MSU & TWV's Internship Program Students Join ROCKET BOYS THE MUSICAL

Seven students enrolled in Mountain State University and Theatre West Virginia's Professional Training Internship Program were cast in the world premiere of the Broadway-bound show "Rocket Boys the Musical" in association with Universal Pictures. The production premieres at Theatre West Virginia, Cliffside Amphitheatre, Grandview, Friday, August 26, and will run through Sunday, September 4.

Katie Bianchi will portray high school student Dorothy Plunk. Bianchi is studying musical theatre at James Madison University where she participated in "The Jeweler's Shop," "Kiss Me Kate" and "Bright Lights Big City" earlier this year.

Blair Bowman will portray high school student Quentin Wilson. Bowman is pursuing a degree in musical theatre at Northern Kentucky University.

Rylee Doiron will portray high school science teacher Miss Freida Riley. Doiron holds a degree in musical theatre from the University of Southern Maine. Her recent performances include Maggie in "Lend Me a Tenor" at USM, for which she received an Irene Ryan nomination, Mimi in "Rent" at Maine State Music Theater and the White Witch in "The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe" when she studied at the University of Winchester in England.

Robbie Hindsman will portray high school student Buck Trant. Hindsman is a sophomore studying musical theatre at Birmingham Southern College.

Jake Jessup has been cast in the production ensemble. Jessup is a junior at Greensboro College, where he recently appeared in "Almost Maine," "Little Shop of Horrors" and "Rabbit Hole."

Ryan McAtee will portray high school student O'Dell Carroll. McAtee is a freshman musical theatre major at Fairleigh Dickinson University.

Danielle Spisso will portray high school student Valentine Carmina. Spisso is a senior acting major at the University of Central Florida. Her favorite roles include Audrey in "Leading Ladies," Olivia in "Twelfth Night", Kathy in "Singin' in the Rain" and Patty Simcox in "Grease."

MSU theatre faculty member Pamela Chabora was also cast in the production. She will portray a fence wife and is the understudy for Elsie Hickam. TWV artistic director and MSU adjunct theatre professor Marina Hunley is the co-director for the production.

"Rocket Boys the Musical" was adapted from Homer Hickam's New York Times bestselling memoir of the same name. Set in Coalwood, W.Va., the story follows Hickam and his dream of becoming a rocket scientist. After seeing Sputnik, the world's first satellite, fly across the 1957 October sky, he begins to reach for the stars. This funny, yet deeply moving story focuses on the universal theme of perseverance.

To make reservations for the show, call TWV at 800-666-9142.To learn more about MSU's theatre program, call 866-367-6781.

About MSU - www.mountainstate.edu

Mountain State University, founded in 1933, is a not-for-profit independent institution based in Beckley, W.Va., serving more than 9,000 students a year in such market-relevant fields as business, accounting, computer science, information technology, criminal justice, nursing, medical sonography, and leadership. In addition to its main campus in Beckley, MSU has campuses in Center Township, Pa.; Martinsburg, W.Va.; Mooresville, N.C.; and Orlando, Fla.; as well as a site in Hickory, N.C. Many degrees are also offered online. For more information, call 866.367.6781.

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