2014 PLAY READING SERIES
August 12, 2014 @ 7:30 p.m.
MARKED, THE MUSICAL
by Libba Beauchman
directed by Nancy Renee
Stella Adler Theatre
Phenix City, Alabama. 1954. With gambling, flashing lights, liquor and girls, it's reputation as “Sin City” was no exaggeration. But one night changed everything. Through murder, lies, love and hope, Ruth learns the hard way that in Phenix City, no one gets a fair deal. Inspired by actual events, Markedis a musical with a film noir flair that brings this wide open river town and its secrets to the stage.
About the Playwright
Elizabeth Beauchamp is a young playwright with several short works that have been performed in the Southern United States, New York and Los Angeles. Her one act "An Idle Fancy" won first place at Towne Street Theatre's 5th Annual 10 Minute Play Festival where she also received the opportunity to have a staged reading of her new musical "Marked." This piece began as a Senior project during Elizabeth's undergraduate studies at Columbus State University in Columbus, Georgia, and was inspired by the infamous history of the nearby river town, Phenix City, Alabama. Elizabeth's composer, Liliya Ugay, is a renowned pianist and also an alumni of Columbus State University. Together, they have crafted this musical since Fall of 2012.
About the Composer
Liliya Ugay is an award-winning pianist and composer whose works have been performed in the Ukraine, Russia, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Switzerland, Italy, Germany, and the United States. Originally from Uzbekistan, she graduated from the Uspensky Special Music School for gifted children in Tashkent. In 2010, Liliya was awarded the prestigious Woodruff scholarship at Columbus State University’s Schwob School of Music. Presently, Liliya is pursuing her Bachelor of Music degree under the tutelage of renowned concert pianist Alexander Kobrin. Among Liliya’s competition prizes are: first place at the National MTNA Young Artist Composition Competition, second prize at the Verfemte Music International Piano Competition (Germany), second prize at the Crystal Camerton Youth Composition Competition (supported by the Union of composers of Russia and the Moscow Tchaikovsky Conservatory), the Esta Kirkey award at the 14th International Beethoven Piano Sonata Competition, and many more. Currently, Liliya is working with librettist Libba Beaucham on the production of the musical Marked. In fall 2014 Liliya will begin the Masters program in composition at the Yale School of Music.
July 22, 2014 @ 8:00 p.m.
BUBAS & BAREFOOT IN THE STORM
by Barbara White Morgan
directed by Kim Harrington
Stella Adler Theatre
It's the late sixties and passions are fueled by a potentially deadly confrontation between a black revolutionary, a successful black businessman and his socialite wife.
About the Playwright