Witness Uganda-staged reading last week

[CukorLover]

Posted: 10/30/14 at 12:08am

I'm surprised no one has mentioned this from last week ( perhaps no one saw it) considering how much effort and money went into this "staged reading." I imagine it cost close to 100K to produce.

This is the first time I went to a reading of a new musical, only to find they had a 10 piece band ( including 4 strings) in the house. It was performed at the Gibney Dance Studio in downtown Manhattan, and was quite impressive. The music is terrific, bouncing back and forth from it's African rhythms to gospel and pop. The ensemble was electric, but unfortunately, weren't given enough to do. I actually had the feeling I was sitting in on a cast recording, the sound was that good.

Leads Julian Thomas III and Adam Kantor carried the show with conviction and strong chops, and a special shout out to ensemble member, Amber Iman, who blew the roof off the place.

Director Diane Paulus smartly kept the staging simple, actors carrying scripts, sitting, etc., but the result was electrifying to say the least. Kudos to choreographer Darrell Grand Moultrie for keeping the movement simple, yet very effective.

This show was developed and had its premiere at A.R.T last season, and now Broadway producer Kevin McCollum, is hoping for a Broadway run.

The show is based on the real life experiences of authors, Griffin Matthews and Matt Gould and their volunteer work in Uganda. The story runs all over the place and still needs further work, but the music is glorious!

Updated On: 10/30/14 at 12:08 AM

[dramamama611]

Posted: 10/30/14 at 5:48am

I, sadly, missed this in Boston, but heard simply amazing things about it. I've been hoping it would resurface.

[Kad]

Posted: 10/30/14 at 8:32am

Staged readings / developmental labs like this often cost that much. It's a pitch to investors.

[RippedMan]

Posted: 10/30/14 at 1:18pm

Sounds like a perfect show for 2nd Stage or the Public.

[inception]

Posted: 10/30/14 at 3:22pm

They are presenting this on Nov 14 in Seattle with Intiman trying to drum up support. I'm guessing with local musicians. It is open to the public and good seats are still available, but unfortunately it is a Friday and I don't think I can get off work early enough to get down to Seattle to see it.

[VernonGersch]

Posted: 10/30/14 at 11:57pm

I wish these guys the best - throughly enjoyed the show at the ART last year

Curious to hear how Griffin and Matt are involved.

Routing for these guys and this show.

[anmiller07]

Posted: 3/9/15 at 7:11am

Has anyone heard anything else about a Broadway or Off-Broadway transfer?

[anmiller07]

Posted: 5/7/15 at 2:09pm

INVISIBLE THREAD, Previously Titled WITNESS UGANDA, and Kenny Leon-Helmed SMART PEOPLE Set for Second Stage's 2015-16 Season

[Wee Thomas2]

Posted: 5/8/15 at 8:03am

RippedMan with the great prediction!

 

 

but what a terrible name change

Updated On: 5/8/15 at 08:03 AM

[The Josh]

Posted: 5/8/15 at 8:58am

Loved it in Cambridge, can't wait to see how it's changed!  Name change sure seems like a downgrade though.