Spring opera scenes: Songs for a New World

Augustana College will present spring opera scenes: "Songs For a New World" at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 21-22, directed by Michelle Crouch with stage direction by Maureen Holmes.

The work of musical theatre by Jason Robert Brown first was produced off-Broadway in 1995. It includes songs he had written for other venues and events, resulting in "neither musical play nor revue, it is closer to a theatrical song cycle, a very theatrical song cycle" (The Guide to Musical Theatre).

About the series of stories in the work Brown has said, "It's about one moment. It's about hitting the wall and having to make a choice, or take a stand, or turn around and go back."

The cast includes Ariela Policastro, Katie Griswold, Cami Myers, Izzy Bartscher, Ryan J. Hurdle, AJ Weber, Brycen Witt and Brian Heffernan

Musicians are Mitchell Carter, percussion; Pete Philhower, drums; Devon White, bass; and Michelle Crouch, piano.

Zach Myatt is in charge of lights; Gabe Ziegler, sound; and Emily Keiner, stage manager.

Program

Act I

1. The New World
2. On the Deck of a Spanish Sailing Ship, 1492
3. Just One Step
4. I’m Not Afraid of Anything
5. The River Won’t Flow
6a. Transition 1: A New World Calls me In the Darkness
6b. Stars and the Moon
7. She Cries
8. Steam Train

Act II

9. The World Was Dancing
10. Surabaya-Santa
11. Christmas Lullaby
12. King of the World
13. I’d Give It All For You
14a. Transition 2: A New World Promised It Would Teach Me
14b. The Flagmaker, 1775
15. Flying Home
16a.Transition 3: It’s About One Moment
16b. Finale: Hear My Song