MEDUSA: Musical Concert - Newsletter #4

Midnight Theatre presents MEDUSA: A New Musical on October 16, 2023.

MEDUSA: A NEW MUSICAL is a contemporary adaptation of the Greek tragedy by Annie Conolly (book/lyrics) and James Stryska (music/lyrics). Set in a 1950s-inspired Asheville, NC—this story tells the remarkable journey of two college freshmen whose timeless battle still echoes through the hallways of Black Mountain College.

FEATURING…

Morgan Dudley as MEDUSA (Disney’s Descendants, Jagged Little Pill). Brandon Cameron (Hadestown), Alyssa Wray (American Idol), Brian Vaulx Jr., Jataria Heyward, Vaibu Mohan, Zac Swanner, Andrew Maroney, Megan Dwinell, Ruby Doran, Katryna Marttala and Savidu Geevaratne.

“It’s really going to speak to a lot of young people.”

-Ruby Doran (CAROL/

ENSEMBLE)

“You have to see it in person to believe it. It’s really not something you can fully comprehend unless you grab your ticket and some see it with us at the Midnight Theatre!” -Andrew Maroney (ROLAND/ENSEMBLE)

“If you like mythology and music, come see MEDUSA!” -Savidu Geevaratne (FIELDING/ENSEMBLE)

“The music is incredibly catchy and fun!”-Jataria Heyward (JULIUS/ENSEMBLE)

Annie Conolly

(they/them)

Director, Playwright, & Lyrics

Brooklyn-based actor, writer, and musician. Recent acting credits include starring as “Rex” in Sam's World, directed by Lily Lady. This is their feature-length debut, and is set to premiere this winter. They also appear as "Jay" in the upcoming feature film Bernard Gets Famous, directed by Raven Angeline Whisnant. Last summer they appeared Off-Broadway as "Liam/Sam" in Turning Krasniqi: A Nonbinary Play, written by Jonathan Alexandratos and directed by Mika Kauffman, and modeled for a filmed art installation by digital artist Gabriel Barcia-Colombo for the grand opening of Grand Central’s Madison terminal. You can catch Annie on season 26 of Wonderama!, hosted by David Osmond, playing guitar for Rob Eberle filmed live in Times Square. Their band also played at the Long Island Film Festival, Breaking Sound NYC, and some unforgettable bars around the city. While in college, they composed a complete score for UNCG’s 2016 touring production of Go, Dog. Go! before appearing in several commercials for Harrah’s Casino and NC Tourism. In their free time, Annie enjoys jam sessions with friends, hanging out with their cat Lynx, watching movies, and going on ridiculously long walks to pretend it's the same thing as going to the gym. Huge thank you to their friends and family for the many years of love and support.

James Stryska

(he/they)

Composer, Music Director, & Lyrics

NYC based composer, arranger, music director, and pianist. Writing credits include The Pyramid: A Dance Moms Parody Musical, MEDUSA: A New Musical and Don't Forget Me: A New Musical. They have also provided a full-length original score for UNCG School of Theatre's "Theatre for Young People" production of Roald Dahl's The Witches, directed by Chad Parsons. James's work is also found at the Industries of the Blind Public Art Piece located on West Gate City Blvd. in Greensboro, NC, where he composed a piece based off of artwork by Krystal Rothermund and Daryl Wells, helping tell the story of the artwork to those who are visually impaired. In addition to composing, James has provided arrangements for performers such as the Las Vegas Youth Saxophone Ensemble, The Moanin' Frogs, Lindsay Kesselman, the Red Clay Saxophone Quartet. His arrangement for the UNCG Saxophone Ensemble performed at the 41st Annual International Saxophone Symposium hosted by the United States Navy Band. He has also had the pleasure to provide arrangements and orchestrations for The Blumey Awards, an award ceremony in excellence in high school musical theatre in the greater Charlotte, NC area. James currently serves as the music director for Megan Dwinell, Henry Platt, Drew Korn, Carolina Rial, and Alyssa Wray. Much love to Mom, Grandma, John, and Morgan.

Molly Heller

(she/her)

Producer

Molly Heller is an NYC based producer, Booker and creative. Being in the industry for a few years now, she has worked with companies such as 54 Below, NY1 On Stage, Broadway Plus and recently started her time as the full time Artist Booker at The Midnight Theatre. Molly loves working on new up and coming musical theatre and is beyond honored to be a part of the producing team for Medusa. Thank you to James and Annie for bringing me onto this team!

Rika Nakane (she/her) Production Artist Chicago-based artist, actor, and musician. Rika Nakane is currently a masters candidate for art therapy and counseling at School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Her work depicts a process of deep introspection as she wrestles with themes of race, gender, perception, and culture. Nakane views her work as a documentation of her emotional state and a recognition of her self-identity, kindling intimate connections between her work and its viewers. Recent exhibitions include Self at Gallery 1265

Shelley Peterson Student Art Exhibition at the University of Toronto, and public installations at her previous college. She’s also worked as a graphic designer for various organizations. Musical theatre has been one of her favorite art forms ever since she’s ever known of it. She’s been a part of theatre as an artist, actor, and a musician. Her recent acting credits include productions of Wizard of Oz and Merrily We Roll Along, now she is a part of a production of Guys and Dolls. She spends her spare time doodling on her iPad or in her sketchbook. A big theatre kid and lover of Greek myth, she is very excited to be back in the Medusa team. Her artwork appears at the beginning of this email and will be projected in 270 degrees during the show.

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