What do you get when you take four captivating stories created by teen radio producers, let another team of teens adapt them into original musicals, and bring in even more teens to remotely direct, produce, and perform these new musicals—during a pandemic?
We’re about to find out!
This event will be the culmination of eight months of collaboration between 45 Rising Star Project teens, working together to create, produce, and present these new works—inspired by 21 Chump Street, a 2014 Lin-Manuel Miranda mini-musical based on a 2012 NPR This American Life episode, as well as the interview-devised storytelling that shaped Broadway sensation Come From Away.
At 7 PM on May 8 and May 9, The 5th’s Rising Star Project, in collaboration with KUOW’s RadioActive Youth Media, will present a two-day festival of new musicals via Facebook Live. Post-performance discussions will delve into the student narratives that the musicals explore and allow audiences to join the dialogue about issues important and relevant to young people.
click here for the program for this weekend’s performances!
Bad Trip
Book and lyrics by Ana Hiciano de Gongora
Music by Tony McCahill
Inspired by "Sober for 27 years. Now her son is experimenting with drugs" by Enya Garcia
Jared, a young man struggling with an addiction to over-the-counter medicines accidentally overdoses. His mother, with whom he has an estranged relationship, responds accordingly— and unexpectedly.
GUT FEELING
Music by Emily Saletan
Book by Lilly Grey Rudge
Inspired by “Attack of the angry colon: How I deal with my chronic illness” by Kamil Saad
After grappling for five years with a debilitating chronic illness, Kamil Saad decides to undergo a life changing surgery. When Kamil is forced to face his greatest fear, a supersized personification of his colon, only one question remains... Should he trust his gut?
content advisories can be found here
THE PEN WITH FOUR COLORS
Music by James McGough and Lucas Oktay
Book by Morgan Gwertzman
Inspired by "I was the saddest kid. The tears finally slowed when I started writing" by Tre'vion Sinclair
Writing, friendship, and toxic masculinity: A bold, colorful look at a middle schooler's journey toward self-confidence.
Beyond the Boundaries
By Lydia Hayes
Inspired by “The racist practice of mispronouncing names” by Keya Roy, Zuheera Ali, and Medha Kumar
In the future where society is split into groups and people are given memory-blocking pills, #117—a Group D member—is confronted by a stranger who urges #117 to escape the city with her. But their escape doesn't go as planned.
content advisories can be found here
RadioActive Musicals is made possible through a partnership with:
Rising Star Project is a tuition-free education program made possible by a generous grant from:
The Sheri and Les Biller Family Foundation
SUPPORTING SPONSORS
Banner Bank
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4Culture
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* Deceased