Rhinebeck Theatre Society is pleased to offer two shows in repertory this September, presented on the outdoor stage at The Center for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck. With the hit musical Songs for a New World (Jason Robert Brown) and American Son (Christopher Demos-Brown), we invite you to a conversation about the American Dream.
Songs for a New World features four powerhouse vocalists (Cheyenne See, Emily Woolever, Jovan Bradley, Matt Woolever) who cycle through a stunning collection of modern musical ingenuity. Each song presents a new narrative of hope, ambition, and/or reflection, widening and challenging our perspective of the American Experience while emphasizing the universal emotions that make us human.
RTS has intentionally chosen to pair this popular musical with a play that holds new relevance in the wake of Geoge Floyd’s murder and the rising momentum of the Black Lives Matter movement. Christopher Demos-Brown’s 2016 play offers a no-holds-barred discussion of systemic racism and police brutality as it follows a mixed-race couple’s efforts to locate their son following a traffic-stop incident. Featuring Jennelle Liscombe (Kendra Ellis-Connor), Joe Eriole (Scott Connor), Dietz Thomas (Officer Paul Larkin), and Mark Colvson (Lieutenant John Stokes), this 90 minute play offers an an unrelenting challenge to the assumptions we each carry. There will be a Q&A following Friday and Saturday performances.
Directed by Jovan Bradley and Dorothy Luongo, shows run in repertory September 4-27, with all performances beginning at 7pm. Tickets are $20 each, or you can see both shows for $35. Audience members should arrive with masks and bring a blanket or lawn chairs. There will be no refreshments available to purchase, but patrons should feel encouraged to bring their own. If you cannot afford tickets, call the box office to inquire about ushering opportunities. For more information, visit centerforperformingarts.org or call 845-876-3080.