Virginia Stage Company to Premiere New Musical by Eric Schorr as Part of 2015-16 Season

Nearly two years ago in 2013, Virginia Stage Company (VSC) commissioned New York playwright and composer Eric Schorr to write a musical about the sea level crisis in Norfolk and beyond as the fifth play in the Company's American Soil Series. After holding extensive interviews with area residents and conducting further research, Schorr has now written a powerful musical that will receive its world premiere in VSC's 2015-16 season.

This new production addresses the worldwide crisis of global warming and sea level rise. The action spans from 1933 to the present and offers an imaginative glimpse into the future - the year 2047. The play is set in Norfolk, but its action expands into New York City, Japan and Antarctica as it dramatically unfolds.

"Hampton Roads has assumed a leading role in addressing sea level rise both scientifically and politically. This project now puts us on the national map for exploring the issue artistically as well," says Chris Hanna, VSC's Artistic Director, "Schorr's musical will mark an important occasion both for the region and for VSC," adds Hanna.

Eric Schorr is no stranger to VSC and Norfolk. He also wrote the score to the pre-Broadway musical, Frog Kiss presented at the Wells in January 2013. While the sea level piece takes a more serious tone, Schorr's diverse musical background and abilities have proven the perfect match for such a project. Schorr will travel to Norfolk later in July for concept meetings as he continues to further develop the musical.

The play is being developed under the working title Poem of the Sea. VSC invites all to help continue to create this new work and share their stories and experiences of sea level rising by contacting VSC's Marketing Director, Janelle Burchfield at jburchfield@vastage.com or visiting vastage.com/sealevelplay.

Virginia Stage Company is Southeastern Virginia's leading theater destination, serving an audience of over 70,000 annually at the Wells Theatre, in schools and in the community. VSC's mission is to "enrich, educate and entertain the region by creating and producing theatrical art of the highest quality and worthy of national prominence. Tickets available at (757) 627-1234 or vastage.com