"Singer: A Musical Drama" will have its world premiere performances Oct. 22-Nov. 21 at the Mary G. Steiner Egyptian Theatre in Park City.
Produced by the Egyptian Theatre Company, the new work is being directed by Tony Larimer. Collaborators on the project are librettist David Fleisher (co-author of "Death of an American: The Killing of John Singer") and composer Gordon Ottley.ETC's artistic director, Richard Scott, notes that "Ottley has written a compelling musical score that captures the emotional tone of John Singer, his family, and the community at large as this tragic story unfolded."
Fleisher's original book "is considered the definitive book on the Singer incident," said Scott, adding that the author/playwright "has written a docu-drama style libretto that recounts the events which led to the ultimate confrontation."
The script explores the story of Singer, a self-proclaimed fundamentalist Mormon, who was killed on his farm in Marion, Utah, by state law enforcement agents in 1979. Singer's death followed a six-year struggle with the Utah judicial and educational system over the issue of home schooling.
"Singer was a living paradox," said Scott. "He was a generous yet prejudiced man, a loving family man and a polygamist, a rugged individualist with a fierce hatred of authority bred by experiences as a member of Hitler's youth camps and a man rigidly devoted to his interpretations of the LDS religion, from which he was excommunicated."
"This production asks many questions about the rights of the individual, the powers of the state, the responsibility each of us has as individual members of society and the consequences we endure when these elements are at odds with each other," Scott said.
The cast includes Narlene Mathie, Mark Allen, Molly Cameron, Jeff Owen, Chuck Moore, Robin Lungberg and Richard Scott, with several local adults and children in the ensemble.
Performances will be Thursdays-Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., Oct. 22-Nov. 21, in the Egyptian Theatre, 328 Main, Park City.
All seats are reserved. Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for senior citizens, $10 for students and $8 for children, 12 and under. Group and family rates are also available. Beginning Oct. 29 there will be a special two-for-one rate for all Thursday evening performances.
On Oct. 24, there will be a free post-show discussion with the author and composer.
For further information or reservations, call 1-435-649-9371.