
American Musical Voices Project: Part Three
And the Curtain Rises
by Michael Slade, Joseph Thalken, & Mark Campbell
Ever wonder how the first musical was created?
Well, if And the Curtain Rises is to be believed, the process was fraught with confusion, disorder, and a whole lot of humor. And the Curtain Rises, a valentine to musical comedy, is a classic backstage comedy about the creation of the first American musical. In 1866, producer William Wheatley finds his play a disaster, the actors in revolt, the costumes and scenery destroyed and his production in shambles. When a fire at the theater next door leaves a French ballet troupe stranded without funds in New York City, Wheatley decides to turn sour apples into apple sauce, adds a touch of music and dance—et voilà, the American musical is born.
“Signature’s American Musical Voice Project is the most ambitious embrace of new musical theater in the DC region.” —The Washington Post
Cast Members
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Erik Altemus
George C. Boniface
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Anna Kate Bocknek
Marie Bonfant
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Kristen Calgaro
Justine
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Kevin Carolan
C.H. Morton
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Alma Cuervo
Mme. Grimaud
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Nick Dalton
William Wheatley
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Suzanne Darling
Gabrielle
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Erick Devine
Jeremiah Burnett
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William Diggle
James Timoney
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Greer Gisy
Regine
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Laura Keller
Jacqueline
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Rachel Schur
Simone
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Jennifer Smith
Rose Morton
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Brian Sutherland
Roman Korda
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Sean Thompson
Charles Barras
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Rebecca Watson
Millicent Cavendish
Creative Team
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Book by
Michael Slade
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Music and Orchestrations by
Joseph Thalken
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Lyrics by
Mark Campbell
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Directed by
Kristin Hanggi
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Choreographer
Josh Walden
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Music Director
Boko Suzuki
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Scenic Design
Beowulf Boritt
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Costume Design
Kathleen Geldard
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Lighting Design
Colin K. Bills
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Sound Design
Matt Rowe
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Production Stage Manager
William E. Cruttenden III
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Assistant Stage Manager
Kristy Matero