News Summary
Jobsite Theater is set to present the world premiere of the musical ‘Ghost Brothers of Darkland County’ in Tampa, featuring collaborations from Stephen King and John Mellencamp. Running from October 15 to November 9, the reworked production promises fresh orchestrations and an engaging narrative with a mix of music genres. Directed by David Jenkins, the performance invites audience participation and showcases local talent in a uniquely atmospheric setting.
Tampa to Host World Premiere of “Ghost Brothers of Darkland County”
Jobsite Theater is set to present the world premiere of “Ghost Brothers of Darkland County,” a collaborative musical by acclaimed author Stephen King and musician John Mellencamp. The production runs from October 15 through November 9 at the Shimberg Playhouse located within the Straz Center for the Performing Arts in Tampa.
This unique musical, which marks a significant milestone for Jobsite Theater, has been reworked by King since its initial debut in Atlanta in 2012. As a result, Tampa audiences will experience a fresh take on the story alongside new orchestrations crafted for this version.
Production Overview
“Ghost Brothers of Darkland County” features a cast of eight actors, each assigned unique songs and individual moments throughout the performance. This ensemble piece is designed to promote interaction and narrative intrigue, enhancing the emotional depth of the storyline.
Blake Smallen, a local actor with prior involvement in seven Jobsite Theater productions, plays the character Drake. Drake is characterized as a tough-talking country boy with ambiguous ties to the titular brothers. The story itself is layered, focusing on themes of mourning and learning from past mistakes, rather than simply delivering a horror narrative.
The production creates a captivating atmosphere set in a rustic cabin amidst the woods. Live music will be integrated into the performance, with a band situated discreetly onstage to elevate the experience. The musical elements will encompass a variety of styles, including rock, blues, and country, ensuring diverse auditory engagement for the audience.
Engagement and Direction
Directed by David Jenkins, the production promotes an interactive experience for attendees. The use of microphones is seamlessly woven into the set, inviting the audience to embrace the performance as part of the artistic expression. The cast’s performances are crafted to maintain tension throughout the show, even in the absence of dialogue, through the exploration of parallel storylines.
Smallen has indicated a desire to continue collaborating with Jobsite Theater due to the supportive community of artists and the wealth of opportunities that arise from it. This sentiment reflects Jobsite Theater’s commitment to nurturing local talent and contributing to the vibrant cultural landscape of Tampa.
History and Reputation
Jobsite Theater is familiar to local audiences as the company behind the successful production of “The Rocky Horror Show,” which also featured the same creative leads for this current project. Their reputation for delivering high-quality and compelling theatrical experiences continues to draw interest and anticipation for upcoming productions.
Tickets for “Ghost Brothers of Darkland County” are available for purchase online through the Straz Center’s website or by calling their box office directly. This marks a significant occasion for theater enthusiasts in the Tampa area, as they are invited to experience an innovative combination of music and storytelling that showcases the talents of two very distinct artists.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Jobsite Theater Unveils Lineup for 2024-25 Season
Additional Resources
- St. Pete Catalyst: Ghost Brothers of Darkland County
- Wikipedia: Ghost Brothers of Darkland County
- St. Pete Catalyst: Looking Forward – The Month of October in Arts
- Google Search: Ghost Brothers of Darkland County
- Broadway World: Christopher L. Morgan
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Musical
- St. Pete Catalyst: Kayla Witoshynsky is the Engine That Propels ADA
- Google News: Jobsite Theater
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