2017 Official Selections

Cakewalk

Book and Lyrics by Beverly Trader Austin
Music by Bryan Mercer

Set in 1917 Claxton, Georgia, Cakewalk is a spicy satire, with a score rich in melodic eclecticism. Meet the Clugston family, led by patriarch Commissioner John Clugston, successful fruitcake manufacturer, whose heated race for mayor is complicated by the unfortunate behavior of his family and servants.

The Clugston’s smart and insightful servant, Phoebe, pulls back the curtain on this mess of a family! There are scandalous surprises, philandering politicians, corrupt businessmen, calculating metrosexuals, and entitled young people. The women are addicted to liquor, boys, and the fashion of the moment. And everyone has a secret, each of which threatens to explode with devastating political consequences.

It’s uncanny how the Clugstons of 1917 Georgia, bear a disturbing resemblance to 2017 America.

In The Middle Of The Ocean

Book, Music and Lyrics by Chris Alonzo

Equal parts fiery rock concert and virtuosic storytelling, In the Middle of the Ocean is a one-of-a-kind theatrical experience: a one-man punk rock opera adaptation of the myth of Orpheus, set in a pirate brothel in the Atlantic Ocean. It is a dizzying theatrical experience—spun against a backdrop of live indie rock tunes.

This surreal tale flips the script on Ovid’s Orpheus and Eurydice; in this feminist anthem, one woman must brave a duel with the devil to win back everything.

Will our heroine, Camilla, find true love in self-imposed exile? Will the Gods intervene in the nick of time? Will there be lots of catchy tunes and profane jokes? (We can only guarantee the lattermost.)

Mother Of God

Book and Lyrics by Christian Albright
Music by Christian Magby

When miracles were but memories and God's word was no longer present, faith and devotion were all that remained. “Divine intervention” was just a handed-down tale—no longer a possibility. God seemed absent to the world.

Mary of Nazareth, a believer, was called to accept the task of a lifetime. How could she know that bringing about a Savior would introduce peril to herself and those she loved?

Mother of God is the story of Mary’s journey, adapted from the gospels of Matthew and Luke, revealing the strength, sacrifices, and fortitude required to be the mother of God.