Musical Cafe Showcase

Kicking off Musical Cafe’s first public performances post pandemic, excerpts from four musicals being staged for the first time!

THE VERY LAST ONE AND ONLY HIGHLY ENDANGERED MOUNTAIN LION IN PENNSYLVANIA

Book and Lyrics by Greg Beattie

Music by Greg Beattie and Jon Kull

Director: Loretta Janca

Music Director: John Johnson

Dramaturg: Ron Lytle

The Very Last One and Only Highly Endangered Mountain Lion in Pennsylvania is at one level the sweet story of a hapless, lonely but lovable mountain lion who discovers the power of friendship on his quest for what he's lost: his wife, his dignity, his destiny and his roar. At another, it's a cautionary tale about the need of the oppressed and endangered to unite against tyranny and media distortion.  Altogether, it's fast-paced, uplifting musical comedy for all ages.

JEWISH BOYS: THE MUSICAL

Book, Music, & Lyrics by Joshua Gilstein

Director: Ciera Eis,

Music Director: Billy Wolfe

Dramaturg: Melissa Hillman

Jewish Boys: The Musical is a heartfelt coming-of-age story that unfolds as an emotional journey of self-discovery and love. Jacob Feldman ventures from a Midwest college town to the vibrant city of Chicago, looking for a larger dating pool (and maybe even a husband!). In Chicago, Jacob finds more than he ever imagined – transformative moments, a chosen family, and a crescendo of life's authentic aspirations.

LEGEND OF THE WEREWOLF

Composer/Lyricist/Librettist: Ray Christensen

Director: Marianna Wolff

Music Director: Cesar Cancino

Dramaturg: Anthony Clarvoe

Legend of the Werewolf explores the dark side of belief via a story inspired by a favorite tragic hero from classic horror films. Chilling and compelling songs in a style somewhere between Sondheim and King Crimson challenge the audience as well as the musical theatre genre.

MIRABAI, THE BAREFOOT PRINCESS

Book, Music and Lyrics by Leah Sirkin

Director: Roshni Datta

Music Director: Cesar Cancino

Dramaturg: Gary Graves.

Mirabai, the Barefoot Princess tells the story of the 16th century ecstatic Indian songstress who is in love with the playful flute-playing god Krishna, but is forced to marry a prince. This modern rendering of the Mirabai story highlights feminist themes and features a variety of musical styles from Indian classical and folk, to bhangra, hip hop and the blues.

Play Café recognizes the generous support of Berkeley Arts Recovery Grant, City of Berkeley Civic Arts Grant, Alameda County Arts Commission ARTSFUND, California Nonprofit Performing Arts Grant, Theatre Bay Area CA$H Sustain Grant.