Songs for a New World

Director's Note

What is your New World Moment?

I’ve wanted to be a part of a production of this show for many years. This show originated off-Broadway in 1995 as a showcase for a new, up-and-coming, and very gifted songwriter. Jason Robert Brown has since composed many hit Broadway shows and is often called the “next Sondheim.” It’s amazing to think he wrote most of these songs when he was just 18 to 20 years old. And as I delve deeper into this show, you can see glimpses of a young writer finding his voice and attempting to show off his skills.

What has always drawn me to this piece is the way it shows our shared humanity. Even at a young age, Jason Robert Brown captured some of the most honest and vulnerable moments in the characters he introduces in this song cycle. He shows us what it feels like to face a new adventure or to start a new chapter in life, whether we choose it or not. These moments are filled with emotions like fear, anxiety, excitement, doubt, grief, and joy as we let go of the past and step into the unknown. Sometimes we show our best selves, and other times we don’t. That’s what makes it so human and so real.

As you watch this show and experience its many New World moments, I invite you to think about your own. How did you handle those times, and how did they make you feel? How did they shape your life and help you become who you are? What can you learn from your experiences and from connecting with the characters on stage? How might you share your own story with others? And how can you use what you’ve learned to face your next New World moment with a bit more wisdom?

What is your New World Moment?

Tim Kennedy

Director and Co-Music Director

Thank you to our Title Sponsor

PROGRAM

Opening: The New World

Opening: On the Deck of a Spanish Sailing Ship, 1492

Just One Step

I’m Not Afraid of Anything

The River Won’t Flow

Transition to: Stars and the Moon

Stars and the Moon

She Cries

The Steam Train

INTERMISSION

The World Was Dancing

Surabaya-Santa

Christmas Lullaby

King of the World

I’d Give It All For You

Transition to: The Flagmaker, 1775

The Flagmaker, 1775

Flying Home

Final Transition: The New World

Hear My Song

Insights with the Director

Join our Resident Director and Stage/Music Director for a pre-show talk offering insights into the history and the production details of the Songs for a New World. These insights will give you more appreciation for the composer of the show, Jason Robert Brown and how this show was the launching point of his Broadway Career. Tim Kennedy will also give some details into the production elements of the show including choices of costuming, direction, and set and lighting design. This presentation will give you some secrets into the creation of the piece and this production.

Friday, February 27th – 7:00 pm

Friday, March 6th - 7:00 pm

Cast Talk-Back

After the show, join the cast of Songs for a New World for a chance to find out what it’s like to explore these “New World Moments” in Jason Robert Brown’s musical. Moderated by the Ovation West’s Resident Director, Tim Kennedy, the talk will give the audience a chance to explore the themes of the piece as well as ask questions of the cast about their experience with the production. Join us for a casual conversation and get to know these talented local performers!

Saturday, February 28th

Sunday, March 8th

Cast

We wish to thank Arvada United Methodist Church for sound equipment and rehearsal space, Corner Bakery for catering for our opening night reception and Biz Schaugard for help with props.

Ovation West DONORS (2024/2025)

Over $10,000

Anonymous - Alan Rubin - Diane and Don Shaver - Ted & Claire Terry

$5,000-$9,999

Karl & Laurie Atkinson - Mary & Steven Montigne - Linda Trenbeath - B Willing Foundation - Anonymous

$1,000-$4,999

JoAnn & Pem Dunn - Hawks Family Foundation - Ruth Hund - Mike & Ann Moore - James He - Kevin Atkinson - Tom Scripps

Up to $999

Carole Callaghan - Barbara Goldstein - Julie Bell - Jeannie Mann - Jo W Powers - Mande Mischler - Steven Taylor - Patricia Magerkurth - Mark & Linda Bolinger - Russell Houston - Jan Anderson - Anne Chew - Keith Doubleday - Barb & Curt Harris - Kevin Lee - Michelle O'Laughlin - Amy Poole - Linda Tucker - Laura Veckerelli - Alan Groves - Steven & Kim Cox - Susan Lasswell - Judy Cheatham - David Hingtgen - Susan Lehman - Susan McNaughton - Nadja B Pisula-Litoff - Kris Waggoner - Shelley Krane - Ryan Glaser - Michael McKenna - Patsy & John McCord - Deborah Caine - Mark & Margaret Meremonte - Wendy Meister - Marilyn Sandifer - Dena Appleton - Carolyn Alexander - D Gray & Nicole Behrhorst - Fred Bloemendaal - Nancy & David Dickert - Carol & Greg Dobbs - Rocco & Judi Dodson - Evan Ela - Linda Lovin - Barbara MacDonald - Bill Manning - August Mayer - AJ McCullough - Emilie McDonough - Michael & Linda Morris - Helen K Padberg - Mary Jo Poole - Beth Riser - Catherine W Rundle - Kristi Steele - Ardis Strieby - Gary Studwell - Kathleen Sutton - Laura Timmons - Tom & Pam Trumbly - Richard Scudder - Linda Knippa - Joseph Gerlach - Kimberly Poor - Ed & Mary Steinbrecher - Joyce Vanek - Bob Zavodsky - Linda Dey - Edwin Doolittle - Carolyn Norblom - Christiane Schmenk - Katie Ulfig - Mary Jane Lowe - Laurie Blohm - Susan Courtney - Kirk Dorn - Brenda- Jansen - Jean Laverty - Therese Lincoln - Gretchen Moritz - Suzanne Plaut - Gary Sims - Timothy Steele - Anne Vickstrom - Francie Wyatt - Kirsten Arthur - Randolph Huiting - Gary Leever - Rebecca Dickey - Brandon Moore - Dusty Dodge - Margie Clinton - Richard Jacobs - Tracy Ratzlaff - Peggy Ballengee - Vickie Borden - Donna Mullins - Jennifer Rich - Olympia Vida - Denise Wylde - Mike Golden - Theodore Ning - Pamela Hinish - Amy Sares - Katie Szana - Carol Cornell

*Donations made to Ovation West Performing Arts between July 1st, 2024 and November 5th, 2025

Ovation West Performing Arts Season