New York-based What's The Benefit? inc. has confirmed that they are in pre-production for their much anticipated 2015 Broadway production of REPLAY, which will support The Trevor Project.
REPLAY, previously titled WEAKER PEOPLE debuted on Broadway in March 2012 to a sold-out house at the
Stephen Sondheim Theatre in New York. The new "fantasy-rock" musical was performed as part of a benefit honoring Operation Respect, which was founded by
Peter Yarrow of the platinum-selling folk group Peter, Paul and Mary.
The event was heralded by several celebrities, including Cynthia Germonatta, co-founder of the Born This Way Foundation with daughter
Lady Gaga.
Lucy Simon, composer of THE SECRET GARDEN and DOCTOR ZHIVAGO spoke at the event, as did Yarrow, who led the audience and cast in a sing-along of "Blowin' in the Wind".
"It was a really magical evening", said Director Nìcco Franklin. "We all agreed that the message of REPLAY not only deserved a more permanent voice in the theatrical community, but that the community needs to see this kind of theatre and see the change it can inspire in people's hearts and attitudes."
REPLAY has a strong British influence. London area native Franklin returns to Direct and Choreograph. He is assisted by fellow Brit, Anja Rodford (Assistant Director, Director in Residence).
"Anja's dynamic career lends a critical and wildly artistic influence to this touching production," adds Royal Conservatoire of Scotland alum Paul Daniel Cloeter, who penned the music and lyrics. Jennifer Tanarez, a London Mountview Academy graduate and longtime member of the West End's AVENUE Q, will be heading to New York as one of the confirmed cast members.
Mia Charran is elated to be returning to the technical staff as Make-Up & Aesthetic Director. "Self-Esteem comes one step at a time..." says Charran, "the immersive nature of this show only illuminates how powerful aesthetics can be... it's our job to support and encourage individuality and self-expression"
REPLAY is an immersive, 4D theatrical experience that was created to honestly address divisive issues facing students in schools and adults in society.
"We wanted to create a unique musical atmosphere that accentuated our characters' desires for an escape from their less-than-desired circumstances. I think the feedback we received affirmed that music can be a powerfully transformative medium -- one that we used to tap into a collective social discontentment," said Cloeter, who also performs in the cast.
"The thing I love about this show is how it conveys understanding for everyone's point of view. Here there are no bullies -just people trying to survive. If we all took that to heart, think of the difference it could cause in the world. That's why it's especially exciting to bring REPLAY back to Broadway" says Book Writer Molly C. Blau.
Selections from the Broadway Benefit soundtrack are currently available on iTunes and Amazon under "WEAKER PEOPLE". For more information, visit
www.whatsthebenefit.org /
www.replaybroadway.com.
Watch a trailer for the first episode of the new YouTube series MAKING IT below!
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