'TIL DEATH DO US PART to be Presented in a Developmental Reading at San Diego State University

The San Diego State University MFA Musical Theatre Program has launched an innovative two-year development program dedicated to fostering the creation of new musicals. The SDSU MFA New Musical Initiative was conceived with the idea of helping musical theatre writers develop a new work through a two-year process including a reading (fall 2018), a workshop (spring 2019) and a full production (spring 2020). After a competitive submission process, which saw over 100 new scripts and scores, the selection committee chose 'Til Death Do Us Partby Bobby Cronin and Caroline Prugh. Mr. Cronin and Ms. Prugh will work directly with MFA Musical Theatre students and select undergraduate students to rehearse and present a staged reading of this new musical on Friday, November 9 at 4pm on the stage of the Don Powell Theatre on the SDSU campus. Professor Stephen Brotebeck will direct the reading with musical direction by Professor Robert Meffe.

Head of the MFA Musical Theatre Program, Robert Meffe says, "In my experience working with new musicals, what is missing is a sense of continuity as a piece is written and rewritten. This two-year process gives the writers the valuable chance to develop their work with the same cast and creative team."

The SDSU reading of 'Til Death Do Us Part is honored to be the recipient of a National Alliance for Musical Theatre Writers Residency Grant.

Gracie Jean, a spitfire from hardscrabble Tennessee, is called to preach God's grace and is encouraged by her father to follow her dream, despite resistance from their community. Matthew, heir apparent to small town Evangelical royalty, struggles to rebel against his father's traditions while maintaining the privilege of his birth. When these two meet, it's love at first sight. But as familial and societal pressures mount, their fairytale marriage transforms into a battle of the sexes. Inspired by a 2006 true crime, this 12-person musical with a contemporary, country-gospel-influenced score investigates the complications women's ambition poses to institutions that served to subjugate them for centuries. Are there limits to the "all" love can conquer in marriage?

San Diego State Universityis a major public research institution that provides transformative experiences, both inside and outside of the classroom, for its 35,000 students. The university offers bachelor's degrees in 94 areas, master's degrees in 78 areas and doctorates in 22 areas. Students participate in research, international experiences, sustainability and entrepreneurship initiatives, and a broad range of student life and leadership opportunities. The university's rich campus life features opportunities for students to participate in, and engage with, the creative and performing arts, a Division I athletics program and the vibrant cultural life of the San Diego region. For more information, visit www.sdsu.edu.

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