"Atomic" the musical is making it's regional premiere in the Detroit area playing through March 6th at Meadow Brook Theatre in Rochester on the campus of Oakland University. The story focuses on "The Manhattan Project" and the race to make the world's first nuclear weapon. Tickets are available at 248-377-3300 at www.ticketmaster.com. Check the website for show dates and times.
As the U.S. races against Germany to build the ultimate weapon, Leo Szilard, an atomic mastermind struggles with the costs of his genius. Here's how producers describe the Off-Broadway hit:
The show is described as: "Ethics, scientific process and love all colliding with a rock beat."
Danny Ginges created "ATOMIC” and wrote the book and lyrics, with music and lyrics by Philip Foxman.
“I saw ‘ATOMIC’ in New York,” said Travis Walter, MBT artistic director and director of “ATOMIC.” “It was such an important time in history. No one working on the Manhattan Project could say what they were doing. These people were ultimately responsible for so much destruction, but they were trying to save lives. To see what this did to them-and have it done as a rock musical-was fascinating. I couldn’t wait to get it here!”
“This is a great opportunity for us,” said Cheryl Marshall, MBT managing director. “This play has only been performed in Sydney, Australia and off-Broadway in New York. We’re excited to give “Atomic” its first production not only in Michigan, but in a regional theatre anywhere.”
“ATOMIC” features many familiar, and a few new, faces to the MBT audience. Ron Williams plays Leo Szilard with Katy Kujala, Lucas Wells, Rusty Mewha, Chip DuFord, Stephanie Wahl, Richard Marlatt, Tobin Hissong, Kimberly Alley and Garett Michael Harris playing everyone from Enrico Fermi to J. Robert Oppenheimer, from scientists and soldiers to immigrants and citizens of New York, Germany and London, as “ATOMIC” hits the high notes of the atomic race.
“ATOMIC” is directed by Travis W. Walter with music direction by Andrew Peterson. Terry Carpenter is the stage manager, with set design by Brian Kessler, costumes by Liz Goodall, lighting by Reid G. Johnson and sound by Mike Duncan.
The band is conducted by Andrew Peterson, who also plays first synthesizer. Second synthesizer and guitar are played by Stacy Cleaveland with Sig Hepler on guitar, Allison Rhoades on violin, Joan Hovda on cello, Thomothy D. Martuch on bass, and Nick Matthews on percussion.
Believing that powerful stories make a difference both onstage and off, Meadow Brook Theatre is encouraging community members to make a gift to support the production and to share their World War II-era stories. Visit to help Meadow Brook Theatre continue to share powerful stories, http://www.mbtheatre.com/shareyourstory.
Tickets range from $27 to $42 and are available by calling the Meadow Brook Theatre box office at 248-377-3300 or going online at www.ticketmaster.com. Student discounts are available at the box office. Groups of eight or more should call 248-370-3316 for group pricing.
Meadow Brook Theatre is located on the campus of Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan.
(2200 N. Squirrel Road, Rochester, Michigan 48309)
Cast:
Leona Woods/Lena/Ensemble Katy Kujala
Edward Teller/Paul Tibbets/Ensemble Lucas Wells*
J. Robert Oppenheimer/ Ensemble Rusty Mewha*
Arthur Compton/Ensemble Chip DuFord*
Leo Szilard Ron Williams*
Trude Weiss/Laverne/Ensemble Stephanie Wahl*
Enrico Fermi/Ensemble Richard Marlatt*
General Groves/Ensemble Tobin Hissong*
Mae/Ensemble /Female Understudy Kimberly Alley
Ensemble/Male Understudy Garett Michael Harris
Director Travis Walter
Music Director/Conductor/1st synthesizer Andrew Peterson
Stage Manager Terry W. Carpenter*
Assistant Stage Manager Sarah Lin Warren*
Stage Management Intern Amy Skrodzki
Set Designer Brian Kessler
Costume Designer Liz Goodall
Lighting Designer Reid G. Johnson
Sound Designer Mike Duncan
2nd synthesizer Paul Clauson
Guitar Sig Hepler
Violin Allison Rhoades
Cello Joan Hovda
Bass Timothy D. Martuch
Percussion Nick Matthews
*Indicates member of Actors’ Equity Association
