A new musical Alien8, written by Kate Brennan and David Lee White, was developed with and written for teenagers and speaks to the intergenerational views of gender, identity and inclusion within an anthem of belonging, love and acceptance. Written in the style of Dear Evan Hansen, Be More Chill and Heathers, it’s performed by the Playhouse Youth Company at Bucks County Playhouse from Thursday, July 27 through Sunday, July 30, at 11 a.m. and 7 p.m.
A hit last summer with an all-student cast, Alien8 tells the story of a small town that has to change when a mysterious new student enters its high school. Directed and choreographed by Kara Jönsson, with musical direction by Kyle Duke, Alien8 features a contemporary score performed by the Playhouse Youth Orchestra and a diverse cast of characters. The show challenges the audience to think deeply about who they really are, who they want to be, and how to reconcile differences between present and future selves.
“We are excited to remount this beautiful show for our BCP audiences and for our Youth Company to bring it 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.”
Composers Brennan, of York, and Lee White, of Bordentown, New Jersey, workshopped Alien8 at McCarter Theater in Princeton, New Jersey. A student production was also presented 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. Youth Company participants this year represent 12 different high schools and middle schools in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. The cast includes:
– Mia Alicea, Benjamin Rush Arts Academy
– Felix Arnstein, Central Bucks East High School
– Helena Badiali, Central Bucks East High School
– Skylar Carter, New Hope-Solebury High School
– Jessica Daley, Pennsbury High School
– Atticus Fiorito, Delaware Valley Regional High School
– Sofia Ines Garcia, Lawrence High School
– Amanda Garvey, Central Bucks East High School
– Izzy Hoskins, Council Rock High School North
– Liam Quinn Jackson, North Penn High School
– Athena Matthes, Pennsbury High School
– Bella Matthes, Pennwood Middle School
– Maya Micsion, Council Rock High School North
– Michael Murphy, Council Rock High School South
– Liam Neill, Pennsbury High School
– Bridget Parker, New Hope-Solebury High School
– Elli Vallow, Solebury School
The Youth Company Orchestra includes Kyle Duke (keys), Zach Dessel (bass), Brendan Adames (drums), Jake Noble (guitar), Nicole Fassold (violin) and Andrian Harabaru (cello).
Cassi Daley (Pennsbury High School) is student assistant director. Paul Miller is lighting and visual design consultant. Costume designer is Michaela Murphy. Mackenzie Seewagen is production stage manager.
Single tickets to Alien8 are on sale now. Tickets start at $15 for children and $20 for adults, plus fees. Patrons save 20 percent off 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.
