Gathering Blog

GATHERING BLUE an inspiring new musical

So today is my first of a litany of posts to promote "Gathering Blue," a new musical I'm directing for its professional premier at the bucolic Gretna Theatre opening August 24, and playing only 5 performances that weekend.

It is based on Lois Lowry's best-selling novel of the same name (2nd in "the Giver" series). The lovely, funny, and powerful Libretto is by Richard Hellesen. The beautiful music and lyrics are co-written by Michael Silversher and Joy Sikorski.

This timeless, inspiring story of choices and responsibility is set in a dystopian future, and follows the growth of a teenage artist with a disability, orphaned in a repressive society. She struggles to find her strength as she unravels the mysteries of her world; while facing internal doubt, survival, a monumental task and dilemma's that challenge her loyalty and safety. A tale about growing up and standing up.

If you can get to Mount Gretna, PA. I hope you will join us to see the birth of what I think is a really important and powerful piece. I'll write more in coming days about the remarkable theatre, creators, cast, design team, etc. I hope everyone will try to make it for what I hope will be the first of many productions.

I promise it will be worth your time.

Richard Hellesen, Michael Silversher, Joy Sikorski and Gretna

Theatre Artistic Director Thomas Cote at the talkback following

a developmental reading in March at Gretna Theatre.