Shenandoah Conservatory’s New Works Incubator initiative will present a staged reading of “Boundless: A New Musical” at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 5, in Ruebush Hall, Room 128. The musical’s book, music and lyrics were written by Mary Fishburne and the staged reading is directed by New York City-based actor, writer, director and producer Colin Hanlon. There will be an artist talk-back following the afternoon event.
“It is an invaluable experience for our students to not only work with a New York City-based director, but to be some of the first people to sing these songs,” said Charles B. Levitin Chair in Musical Theatre, Director of Musical Theatre, Coordinator for Musical Theatre Recruitment and Associate Professor of Theatre Kevin Covert, B.F.A.
“Boundless” is a fictionalized exploration of the West Nickel Mines Amish School tragedy, and how friendship, fearlessness and forgiveness emerge in the most unexpected ways. The story takes place 10 years after the tragedy as Willa King, a survivor, is in her Rumspringa. As she ventures into the outside world hoping to find clarity that will inform her baptismal decision, Willa meets Sofia, the killer’s daughter. The bond and common ground that they share builds more than just a friendship. Sofia and Willa inspire confidence in each other to look within for answers and be brave enough to follow an inner voice, guiding each girl toward the life they’ve always sought.
Colin Hanlon is an actor, writer, director and producer living in New York City. He most recently directed “Kowalski” by Gregg Ostrin off-Broadway at the Duke on 42nd Street and “I Love You Because – A Queer Retelling.” He also directed “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” and co-directed “It’s Only a Play” at George Street Playhouse. He is the co-producer and star of “Submissions Only.” He is also an adjunct professor at NYU New Studio, LIU, Stella Adler and Cap 21. He teaches auditioning and self-tape technique at his private studio. Hanlon is still a working actor as he has been on “Modern Family,” “Difficult People,” “The Sinner,” “The Good Fight” and currently “Uncoupled” on Showtime. Broadway credits include “Falsettos,” “Rent,” “Wicked” (first national tour) and “In Transit.” Off-Broadway credits include the New York City premiere of “Dot” by Colman Domingo (Vineyard Theater, directed by Susan Stroman), A.R. Gurney’s last play “Final Follies” directed by David Saint (Cherry Lane) and “I Love You Because” (original cast).
Mary Fishburne graduated from Vanderbilt University with a Bachelor of Arts in vocal performance and organizational development and holds a master’s degree from Temple University in musical theatre. Favorite acting credits include “Once” (Arden), “Snow Queen” (Arden), “Lungs” (Village Rep), “My Fair Lady” (Virginia Stage Co), “South Pacific” (Dock Street Theatre) and more than 40 shows in Charleston, South Carolina, where she enjoyed life as an actor, musical director and choreographer. Other Charleston favorites are “Tell Me on a Sunday” with Midtown Productions (winner of Theatre Charleston’s Best Actress in a Musical and nominee of Charleston City Paper’s Best Piccolo Show). Fishburne has 20 years of experience in educational theatre, which helped inspire the musical “Boundless.” Fishburne resides in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, with her family and works as a theatre artist and as a voice consultant for DBG consulting firm. Fishburne has extended a special thank you to Kevin Covert for his belief in the piece and to Cristina Mandell for being a champion of the show. Visit www.maryfishburne.com to learn more.
The New Works Incubator initiative offers students the opportunity to work with new material, guest artists and/or innovative ideas and techniques that prepare them for today’s rapidly changing industry.
