Niles West Theatre Opens 2015-16 Season with "Songs for a New World"

The Niles West Theatre Department opens the 2015-16 season with “Songs for New World,” a musical that is about, as its composer, Tony Award-winner Jason Robert Brown says, “… hitting the wall and having to make a choice, or take a stand, or turn around and go back.” This is the 3rd annual Thespian-produced production, and will be performed in the Black Box Theatre at Niles West, 5701 W. Oakton, Skokie from September 10 through 12. Showtimes are 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, September 11 and 12. A free community performance will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, September 10. Tickets are $10 for adults, and $7 for senior citizens and students. Visit www.nileswesttheatre.com to purchase tickets. The production contains adult language and situations. Viewer discretion is advised.

“Songs for a New World” features a rousing score of pop, gospel and jazz. Scenes range from the deck of a 1492 sailing ship bound for a new world, to the 57th story ledge of a New York penthouse, with characters from young men dreaming of becoming basketball players, to a woman who marries the man of her dreams only to find herself in a soulless marriage.

The cast includes: Stephanie Gubin, Grant Kilian, Alana Knobel, Richmond Landicho, Nicole Miller, Jimbo Pestano, Anthony Saldana and Sarah Zasso.

“Songs for a New World” is directed by Andy Sinclair. Student designers/crew include: Camille Rowe, Assistant Director; Elisabeth Schapmann, Co-Scenic Designer; Negin Motlagh, Co-Costume Designer; Ross Nelson, Co-Sound Designer; Emma Ryan, Stage Manager; Samantha-Abbie Padillo, Assistant Stage Manager; Kris Valentin, Costume Head; Sarah Flynn, Head Carpenter; Danny Yang, Master Electrician; Amanda Pusateri, Paint Lead; Cosette Nowik, Assistant Paint Lead; Cameron Koniarski, Sound Lead (instrumental); Asha Lodhi, Sound Lead (vocal); and Crew: David Bittar, Mikey Edelstein, Elissa Hoffman, Muhammad Javed, Brendan O’Shaughnessy, Riley Pranian, and Hannah Williams.

The production team includes Julie Crossen, Vocal Director/Association Director; Mackay Dufour, Technical Director/Set Designer; Kimberly Morris, Costume/Properties Design; Charlotte Rathke, Lighting Design; Stefanie Akwa, Lighting Assistan;, Aaron Shapiro, Sound Design; Kerry Wall, Dance Choreography; Deanna Sortino, Poster Design; and Jackie Garvey, Box Office Management.