Signature Theatre Presents CROSSING Concert, 10/20-21

As part of its continuing commitment to developing new works, Signature Theatre presents a one-weekend-only concert of Crossing, a musical by Matt Conner (Nevermore; The Hollow) and Grace Barnes (Nevermore, Zander's Boat). The concert will have four performances, all held on the weekend of October 20th through 21st in the MAX.

Directed by Signature Artistic Director Eric Schaeffer, Crossing also highlights some of Signature Theatre's brightest stars. The show will feature Priscilla Cuellar, Vincent Kempski, Amy McWilliams, Christopher Mueller, Tracy Lynn Olivera, Nova Y. Payton, Maria Egler, and Chris Sizemore.

"Crossing is a special musical that we commissioned after the success of Nevermore," said Schaeffer. "It features musical styles from Broadway to pop to gospel, and we're looking forward to sharing it all with our audiences through the world premiere of a groundbreaking new piece."

Crossing explores the interwoven stories of eight people from different decades of the past century that come together at a train station. Some are waiting for the train. Others are waiting for visitors. And a few are just… waiting. All of them are searching – for hopes and dreams, for new beginnings, for answers. As their stories are brought to musical life in the train station, the characters discover that, while every life is different, the journey is always the same. With music ranging from gospel to pop to rock, Crossing unites the musical eras through the souls who live them.

Originally commissioned by Signature, Crossing received a workshop production at Shenandoah University in the spring of 2011 as part of the conservatory's Second Stage Theatre Series.

"The characters in the show influence each other's journeys," Conner said in an interview in 2011. "This musical shows how people's desires, rights, fears and struggles are connected, regardless of the times."

Performances for Crossing will be held on Saturday, October 20 at 2pm and 8pm, and on Sunday October 21 at 2pm and 7pm. Tickets are $41 each. For tickets, visit Signature online at www.signature-theatre.org or call the Box Office at 703-820-9771.