WEIRD ROMANCE

Area Premiere

February 1 – 25, 2002 – Bryant Lake Bowl Cabaret Theater

Music – Alan Menken
Lyrics – David Spencer
Book – Alan Brennert & David Spencer

Just in time for Valentines Day, and from the composer of the off-Broadway smash Little Shop of Horrors and the Disney hit musicals The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast and Aladdin, comes this rarely seen musical gem.  Weird Romance provides us with two one-act musicals of speculative fiction, each pondering the meaning of love in the 21st century, a time when fantastical future technologies intertwine with human relationships in ways that are sometimes funny, sometimes touching, sometimes tragic, but always fascinating.  Never before has “what would happen if …” been so powerful or so moving.  Alan Menken’s music soars as he takes us to worlds and events we can only imagine.

Director – Steven Meerdink
Musical Director – Kevin Hansen

Cast
Shannara / Technician / Make-Up Specialist / Beggar / Assistant / Bride / Susan Granville – Heidi Berg
Fan / Muggar / Dialect Coach / Assistant / Carol Drayton – Deborah Draheim
Paul / Johnny Beaumont – Garry Geiken
Zanth / Paramedic / Technician / Movement Coach / Daniel Gaddis – Kevin Hansen
P. Burke / Rebecca – Susan Nickel
Dr. Theodore S. Isham / Chuck / Ruskin -Paul Reyburn
Fan / Delphi / Nola – Suzanne Reyburn
Fan / Paramedic / Technician / Reporter / Director / Dr. Kevin Drayton – Alan Sorenson
Joe Hopkins / Boxer / Lester -Mitchell J. Thompson

Musicians
Mindy Eschedor (Piano)
Tony Schiefert (Percussion)
Chris Houston (Percussion Alternate)

“Directed by Steven J. Meerdink, in what is possibly his finest work, there are several outstanding performances here, specifically from Paul Reyburn as Isham, Gary Geiken as Paul, Kevin Hansen in four roles and Suzanne Reyburn as Delphi.  The real reason this is so terrific, however, is Susan Nickel’s performance as P. Burke.  Gifted with a clear, lyrical voice, this is one of those singers who renews your faith in musical theater talent, just when you thought it was left to those who can’t phrase properly, think through a lyric or most important, project!  This performance alone is the reason to see Weird Romance.  Weird Romance isn’t really all that weird, but it’s worth being cramped into the Bryant Lake Bowl for a lovely night of nontraditional Musical Theater.  I’m telling everyone I know to see it.  You should, too!” – On the Purple Circuit

“Minneapolis Musical Theatre stretches in a different direction … with Weird Romance — one that forces them into psychological plot, mystery and pathos. Paul Reyburn portrays the GTX boss with a steely coldness. Suzanne Reyburn is great as Delphi, who must learn the gait, breathy accent and phony elan of celebrity. She’s also a great singer, as is Susan Nickel, who plays P. Burke.” – Minneapolis Star Tribune