Gettysburg Community Theatre, the non-profit 501c3 organization located within the first block of Lincoln Square at 49 York Street, will kick off its 15th Season when they present the contemporary musical Songs For A New World written by Jason Robert Brown with a live orchestra on stage performing this weekend only January 6-8, 2023. Performances will be on stage at 7 pm Friday and Saturday and 2 pm Sunday. The performance will also be streamed on demand any time Saturday, January 14, 2023, so families and friends can watch the performance from their own devices at home or anywhere around the world.
“If you’ve never heard of this musical,” says GCT Founding Executive/Artistic Director Chad-Alan Carr, “that is a perfect reason to come see it. Even if you have heard of it or seen it before, some see our production. This is one of those concert-style shows with powerhouse singers and orchestra musicians that directors and singers always hope to be able to be part of. They all blow me away at each rehearsal, and while there’s no real plot of this show, every song is a different story and a gorgeous musical score, with a through line of connecting us all as part of a bigger story. Anyone that loves live music and great singing must come experience this production.”
Songs For A New World is about one moment… for each of us. It’s about hitting the wall and having to make a choice… or take a stand… or turn around and go back. These are the stories and characters of yesterday and today. Songs For A New World was the first musical from Tony Award winner Jason Robert Brown (The Last Five Years, Parade, Bridges of Madison County), and this moving collection of powerful songs examines life, love, and the choices that we make. The writer, Jason Robert Brown transports his audience from the deck of a 1492 Spanish sailing ship to a ledge 57 stories above Fifth Avenue to meet a startling array of characters through songs. This contemporary musical contains some mature language that may not be suitable for children under the age of 13, but parental guidance is suggested. Directed by GCT’s Founding Executive/Artistic Director, Chad-Alan Carr, with Music Direction/Accompaniment provided by pianists Jamie Bowman and Carrie Conklin, the mostly sung-through production features performers from Gettysburg, New Oxford, and Hanover. The singers include Dave Bowman, Jamie Bowman, Carrie Conklin, April Diaz, Andrew Metcalf, Joshua Rikas, and Kate Sainer. The orchestra includes Chris Barnabei, Cole Boudreau, Jamie Bowman, Carrie Conklin, Dave Conklin, Spencer Kennedy, Krista Kriel, and Paige Kriel. Technical Direction/Sound Design is by Michael Connelly.
Discounted tickets can be purchased on the theatre’s website for $15 when purchased in advance, and tickets at the door can be purchased for $20 if any seats are left in the intimate 80-seat theatre. Audiences are encouraged to not only order tickets in advance but also arrive early to find downtown parking and enjoy refreshments and raffles that the theatre will be selling as grassroots fundraisers before each performance. The Racehorse Alley Parking Garage is one block from the theatre just off N. Stratton Street for paid parking available 24 hours, but there are many street meters close to GCT along York, Stratton, and Middle Streets, which stop at 8 pm. GCT’s 15th Season includes 12 productions, three cabaret concerts, and three improv comedy shows. Most tickets are now on sale at www.GettysburgCommunityTheatre.org or by calling 717-334-2692.