Brand New Life: A Dust Bowl Musical

By Laurie Brooks/Paul Carrol Binkley

Directed by Diane Lutz

This is the world premiere of this show. The authors will be attending early rehearsals and the opening to work and celebrate with the cast and crew on this once in a lifetime opportunity.

Brand New Life: A Dust Bowl Musical tells the story of Ellie, a girl with the gift of “sight” who wishes she could be an ordinary girl. During the Dust Bowl, Ellie and her family—Mama, Daddy, and younger brother Robert—struggle to save their farm. When a young rainmaker fails to bring the rain, Daddy disappears. Ellie sets out to bring him home, a journey that presents her with anger and fear. She meets three people along the way—a famous aviator, a woman who understands hope, and a man who lost his home in the Dust Bowl—who change her life. This uplifting story is filled with hope, courage, humor, and memorable music, creating a lasting picture of one brave family who endured the challenges of the Dust Bowl.

Produced by Beaver Dam Area Community Theatre at BDACT Fine Arts Center, 117 West Maple Ave., Beaver Dam

Performances: April 5-14, 2024

Performance Times:
Thursday | April 11 | 7:30 pm
Fridays | April 5 & 12 | 7:30 pm
Saturdays | April 6 & 13 | 7:30 pm
Sundays | April 7 & 14 | 2:00 pm

Ticket Prices: $17, $22, $24

Call (920) 885-6891 for reservations or more information.

Auditions

Auditions will be held on the following days:

1/14/2024
1/15/2024
1/16/2024

See details and sign up at bdact.org/brand-new-life

Performers interested in auditioning should plan to meet in Encore Hall at 6:30pm on one of the scheduled audition nights, January 14-16. After a brief warm-up and information session from the Director, you’ll be asked to participate in a short movement session with the choreographer, complete a script reading for the Direction Team, and sing a prepared song of your choosing. If choosing a song from the show, music will be available in the BDACT Box Office after January 4. We are looking forward to seeing your strengths and creative performance choices!

A SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY
Laurie Brooks and Paul Carrol Binkley will visit early rehearsals and attend the opening weekend performances.

Questions about the production? Interested in playing guitar or bass in the instrumental ensemble?
Contact Diane Lutz
Characters
4 women, 4 men, 1 child, and an ensemble.
Ellie – 18 years old
Robert – Ellie’s brother, 10 years old
Mama – Ellie and Robert’s mother, 30s, very pregnant
Roy – Ellie and Robert’s father, late 30s
Cole – 20 years old
Tom – 50s, town authority
Maisie – Tom’s wife, 50s
Pilot – late 20s
Ma Blackburn – late 60s