Boca Raton Theatre Guild to Stage EVERYDAY RAPTURE, 11/7-23

The Boca Raton Theatre Guild was looking for something unique as a follow-up to the company's recent successful productions of Pippin and Chicago: "Something modern - with music that would appeal to all generations," says producer Keith Garsson. "And when Everyday Rapture opened on Broadway in 2010 to outstanding reviews and sold-out performances it just stuck in my mind. It's funny, timely and unlike anything you've seen before." Everyday Rapture will have its South Florida premiere when it previews at the Willow Theatre in Sugar Sand Park on November 7th and opens the following night. It will run through November 23rd.

The show, which has been called a 'stage memoir disguised as fiction', tells the story of a young woman's psycho-spiritual-sexual journey down the rocky path that separates her mostly Mennonite past from her mostly Manhattan future -- from the cornfields of Kansas to the clover fields of New York (with a disturbing detour through YouTube!) Everyday Rapture features songs by numerous singers and songwriters including Johnny Mercer, David Byrne, George Harrison, Roberta Flack, Judy Garland, Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings, and even Mr. Rogers.

"I'm delighted to be directing the Southeast premiere of this unique musical story," says Genie Croft. "The lead character is an outsider from Topeka -- raised as a Mennonite -- who follows her dreams to New York, and creates a career as a Broadway actress. The emotional, humorous, and spiritual arc of the musical is an exciting contrast of two journeys of discovery that cleverly show how divided personalities can lead to some of the most fascinating people out there."

Musical director Caryl Fantel, who has credits from Off-Broadway to regional theatres and concert halls throughout South Florida and around the United States is equally enthusiastic about the production:

"I'm excited to work on it because there's truly something for everyone, running the gamut of musical styles from standards to musical theatre, funk, and rock. We have a top-notch ensemble of vocalists and a rocking band in place," she continues, "And I can't wait to share this unique and entertaining piece of theatre."

Says lead actress Jodie Langel: "The heart of this show lies in the story of this incredible girl, her desire to be spiritually and morally correct -- while dreaming of Broadway, and to do what she loves most - be center stage singing her heart out."

Joining Langel on the Willow stage will be Ann Marie Olson, Leah Sessa, and Ben Solmor (who is also serving as the show's choreographer.)

Tickets for Everyday Rapture are on sale now and can be purchased by calling 561-347-3948. Performances are on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 8 pm, and Saturday and Sunday at 2 pm. Tickets ($35) are on sale now, and may be purchased at the Willow Theatre Box Office at 561-347-3948 or online at www.brtg.org. The Willow Theatre is located at 300 S. Military Trail, Boca Raton, 33486 (in the heart of Sugar Sand Park, just south of Palmetto Park Road).

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