Starkville Community Theatre’s annual summer musical revue aims to bring a dose of positivity to audiences at the Playhouse on Main later this month.
Created and directed by Brian Hawkins, “Brand New Day: Music to Brighten Your Tomorrow” features a musical lineup of uplifting, comical and inspirational songs from a variety of genres, including pop and rock, Broadway, standards and movies. Performances are set for 7:30 p.m. July 26 and 27, 2 p.m. July 28 and 7:30 p.m. from Aug. 1-3.
“Every day, we see so much negativity in the world — political scandal, disease, death, war, terrorism and general discord. Amid all this, we still have the stress of daily life, and it’s often easy to let things get to you,” said Hawkins. “Sometimes you need a little break from it all — a little time to remind you laugh, love and embrace all the wonderful things in life.”
That’s what the cast and production team of “Brand New Day” hopes the audiences who see the show will experience, Hawkins said.
“Music, in a variety of ways, is very therapeutic. There several songs that help me forget about my troubles for a bit and feel better just for hearing them,” Hawkins said. “That may be true for a lot of people. Our show features music to make our audiences smile. That is our goal with this production.”
With musical direction by Gwyen Elizabeth Sutphin and staging and assistant direction by Pattye Archer, “Brand New Day” features a talented cast of SCT veterans and newcomers, including Michele Crescenzo, M.J. Etua, Madeline Golden, Amanda Gronewald, Peyton Jackson, Brenda Mayor, Brittany Page, Lynn Peterson and Hawkins himself.
“I could not ask for a better group of performers and production team for this show. They are all amazing and each bring something special to the production,” Hawkins said.
Tickets for “Brand New Day” cost $25 per person will go on sale for SCT season ticket holders beginning at 8 a.m. Monday and for the general public beginning at 8 a.m. Thursday. Reservations for seats may be made by calling the SCT box office at (662) 323-6855.
