'Til Death Do Us Part and War of the Stars

First, in ‘Til Death Do Us Part, the King and Queen of the Underworld must find a suitable match for their daughter - her ‘amor.’ This original myth, inspired by Dia de los Muertos, explores love and sacrifice with heartfelt and hilarious flair.

Then, in War of the Stars, the biggest science fiction movie of all time (you know the one!), is coming to Broadway. Or is it? The actors are fighting, the robot keeps breaking, the light saber battle is a mess, and the production crew is desperate! Director Shank Handles has to pull the whole thing together if he wants to have a smash hit instead of a black hole.

The musicals explore universal themes such as family and acceptance, but they also challenge audiences to look beyond a label – to simply see actors performing at their very best!

“Performing onstage opens up a new world of possibilities for our actors,” says Artistic Director and Co-Founder, Patricia Woolsey. “They never imagined they could become an astronomer, or a famous movie star, but onstage they can be all of those people – and more! It really boosts their confidence and expands their worldview offstage.”

The actors, volunteer mentors, and professional staff collaborate to create an original musical based on their own ideas. The actors create their own characters and improvise scenes, a unique aspect of ArtStream’s Inclusive Theatre process that gives participants ownership of the production. Once the script has been finalized, lines are memorized, blocking is practiced, and songs and choreography are mastered. The final production, complete with set, lights, and costumes, is performed for the public.

Now in its 9th season of Inclusive Theatre, ArtStream produces seven original musicals each year, showcasing 135 adults with disabilities in Virginia, Maryland, and North Carolina.

Find tickets for ‘Til Death Do Us Part and War of the Stars, as well as further information about ArtStream at www.art-stream.org.