williamsburg native and Grammy Winner Bruce Hornsby, lyrics by Chip deMatteo and book by Clay McLeod Chapman. The show is based on an original story by Bruce Hornsby.

SCKBSTD began performances earlier this week on Tuesday, January 18 and will run through February 6, 2011. SCKBSTD is produced by VSC by special arrangement with Michael Rafael and David Riemer of Spiral Staircase LLC, New York. BB&T is the sponsoring presenter of SCKBSTD.

Hornsby's piano-based melodies and rousing dance tell the story of a close-knit small town rocked with rumor and paranoia when a stranger moves in and cruises the streets in his Dodge.

"SCKBSTD is a very relatable story about a family -- a couple running a business together, sandwiched between caring for their children and an aging parent. Then a stranger comes to town and the resulting fears and rumors turn their daily lives upside down. Most rock musicals are about teenage angst. This is a rock musical about middle-age angst. There are light-hearted, funny moments, touching moments... ultimately it's a story of redemption and love," said co-producer Mike Rafael.

"I've enjoyed pushing the boundaries with the music. There's a broad range of styles here, musically and vocally... it took a lot of colors to paint this story," said Hornsby. "The whole reason for being here is in creating something that moves people, something soulful that makes a connection."

SCKBSTD's cast of Broadway veterans includes Robert Cuccioli, William Parry, Marcus Lovett, Jill Paice, Kevin Mambo, EuGene Barry-Hill, Kenneth Cavett, Riley Costello, Rosa Curry, Charles Franklin, Garrett Long, Jayne Paterson, Karl Warden and Brynn Williams. The SCKBSTD creative team is led by Director John Rando (Tony Award-winning director of Broadway's Urinetown) and Choreographer Scott Wise (Tony Award winner for Jerome Robbins' Broadway).

Tickets for SCKBSTD may be purchased through Ticketmaster by calling 800-982-2787 or at any Ticketmaster outlet, at the VSC box office, or online at www.vastage.com. Group discounts are available by calling 757-627-6988 ext. 358. Regular performances run Tuesdays at 7:00pm, Wed./Thur./Fri. at 8:00pm, Saturdays at 4:00pm and 8:00pm, and Sundays at 2:00pm through February 6. Tickets range from $15 to $50. A special event with VSC's Young Professionals, EnterAct, will take place on January 28, featuring two show tickets and a catered reception for $45.

Now in its 32nd season, Virginia Stage Company is Hampton Roads' only fully professional resident theater company, serving an annual audience close to 90,000. Since its founding, Virginia Stage Company has made significant contributions to the quality of life in Hampton Roads: presenting more than 185 plays through more than 3,700 performances; revitalizing and renovating the historic Wells Theatre; providing educational programs for students of all ages; and preserving the legacy of live theatre for future generations. Seasonal support for VSC's 32nd Season is provided by Norfolk Southern.