Kansas City Rep Presents SAVED, 9/10

Eric Rosen, artistic director of Kansas City Repertory Theatre, has announced that a new production of the musical Saved, directed by Gary Griffin (THE COLOR PURPLE-Broadway and national tour, PACIFIC OVERTURES--London), will open the Rep's 2010-11 season.

Music and lyrics are by Michael Friedman (The Civilians, BLOODY BLOODY ANDREW JACKSON-opening on Broadway in September). John Dempsey (THE FIX, THE WITCHES OF EASTWICK) and Rinne Groff (COMPULSION, JIMMY CARTER WAS A DEMOCRAT-The Public Theatre) wrote the book and lyrics. The musical is adapted from the MGM film written by Brian Dannelly and Michael Urban.

Saved is a story about a group of Christian high school students seeking acceptance and inclusion as they search for meaning in their complicated lives.

The show's original creative team believed the show needed another opportunity to further its development. According to Griffin, "Saved is like many other successful musicals that do not reach their full potential in their first production. I believe we were only able to get a good first draft in New York, and it would be a shame to stop when we were just discovering the musical's strengths."

"I'm happy that Gary and the writing team want to continue development of Saved at Kansas City Rep," said Rosen. "It's a compelling and honest portrayal of the same issues many families in Kansas City struggle with daily and will resonate powerfully in our community." Griffin added, "We strongly believe that the Rep's audience will embrace the artistic aesthetic of Saved and tell us a great deal about how the show is landing. We are looking forward to learning from them."

Saved runs September 10 - October 3, 2010 at Spencer Theatre, 4949 Cherry Street, Kansas City, Missouri. Tickets cost $20-$65 and youth tickets (18 years or younger) are $20. For information about performance times and ticket options, call the Rep Box Office at 816-235-2700 or visit www.KCRep.org.

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