MAD HORSE THEATRE COMPANY will present a staged reading of a new musical, Club Meds, with lyrics by Sarah Safford, book by John Reynolds, and music by Rob DelGaudio, Tanya Leah, Natalie Lovejoy, and Jonathan Monro.
This groundbreaking musical offers an honest, heartfelt and surprisingly witty glimpse into a chemotherapy session/support group run by volunteer and cancer survivor extraordinaire, Marjean Macgraw. With music, humor and pathos, the play tells the story of three very different people affected by cancer, and by each other.
Each of the two readings will be followed by a discussion with the artists.
Club Meds has been workshopped in NYC and on Martha's Vineyard. The reading at Mad Horse is another step in the play's development into a fully-fledged production, and Mad Horse is thrilled to be a part of the process.
"Almost everyone has been affected by cancer in one way or another, but most of us have trouble talking about these painful experiences. Our hope for Club Meds is to reach people through humor and song, to let feelings surface, to let laughter and tears flow, and to open paths of communication about a topic we usually avoid," states Sarah Safford.
Mad Horse Theatre Company Artistic Director Christine Louise Marshall directs, along with Musical Director Victoria Stubbs, supported by a cast of terrific Portland area artists.
"When we reflect on how many peoples' lives have been touched by the battle against cancer, and how we as a culture are finally recognizing that we can share, talk, and even, yes, laugh about that struggle openly, it seems surprising that a musical of this nature has not already been explored." states Mad Horse Artistic Director Christine Louise Marshall. "This is really amazing, wonderful, important new material. We're very excited to be taking part in its development."
Mad Horse Theatre Company was founded in 1986 in Portland as a professional resident theater ensemble. The Company quickly developed a reputation for innovative interpretations of cutting-edge contemporary plays as well as the dramatic classics. Its mission has been the driving force behind a history of productions that have added to Maine's artistic enrichment and to the social discourse that is at the heart of a strong community.
Club Meds runs August 22 and 23, 2015 at the Mad Horse Theater, 24 Mosher Street, South Portland, ME. Tickets are Pay-What-You-Can, with a suggested donation of $10. Cash and checks at the door only.
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