Wayside Theater Presents Reunion: A musical epic in Miniature, Begins 6/4

Wayside Theatre Artistic Director Warner Crocker announced today the performance of Reunion, A Musical Epic in Miniature which will open Wayside Theatre's 50th Golden Anniversary Season. The musical is written by Jack Kyrieleison, Ron Holgate and Michael O'Flaherty. The production is one of the planned events for the National 150th Anniversary of the Civil War. Reunion, A Musical Epic in Miniature begins performances on June 4 and closes on July 2.

Artistic Director, Warner Crocker, said, "Reunion, A Musical Epic in Miniature tells the story of the tumultuous period in our American History, the American Civil War; and tells it in a unique way that mirrors our artistic life here at Wayside Theatre. Imagine a troupe of players struggling to make their magic on the stage, fighting financial challenges and at the same time still continuing to tell stories about the Civil War. Now imagine weaving the immortal words and songs of the American Civil War into a musical epic in miniature that sings about our fight to save the union. This magical and musical celebration reunites us all in only the way the power of live theatre can. This musical epic in miniature mirrors our artistic life at Wayside Theatre. And in many ways the perfect opening production for Wayside' 50th Anniversary; a season of plays and musicals that we hope will be a glorious reunion for many of our audience and actors."

Crocker continues, "I am fascinated by the shortcuts we take in examining our own history and heritage that often belies the complexity of the event experienced and what develops from the experience. I believe that the play examines that complexity in a way that only live theatre can do. The twenty-five years separation in telling of the story, let's us look back and see the reuniting of our country. Where I am Virginian, Marylander, or New Yorker prior, the response becomes, "I am American."

According to Crocker, "We have an exciting group of performers who will be asked to perform a large array of characters in telling the story of both sides: Union and the Confederacy." Several are veteran actors of Wayside, Bob Payne (Cotton Patch Gospel, Robert E. Lee & John Brown, Southern Crossroads, The New Orleans Adventure, A Marriage, A Mystery and A Marriage and God's Man in Texas), and Steve Przybylski

(Southern Crossroads, Southern Crossroads, The New Orleans Adventure, Buddy! The Buddy Holly Story, Shenandoah, A Marriage, A Mystery and A Murder). The newcomers are Sehri Wickliffe, Jody Lee, Dana Colagiovanni, and Brett Tubbs.

The production is directed by Artistic Director, Warner Crocker, and Musical Director: Steve Przybylski. The set is designed by Heather Reid, light Design by Wes Calkin, and costumes designed by Tamara Carruthers.

Reunion, A Musical Epic in Miniature begins performances with low priced previews at 2:30pm and 8:00pm on Saturday, June 4. The official Opening Night is Sunday, June 5 at 6:30pm. Performances will continue through July 2nd. Ticket prices are $25 to $30 dollars for adults. Ticket price for children 17 years and under is $10 for any show. Senior and Student discounts are available upon request, as well as group discounts. Wayside Theatre also sells discounted subscriptions for the entire season with options that fit any budget and any schedule.

Performances each week for Reunion, A Musical Epic in Miniature will be Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2:30pm, Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening at 8:00pm

Wayside Theatre is the second oldest professional theatre in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia and is celebrating its 50th Golden Anniversary season of presenting high quality, professional entertainment.

Patrons can obtain single tickets, subscription packages, and group packages by calling the Box Office at (540) 869-1776. Additional information can be obtained on the theatre's website at www.waysidetheatre.org. Wayside Theatre is located in Middletown, Virginia on Route 11, Main Street, just north of the intersection of I-66 and I-81.

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