Birth of a New Musical: 'Vodú' Staged Reading Premieres In Bethel

BETHEL, CT — Audiences in Bethel can get a rare glimpse at the birth of a new musical production this Sunday night.

Set in 1800 New Orleans, "Vodú" tells the story of a young woman who unravels family secrets amidst the rituals of Africa. The show presents themes of betrayal, love, and healing, according to producers.

The performance Sunday evening at The Tandem Theatre at WorkspaceCT in Bethel will be a staged reading.

"There's no moving or blocking, the performers will be working from scripts, but there will be singing," explained Leland Williams, WorkspaceCT's theater education specialist.

The reading is just an early step in the metamorphosis of "Vodú" into a full-fledged musical production, Williams said.

The book and lyrics are by Janelle Anne Robinson and George Purefoy Tilson, the music was composed by Chris Fischer and Jon Laine.

"It's at the point where they just need to hear it," Williams said. "And they need to see people's reactions, and kind of get it on its feet."

Up to this point, the production has been sparked along at Love | Art | Play, a non-profit organization in New Milford that promotes original arts projects with professionals and non-professionals of all disciplines. The group encourages them to "step out of their safety zones" to work on collaborative and original projects.

WorkspaceCT in Bethel is a "customizable" educational center "that nurtures creativity, curiosity, and collaboration for schools and communities." Owned and operated by Trumbull-based Cooperate Educational Services and Litchfield-based EdAdvance, two of Connecticut's Regional Education Service Centers, WorkspaceCT provides students and educators in western Connecticut with 32,000 square feet of rooms, labs, workshops, studios and theater space.

The theater facilities, especially, are under-utilized, Williams said, and she is actively searching for producers and creators with projects in need of a little incubation.

"They should call me immediately and we will get them in. Absolutely," Williams said. "We're looking for any new works."

The staged reading of "Vodú" is Sunday, June 9, from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m. in The Tandem Theatre at WorkspaceCT, 16 Trowbridge Drive in Bethel. Tickets are $15 for students, $25 for adults, and available here.