Director, Cast Announced for Uwharrie Players' LEAP OF FAITH

For Immediate Release: Albemarle. Uwharrie Players Announce Director and Cast for Summer Musical: Leap of Faith.

The Uwharrie Players summer musical has been a Stanly County tradition for decades. The community theatre organization is especially excited about this year's production which will be led by internationally recognized director and choreographer, Tod A. Kubo. Following auditions on May 21st and 22nd at The Players' headquarters in Albemarle, Kubo has assembled a cast and crew of more than 30 actors, singers, and dancers from Stanly, Cabarrus, and Mecklenburg counties to perform in Leap of Faith.
Originally from the west coast, Kubo has recently received critical acclaim as a director/choreographer in the greater Charlotte region. His credits include the Czech Republic premiere of RENT, several national tours, and many more professional productions. Kubo was inducted into the California Department of Education Hall of Fame for his dance contributions in schools. Joining Kubo on the creative team for Leap of Faith will be veteran Uwharrie Players music director, Angela C. Moore, of New London. Moore is a retired public school music teacher and is active in the Stanly County arts scene in many arenas. She was named "Arts Person of the Year" by the Stanly Arts Council in 2015. The show's Stage Manager will be Christian Payne. Bradley Eudy will serve as Production Manager. Other members of the creative team will include Heather Britt, Joe Burris, Mikaela Brown, and Audrey Barringer.
Leap of Faith is based on the 1992 movie of the same name which starred Steve Martin. Its score is by composer, Alan Menken, known for Beauty and the Beast, Newsies, and more hits. With high-energy dance numbers and stirring gospel songs, the show tells the story of The "Reverend" Jonas Nightingale, whose bus breaks down in a small Kansas town. After Jonas and his crew invite the locals to a revival, the sheriff, Marla McGowan, determines to stop Jonas from separating the townspeople from their money. Jonas' real challenge arises when he meets the sheriff and her son, whose love forces an ultimate cynic to take a real leap of faith. Leap of Faith will be performed July 29, 30, 31 and August 5, 6 at the Stanly County Agri-Civc Center. More information can be found at www.uwharrieplayers.org