Title

The Legend of Gynt: A New Musical Program [1986]

Authors

University of Southern Maine Department of Theatre

Files

Description

Directed by Walter R. Stump

Book and Lyrics by Sam Rossi

Publication Date

6-1986

City

Gorham, ME

Keywords

University of Southern Maine, University of Southern Maine Department of Theatre, Gynt, Musical, Rock Opera, American College Theatre Festival

Disciplines

Arts and Humanities | Theatre and Performance Studies | Theatre History

Comments

At 8 pm. on April 12, 1985, the Russell Square Players of the University of Southern Maine's Theatre Department presented the world premiere of the "rock musical fantasy" Gynt. On April 12, 1986, the RSP production of Gynt, a musical fantasy, received a standing ovation for its closing performance at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D. C. In only one year the Rossi and Allen musical had gone through 22 cast members; four major rewrites; two set designs; two lighting designs; three choreographers; three poster designs; innumerable costume and make-up changes; song modulations, additions, cuts, and rejuvenations; and 26 performances, including the Maine Festival, the New England Finals of the American College Theatre Festival, and as one of six national winners of the American College Theatre Festival to perform at the Kennedy Center.

The legend of Gynt continues as the Russell Square Summer Theatre presents the first professional production of this fantasy musical. Again there are several changes, as Gynt relentlessly moves on to an off-Broadway production in the near future.

Gynt now becomes The Legend Of Gynt and is no longer a "rock musical fantasy" but "a new musical." Nine new performers

join six of the Washington cast members, two new songs have been added to the score, and several scenes have been

transposed and/or edited.

It has long been the goal of Artistic Director Walter R. Stump, to begin producing new works at Russell Square Summer

Theatre, especially in the realm of musical theatre. Due to the extremely high costs of producing on Broadway, off-Broadway,

or even at the professional regional theatre level , new musicals are becoming increasingly scarce. Their future is very likely

dependent upon University-supported theatre programs such as RSST.

Cast

Tina Allen ... Fancy
Brian Bedell ... Eli, Courtier Troll, and Ugly Child
David Benoi ... Jasper and Troll King
Fred Bernier ... Gussie, Troll Cat, and Empress's Cat
Terry Drew ... Laura, Trollette Princess, and Empress of Gynt
Stephanie E. Gould ... Tessa
Deborah Hall ... Sarah
Don Jellerson ... Peter
Janet Ross ... Carrie and Trollette
Jane B. Sylvester ... Spirit
Harold S. Withee ... Sam and Troll

Recommended Citation

University of Southern Maine Department of Theatre, "The Legend of Gynt: A New Musical Program [1986]" (1986). Theatre Programs 1970-1989. 43.
https://digitalcommons.usm.maine.edu/theatre-programs-1970-1989/43

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