CONVENIENCE
Area Premiere
February 24 – March 19, 2006 – Hennepin Stages
Music, lyrics and book – Gregg Coffin
“Convenience” is a musical about family, the ties that bind and the ones we struggle to break. A single mom and her estranged son have news for each other, but neither can find the words nor the courage. She is remarrying, and he has a boyfriend. Will the doors between them be sealed forever, or will a new one open? During one funny, awkward, touching week, they come to realize what so many families discover: the things they feared would tear them apart end up bringing them closer together.
Director – Steven Meerdink
Musical Director – Kevin Hansen
Scenic Design – Steven Meerdink and Kevin Hansen
Costume Designer – Joshua Stevens
Light Designer – Lee Fiskness
Sound Designer – Tom Bothof
Rehearsal Accompanist – Emily Hanson
Prop Designer – Robbie Droddy
Stage Manager – Joyce Norman
Cast
Vince – J.C. Lippold
Liz – Susan Brodin
Ethan / Young Vince – Shaun Nathan Baer
Young Liz – Alison Mary Forbes
Abe – Duane Johnson
Reviews and Quotes
“Gregg Coffin’s musical is a worthy choice for Minneapolis Musical Theatre, which loves to premiere lesser-known shows. The tunes are pleasant and the story is involving and intimate – a fine fit for the small theater.” – Pioneer Press
“A sweet…variation on the coming-out story…Director Steven J. Meerdink stages a fast-moving and often witty production…” – Star Tribune
“Convenience…gets a solid Twin Cities premiere from the Minneapolis Musical Theatre. It’s an intimate, heartfelt show – one that is perfect both for MMT’s small downtown Minneapolis space and the talented cast and crew…Steven J. Meerdink and Kevin Hansen [have] crafted a show that is funny, moving and, most of all, honest.” – TalkinBroadway.com