McNeese Theatre presents ‘Songs for a New World’

The McNeese State University W.A. and Dorothy Hanna Department of Performing Arts opens its 2019 spring theater season with the musical “Songs for the New World.”

Performances are set for 7:30 p.m. Jan. 9-12 and 2 p.m. Jan. 13 at Tritico Theatre.

The musical, written by Tony Award winner Jason Robert Brown, takes the audience through various vignettes with different settings and themes. They range from a character aboard a Spanish sailing ship in 1492, to a ledge on a skyscraper. Each character is forced to make a difficult decision in the moment.

Renee Luedders of Denver is the guest director. McNeese faculty member Garry Leonberger is the musical director.

Cast members Tyler Brumback and Lara Connally said they want the audience to find something in the production they can relate to or be inspired by, especially when faced with tough life choices.

“Maybe they saw something that helped them or felt recognized,” Connally said.

Brumback said one part of the musical brought on many emotions because it reminded him of his late mother.

Other cast members include MaryKate Core, Lake Charles; Heather Foreman, Sulphur; Amy Phillips, Livingston, Texas; and Peyton Stanford, Welsh.

The band includes Keegan Crawford, Houston; Tony James, Lake Charles; Brent Lensing, Livingston; Isaiah Windsor, Riverside, Calif.; and Tyler Young, Westlake.

Other crew members include Hasmig Aroian of Austin, Texas, conductor; Michelle Brunson of Rosepine, technical, light and set director; and Luke Conbally of Austin, stage director.

Tickets are $15 for adults, and $10 for McNeese faculty, staff, seniors, K-12 students and teachers. McNeese students with a current I.D. get in free.

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For more information or to purchase tickets, call 475-5040 or visit mcneese,edu/performingartsboxoffice.