Last Days of Summer 2018 - Articles Page 7

Kansas City Repertory Theatre launches its 2018/2019 season with the World Premiere musical, LAST DAYS OF SUMMER, September 7 - 30, 2018.

LAST DAYS is based on the book by author Steve Kluger, who also wrote the book and lyrics for this production. LAST DAYS OF SUMMER features music by Grammy winner Jason Howland, is directed and choreographed by Tony nominee Jeff Calhoun (Broadway's NEWSIES, KCRep's BETWEEN THE LINES), and is produced by special arrangement with Daryl Roth (Broadway's KINKY BOOTS and INDECENT, KCRep's BETWEEN THE LINES).

Starring in LAST DAYS OF SUMMER are Corey Cott (Broadway's BANDSTAND) as third baseman Charlie Banks, Emily Padgett (Broadway's SIDE SHOW) as Hazel MacKay, Robbie Alan Berson as Joey Margolis, Jim Kaplan as Craig Nakamura, and Chris Dwan as Stuke. Rounding out the cast of 15 are: Lauren Braton, Joseph Carr, Gary Neal Johnson, Katie Karel, Mike Ott, Josephine Pellow, Ben Priestland, Tim Scott, Emily Shackelford, and John-Michael Zuerlein.

The creative team for LAST DAYS OF SUMMER includes Set Design by Jason Sherwood, Costume Design by Loren Shaw, Lighting Design by Jen Schriever, Sound Design by Ken Travis, and Wig Design by Alison Hanks. Rick Hip-Flores will serve as Music Director and Paul McGill as Associate Director/Choreographer. Mary Honour is the Stage Manager.

Set in early 1940s Brooklyn, soon-to-be Bar Mitzvah boy, Joey Margolis and best friend, Craig Nakamura, write letters to their hero, New York Giants Charlie Banks, with the hope that Charlie will help them impress and suppress the neighborhood bullies.

An unlikely friendship is formed between the two boys and Charlie, and as they are there for each other through everything life throws at them and while the turbulent events at the dawn of World War II unfold, bonds are formed that will last forever. This new musical is a poignant and hilarious tale of baseball, the struggle to fit in, and the true gift of friendship.