Photo Flash: ATOMIC Receives Regional Theatre Premiere

"ATOMIC" makes its regional theatre premiere at Meadow Brook Theatre on the campus of Oakland University in Rochester from February 10 through March 6, 2016. Danny Ginges created "ATOMIC" and wrote the book and lyrics, with music and lyrics by Philip Foxman. Check out photos from the show below!

During World War II, the United States was in a race with Germany to build the ultimate weapon. Both sides were sure the one to create a functional atomic bomb would be the one to win. We know now they were right, but what did it cost the people doing the creating? People like Leo Szilard, the mastermind behind atomic power. Leo finds out just what he can do when someone believes in him, but does that include believing in himself? Ethics, scientific process and love all collide with a rock beat when the off-Broadway "ATOMIC" brings the Manhattan Project to the Meadow Brook stage.

"I saw 'ATOMIC' in New York," said Travis Walter, MBT artistic director and director of "ATOMIC." "It was such an important time in history. No one working on the Manhattan Project could say what they were doing. These people were ultimately responsible for so much destruction, but they were trying to save lives. To see what this did to them-and have it done as a rock musical-was fascinating. I couldn't wait to get it here!"

"This is a great opportunity for us," said Cheryl Marshall, MBT managing director. "This play has only been performed in Sydney, Australia and off-Broadway in New York. We're excited to give "Atomic" its first production not only in Michigan, but in a regional theatre anywhere."

"ATOMIC" features many familiar, and a few new, faces to the MBT audience. Ron Williams plays Leo Szilard with Katy Kujala, Lucas Wells, Rusty Mewha, Chip DuFord, Stephanie Wahl, Richard Marlatt, Tobin Hissong, Kimberly Alley and Garett Michael Harris playing everyone from Enrico Fermi to J. Robert Oppenheimer, from scientists and soldiers to immigrants and citizens of New York, Germany and London, as "ATOMIC" hits the high notes of the atomic race.

"ATOMIC" is directed by Travis W. Walter with music direction by Andy Peterson. Terry Carpenter is the stage manager, with set design by Brian Kessler, costumes by Liz Goodall, lighting by Reid G. Johnson and sound by Mike Duncan.

The band is conducted by Andy Peterson, who also plays first synthesizer. With Sig Hepler on guitar, Allison Rhoades on violin, Joan Hovda on cello, Thomothy D. Martuch on bass, and Nick Matthews on percussion.

Believing that powerful stories make a difference both onstage and off, Meadow Brook Theatre is encouraging community members to make a gift to support the production and to share their World War II-era stories. Visit to help Meadow Brook Theatre continue to share powerful stories, http://www.mbtheatre.com/shareyourstory.

Tickets range from $27 to $42 and are available by calling the Meadow Brook Theatre box office at 248-377-3300 or going online at www.ticketmaster.com. Student discounts are available at the box office. Groups of eight or more should call 248-370-3316 for group pricing.

This production of "ATOMIC" is made possible through the support of The Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, The National Endowment for the Arts, The Kresge Foundation, The Fred A. and Barbara M. Erb Family Foundation, The Shubert Foundation, and the Meadow Brook Theatre Guild.

Meadow Brook Theatre is located on the campus of Oakland University in Rochester, Mich. For additional information, please visit www.mbtheatre.com. Meadow Brook Theatre is a nonprofit, cultural institution serving southeast Michigan for 50 years.

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