Auditions for the fall musical “Songs for a New World” directed by Dr. Carrie Klofach, pictured above, took place on the evenings of Sept. 3 and 4. The auditions were open for all Milligan students. The cast includes Katie Cochran, Maggie Booher, Hannah Alford, Margaret Siglin, Joseph Reese, Kevin Odom, Chase Raines and Jacob Wilson.
“My hopes for auditions were to have some students who were in the “Hunchback” (of Notre Dame, the spring production), and some new faces as well,” said Klofach, director and assistant professor of musical theatre. “I try to keep an open mind to the talents and possibilities each individual can bring, and how I can use that in the show.”
“Songs for a New World” was written by Jason Robert Brown in 1995. It is not a typical theatre show because there is no spoken dialogue, just lyrics. This type of performance is called a sing-thru musical. The show’s cast will consist of four men, four women and a six-piece band, led by Dr. Noah DeLong, associate professor of music.
“Each actor gets more time to shine and more time to learn and work on their craft,” said Klofach.
This year’s musical will feature a different style of music than previous productions. The musical style of this show has an edgy pop/rock sound. The show does feature some typical musical theatre sounding sounds, as well as some gospel and jazz influenced music. “I also want to expose our area to this contemporary style of musicals,” Klofach said.
Senior Maggie Booher, who auditioned for the musical said, “Very few people actually know this musical and will come to it with fresh eyes and ears. I think this musical will really excite people.”
Along with almost nightly rehearsals starting Sept. 9, Klofach planned a special way to get the cast ready for the musical. “We are very lucky to be having an original cast member, Jessica Molaskey, visit our campus for two days,” she said.. Molaskey will spend one night with the cast answering questions and giving them advice. Then on Oct. 3,she will teach a masterclass, when she will coach six students and alumni. This will be free and open to the public.
“I am hoping this show will be remembered for many years by both the cast members and also our community,” said Klofach.
“Songs for a New World” will open Thursday, Oct. 24 at 7:30 p.m. in McGlothlin-Street Theatre. A second and third performance will be held the following nights, Oct. 25 and 26 at 7:30 p.m. The final performance will be Sunday, October 27 at 2:30 p.m.