“Crossing Over,” the Amish hip hop musical, returns to UNL for a full staged reading at 7:30 p.m. March 13 in the Johnny Carson Theater of the Lied Center for Performing Arts.
Nationally acclaimed writers Stephanie Salzman and Deborah Brevoort will join the cast and crew of “Crossing Over” for an extensive residency intended to further develop the new Broadway musical. This event marks the newest installment of the Lied Center’s new works development program, better known as “Grow a Show.”
“Crossing Over” first exploded at the Lied Center in September when it was selected out of more than 100 submissions to be a featured production in the ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers) New Musical Theater Workshop. These workshops, held only in New York, Los Angeles and Lincoln, identify shows with a potential Broadway trajectory and provide their writers the opportunity to present their work to a panel of experts for feedback. After participating in the workshop process, mentored by Michael Kerker (director of musical theatre for ASCAP) and Broadway professionals Matthew Sklar, Chad Beguelin and Karen Morrow, “Crossing Over” writers Stephanie Salzman and Deborah Brevoort returned to their homes in New York to further develop the work and to prepare for their return to Nebraska and a full staged reading in the Johnny Carson Theater.
“The Lied Center has a long history of creating, commissioning, and helping to develop new work,” said Bill Stephan, executive director of the Lied Center. “We are thrilled to add musical theater to the long list of art forms that our team and collaborators are working to develop. The ‘Grow a Show’ program aligns with the Lied Center’s mission to not only present great art, but to be a place that fresh and innovative work is born.”
Salzman and Brevoort will return to Nebraska for a 10-day residency, culminating in the staged reading workshop production of “Crossing Over,” featuring a combination of local and UNL talent.
“Crossing Over” tells the story of Rebecca, an Amish girl with a passion for music. When she meets Reverend Blue, an ex-gang member turned itinerant hip hop preacher, she is swept up into his street corner “Hymn Hops,” leading to media attention and the ire of her family and community. Rebecca is offered a recording deal and must make a choice between the safety of the life she’s known or the possibility of a life she’s always dreamed of.
Perfect for anyone who’s ever hoped for something more, “Crossing Over” explores the needs of the individual vs. the needs of a community, cross-cultural relationships, and the ties that bind us all.
“As a director, it’s so unique to have the opportunity to work this closely with the show’s writers and to be an active participant in the creative process,” said Becky Key Boesen, director of “Crossing Over.” “The show is constantly changing and evolving and the cast and crew are an integral part of that process. As an artist, it is incredibly inspiring and rewarding to be a part of this ‘Grow a Show’ project.”
“We are embarking on an exciting time at the Lied Center,” Stephan said. “The ‘Grow a Show’ program continues to solidify the Lied Center’s national reputation as ‘the place’ to develop new Broadway musicals. Lincoln is not only bursting at the seams with incredible talent, visiting artists see it as a safe place to show new work to the public. They can take chances and try new things here without the risk of being exposed to the scrutiny of big-city critics.”
This event is free and open to the public. To reserve a seat, visit the Lied Center ticket office, 301 N. 12th St., or call 402-472-4747. Seating is limited. The entrance to the Johnny Carson Theater is one-half block north of 11th and Q streets.
