Upcoming Shows

American Son and Songs for a New World

Rhinebeck Theatre Society is pleased to offer two shows in repertory this September, presented on the outdoor stage at The CENTER for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck. With the hit musical Songs for a New World (Jason Robert Brown) and American Son (Christopher Demos-Brown), we invite you to a conversation about the American Dream.

Songs for a New World features four powerhouse vocalists (Cheyenne See, Emily Woolever, Jovan Bradley, Matt Woolever) who cycle through a stunning collection of modern musical ingenuity. Each song presents a new narrative of hope, ambition, and/or reflection, widening and challenging our perspective of the American Experience while emphasizing the universal emotions that make us human. With music direction by Joanne and Paul Schubert, this team of CENTER veterans is not to be missed.

RTS has intentionally chosen to pair this popular musical with a play that holds new relevance in the wake of George Floyd’s murder and the rising momentum of the Black Lives Matter movement. Christopher Demos-Brown’s 2016 play offers a no-holds-barred discussion of systemic racism and police brutality as it follows a mixed-race couple’s efforts to locate their son following a traffic-stop incident. Featuring Jennelle Liscombe (Kendra Ellis-Connor), Joe Eriole as (Scott Connor), Dietz Thomas (Officer Paul Larkin), and Mark Colvson (Lieutenant John Stokes), this 90 minute play offers an an unrelenting challenge to the assumptions we each carry.

With both shows requiring only four actors and limited technical effects, we find they are particularly well-suited to the new realities for theater during the Covid-19 pandemic. As Americans across the country pause to reflect on where we are, in this moment, these productions highlight the potential of theater to participate, inform, and challenge those conversations. To quote Songs for a New World composer Jason Robert Brown, "It's about one moment. It's about hitting the wall and having to make a choice, or take a stand, or turn around and go back."

Directed by Jovan Bradley and Dot Luongo, shows run in repertory September 4-27, with all performances beginning at 7pm. Tickets are $20 each, or you can see both shows for $35. Audience members should arrive with masks and bring a blanket or lawn chairs. There will be no refreshments available to purchase, but patrons should feel encouraged to bring their own. If you cannot afford tickets, call the box office to inquire about ushering opportunities. For more information, visit centerforperformingarts.org or call 845-876-3080.