New Musical By New York Teen Tate Robinson, CHAMELEON, Premiers At Emelin Theatre

"Chameleon", a new musical with book, music and lyrics by Tate Robinson, a 17-year old high school student from Westchester, New York, premieres at the Emelin Theatre in Mamaroneck, July 12 and 13, 2018. Chameleon is the haunting tale of two brothers struggling to get out of a dead-end town, accompanied by an arrangement of lyrics and music that stretches from jazz to hip hop, soul to R&B and everything in between. Artistree Performing Arts proudly presents this original production.

The two brothers at the center of the story share a tragic upbringing, and their lives as musicians in a band together are complicated by their difficult interpersonal relationships and conflicting love interests. "Chameleon" while fictional, examines internal conflicts most people experience when they are in difficult circumstances. Although it's an intense story, it has light moments as well as themes of personal redemption and change throughout, thus named "Chameleon".

"Chameleon" began as a written story, but shortly thereafter Tate came to the realization that his love of music, playing piano and writing songs was the right avenue to bring the story to life. He spent the majority of the summer of 2017 working full time on the script and music.

During the spring of 2018, a portion of the musical was showcased at Tate's high school, the Brunswick School in Greenwich, Connecticut, as part of the school's performing arts festival. Following the success of this production, his teachers highly encouraged him to take "Chameleon" to the next level and seek a professional channel to produce the show.

Tate met with Heather Capelle, owner and artistic director of Artistree Performing Arts. She immediately fell in love with Chameleon and its poignant story and soulful music. Capelle had a clear vision of how she could leverage her network of top talent and resources, to bring the story to life on a professional stage.

"It's so exciting to work with such a talented group of actors and musicians," said Tate Robinson. "Director and choreographer, John Gray and Artistree's musical director Michael Taglieri have brought their expertise to this project to bring "Chameleon" to its full potential. It has been amazing to work with these extremely talented people and I can't wait for opening night." Artistree's Veronica Mittenzwei helped edit the book, and Peter Capelle, Artistree coowner and head music director orchestrated the show.

"We are so thrilled to be supporting such a talented young artist," said Heather Capelle. "It's hard to believe that a story with such depth and enchanting music was written by a teenager. The fact that he's from Westchester, right here in our own backyard, makes the project even more special."

Artistree Performing Arts is a renowned theatre, music, dance and film studio located at 114 W. Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck, New York.

Dates: July 12-13, 2018; 8pm
Location: Emelin Theatre, 153 Library Lane, Mamaroneck, New York
Tickets available at Emelin.org - $20 adults, $10 students.

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