Under the leadership of Artistic Director Bart Kuebler and Executive Director Terry Flint, Zeiders American Dream Theater presents the world premiere new musical, Second To Nun, written by Broadway songwriter Michael Cooper and award-winning librettist Anton Dudley, who also directs the production.
The show runs June 29 though August 5 at 7:00pm on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at Eiders in Virginia Beach’s Town Center.
Celebrated New York City cabaret artist Molly Pope will portray Canadian saint Marguerite Bourgeoys at Zeiders American Dream Theater, reliving her death-defying journey (The Black Plague! Iroquois scalpers! Randy French soldiers!) to bring women to New France. The production is a one woman musical about the power of faith, the persistence of invention, and the importance of staying true to your calling, even when you’re the only one who hears it.
Molly Pope is a critically acclaimed singer, actor, and entertainer whose shows have played Joe’s Pub, Feinstein’s/54 Below, Ars Nova, and The Eugene O’Neill Theater Center. With her thrilling powerhouse vocals, razor-sharp timing, and hilarious and heartbreaking stage presence, Molly was named one of Time Out New York’s “Top Ten Cabaret Acts.”
Anton Dudley (book and lyrics) is a Helen Hayes Award winning director, playwright and lyricist. Growing up in Montreal, surrounded by the legacy of Marguerite Bourgeoys, he was inspired to adapt her life for the stage. Dudley’s plays and musicals have premiered off-Broadway at Playwrights Realm, Second Stage, and Cherry Lane Theater, and across the country at theaters including La Jolla Playhouse, Williamstown Theater Festival, and Signature Theater.
Michael Cooper (music) describes Second To Nun as “a story of inclusion and love. I was galvanized by the voyage of this incredible woman who overcame such unbelievable odds to forge a new path in the New World. She’s a survivor – living life without walls – that really resonates for me as an artist.” Cooper is the Jonathan Larson Award winning composer who wrote music and lyrics for Zeiders’ Summer 2016 world premiere, Love, Always, and contributed additional lyrics to the hit Broadway musical, It Shoulda Been You.
Based on a true story, Second to Nun explores – and explodes through soaring song and monologue – the heroic, adventurous account of a fearless pioneer woman, not well known outside of Canada – until now. This summer, her incredible journey comes to life onstage in an immersive musical theatre event that Virginia Beach audiences will not want to miss.
WANT TO GO?
WHAT: Second To Nun
WHEN: June 29 – August 5 at 7:00pm on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays
WHERE:: Zeiders American Dream Theater
4573 Bank Street, Virginia Beach, VA 23462
TICKETS: Tickets are $23 at the door or online at AmericanDreamTheater.org
