Alien8, an original musical that had its regional theater debut on the Bucks County Playhouse stage in 2022, is returning on Thursday, July 27 through Sunday, July 30, at 11 a.m. and 7 p.m.
The synopsis is: A buried secret and a community determined to keep it that way, when a catastrophic event twists, breaks and reshapes every facet of their lives, a mysterious stranger appears who seems to know them better than they know themselves.
Written by Kate Brennan and David Lee White, directed and choreographed by Kara Jönsson, with musical direction by Kyle Duke, and student assistant director Cassi Daley (Pennsbury High School), Alien8 is a new contemporary musical written in the style of Dear Evan Hansen, Be More Chill and Heathers. It tells the story of a wounded town reckoning with their shame and finding connection through forgiveness.
Featuring a contemporary score performed by the Youth Company Orchestra and a diverse cast of characters, Alien8 challenges us to think deeply about who we really are, who we want to be, and how to reconcile differences between our present and future selves. Alien8 was developed with and written for teenagers, and speaks to intergenerational views of gender, identity and inclusion within an anthem of belonging, love and acceptance.
“We are excited to remount this beautiful show for our BCP audiences to enjoy and for our Youth Company to bring back to the Playhouse stage. Alien8 covers a variety of topics and themes that are relevant and meaningful to anyone growing up during changing times, and we love how the show David and Kate created resonates so deeply with people of all ages,” said Michaela Murphy, Playhouse director of education. “We hope everyone will join us to discover for the first time, or to once again experience, the sophistication, heart and hope in this beautiful new musical about finding forgiveness and the strength to face an uncertain future.”
The composers Brennan, of York, and White, of Borden, New Jersey, workshopped Alien8 at McCarter Theater in Princeton, New Jersey. A student production debuted at Drexel University.
The Playhouse Youth Company production of Alien8 features a cast consisting of 17 local performers ages 13-18 who are selected by audition for this conservatory-style training program. The cast includes:
– Mia Alicea, Benjamin Rush Arts Academy
– Felix Arnstein, Central Bucks East High School
– Helena Badiali, Central Bucks East High School
– Jessica Daley, Pennsbury High School
– Atticus Fiorito, Delaware Valley Regional High School
– Sofia Garcia, Lawrence High School
– Amanda Garvey, Central Bucks East High School
– Isabelle Hoskins, Council Rock North High School
– Liam Jackson, North Penn High School
– Riley Malone, Central Bucks West High School
– Athena Matthes, Pennsbury High School
– Bella Matthews, Pennwood Middle School
– Maya Micsion, Council Rock High School North
– Michael Murphy, Council Rock High School South
– Bridget Parker, New Hope-Solebury High School
– Jacob Rabinowitz, Pennsbury High School
– Elli Anna Vallow, Solebury School
Single tickets to Alien8 are on sale now. Tickets start at $15 for children (18 and under) and $20 for adults, plus fees. Patrons save 20 percent when buying four or more tickets. Special rates for groups of 10 or more. Visit BucksCountyPlayhouse.org or call 215-862-2121 for tickets and more information.
