Rockwall Summer Musicals announces 2013 season

Season opens with 1776, America’s Prize Winning Musical

Nonprofit group continues to grow in scope and ambition

(ROCKWALL-March 17, 2013) Entering into its third year of producing lavish, popular family musicals, Rockwall Summer Musicals is busy preparing for Summer 2013.

In concert with area Independence Day celebrations, RSM will debut its season with 1776, America’s Prize Winning Musical June 27-30. This captivating show tells the story of our country’s founding in a way that will inform as it entertains all ages.

rsm — Rockwall Summer Musicals’ board members Erica Lyle (left) and Julie Pflieger model two of the many elaborate costumes under consideration for this season’s shows.

Filled with an inspiring, harmonious score by Sherman Edwards and characters costumed in grand Colonial Williamsburg style, this production will stir the soul of every lover of the “American Story.” Well-known theatre icon, Becky Henderson, takes the lead Director spot for this presentation, assuring audiences that the show will be overflowing with her signature creativity.

SAR_2_Group — Daughters and Sons of the American Revolution partnered with RSM for 1776. They will present colonial flag displays, character reenactments, a fife and drum vignette and a revolutionary presentation of the colors during the show’s run.

Daughters and Sons of the American Revolution partnered with RSM for the season debut. They will present colonial flag displays, character reenactments, fife and drum vignette and a revolutionary presentation of the colors during the show’s run.

“The award winning, theatrical presentation of 1776 defines patriotism at its core and there is no better pair of organizations to authenticate our show,” said RSM president David Johnson. “It’s not only an entertaining history refresher for adults and introduction for children, but our alliance brings that era to life on stage.”

The musical story of our country’s founding is a stirring prelude to Independence Day with large portions of spoken and sung dialog taken directly from letters and memoirs of actual participants. Producing a period show always presents special challenges, both logistical and monetary.

“Costumes, sets and props must look absolutely authentic since we’re telling a tale rooted in history. And, successfully dressing all the male players in great-looking colonial wigs is another huge project by itself,” Henderson laughed.

Rounding out the season will be the Rodgers and Hammerstein extravaganza, The King and I August 15-18. A huge cast (including 12 children!), an incomparable score, dazzling dance and lavish costumes and set only enhance the beautiful underlying message of cooperation, acceptance and love purveyed by this favorite musical. Barbara Doubt will again provide her talents and direction to bring this masterpiece to fruition.

Both productions will perform at the group’s home venue, the Rockwall High School Performing Arts Center at Utley, 1201 TL Townsend.

Rockwall Summer Musicals’ officials tease that there will be numerous enhancements in store for this season’s audiences. From technical enhancements, box office improvements, and yes, audience comforts, patrons will be sure to appreciate RSM’s continual attention and response to customer feedback.

Open Auditions

RSM will hold open auditions for each show April 20-21 and June 8-9, respectively, at First United Methodist Church of Rockwall, 1200 East Yellow Jacket, Building B, Second Floor.