The era of the British Music Invasion comes alive in "ModRock," a new musical, which is having its world premiere engagement beginning Wednesday, June 19 (press opening Sunday June 23 at 5pm) at the El Portal Theatre. "ModRock" is set in the vibrant, swinging London of the mid 1960's - a time when styles and cultures clashed, the British bands ruled the pop charts and all fashion trends emerged out of Carnaby Street. Scroll down for photos of the cast!
"ModRock" tells a timeless story of star-crossed lovers from the rival "Mod" and "Rocker" factions through 20 classic songs from the era including "We Gotta Get Out of this Place," "For Your Love," "Tired of Waiting," "Bus Stop," "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood," "Sunny Afternoon," "Time of the Season," "Downtown," "I Can't Explain," "Dedicated Follower of Fashion," "You Don't Have to Say You Love Me," "(There's) Always Something There to Remind Me," "A Summer Song," "You've Got Your Troubles," "I'm A Man," "Where Are They Now," "I Only Want To Be With You," "Cool Jerk," "There's A Kind of Hush," and "Don't Let the Sun Catch You Crying".
"ModRock" was created and has book by Hagan Thomas-Jones and features a young cast of 12; many already have significant Broadway, national tour and television credits. The ensemble cast includes
Melinda Porto (The Bend in the Road
Pasadena Playhouse, Miss Saigon McCoy-Rigby Entertainment) as Kate and Steven Good (Prometheus Bound, Once workshop, Ajax at
American Repertory Theatre) as Adam - the star-crossed lovers - as well as
Harley Jay (Miss Saigon national tour, Mark in RENT Broadway and national tour), Michael Hawley, Jade Tailor (True Blood, Vegas),
Emily Morris (The Suite Life of Zach and Cody) and Adri
Anna Rose Lyons (Rock of Ages Las Vegas Company) as the Rockers.
The Mods are portrayed by Erin Watkins,
Scott Kruse (South Street
Pasadena Playhouse),
Ian Littleworth (The Fall to Earth Odyssey Theatre), Julia Tobey (Guiding Light, All My Children) and Scott Weston (Michael Peter Pan 360° production).
The director is
Brian Lohmann, the associate artistic director of the Impro Theatre. He directed Dickens UnScripted at the Broad Stage, LA Noir UnScripted at Theatre Asylum, and at the Odyssey Theatre
Tennessee Williams UnScripted and was co-director of Shakespeare UnScripted at Theatre. "ModRock" is choreographed by Michele Spears (One Night Stand
Mark Platt producer, Edinburgh Fringe Festival; Musical
Theatre Guild, Contemporary Musical Theatre at Lobero Theatre, Santa Barbara).
The musical arrangements are by
David O; musical direction by
John Ballinger; scenic, lighting, and projection design by Joel Daavid; costume design by
Ann Closs-Farley; sound design by
Cricket Myers; hair, wig, and makeup design by
Judi Lewin; and casting by
Michael Donovan CSA.
Tickets, starting at $44, are on sale at the El Portal Theatre at
elportaltheatre.com, or by calling
1-818-508-4200. The CD of music from "ModRock" is available through iTunes,
CDBaby.com and other sites nationwide. For more information, visit
www.modrockmusical.com.
Photo Credit: Chelsea Coleman
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