Loralee Songer (left) as Lucille frank and Joe Wetrich as Leo Frank star in Revival Theatre Companys 2015 presentation of Parade. Revival Theatre is bringing back the musical drama in April, with Songer and Wetrich in their leading roles, to launch the Cameron Sullenberger Overture Series. This annual fundraising production honors the legacy of the late Sullenberger, co-founder and musical director for the professional troupe based in Cedar Rapids. (Von Presley Studios)

CEDAR RAPIDS Gasps rippled through CSPS Hall during a Revival Theatre Company fundraiser Nov. 15, 2023, as a new series logo featuring the profile of late co-founder and music director Cameron Sullenberger came into view.

Brian Glick, the professional troupes co-founder and artistic director announced the creation of the Cameron Sullenberger Overture Series, designed to propel the troupes future by honoring its past.

Sullenberger, 54, died Feb. 11, 2023, after suffering a heart attack at CSPS, before a rehearsal for Revival Theatres production of Million Dollar Quartet. The show was postponed a week, but went on, as Sullenberger would have wanted.

What: Revival Theatre Company, professional troupe based in Cedar Rapids

Details and donations: revivaltheatrecompany.com/

The first offering in the new Overture series will be the return of one of his favorite shows, Parade, presented in a concert version next April at CSPS Hall, Revivals new resident venue. Revival Theatre presented Jason Robert Browns haunting, Tony-winning musical in November 2015 at the Scottish Rite Temple in Cedar Rapids.

Based on a true story, Parade winds the clock back to 1913, when Leo Frank, a Brooklyn-raised Jew living in Georgia, is put on trial for the murder of 13-year-old Mary Phagan, who worked at his pencil factory. Already guilty in the eyes of everyone around him, a sensationalist publisher and a janitors false testimony seal Franks fate.

The trial triggered anti-Semitism and the revival of the KKK in the area, as well as the emergence of the Anti-Defamation League, formed to stop the defamation of the Jewish people and to secure justice and fair treatment to all.

I think it's an important piece to tell right now, Glick said, and I just really enjoyed working on that, so I'm thrilled to be able to bring this (show) back.

This new series also will serve as Revival Theatres annual fundraiser, replacing the holiday show of years past. The Nov. 15 event blew the roof off of CSPS, with the glorious voice and interpretations of Ezekiel Andrew, who just marked two years with The Lion King on Broadway; pianist Garret Taylor, who has played keyboards with Wicked on Broadway for 16 years; and local powerhouse performer Alicia Monee. An evening of entertainment just doesnt get any better than this.

The new Overture series also gives a nod to Sullenbergers many years of teaching, by benefiting Revivals programming and expanded educational initiatives.

We will showcase classical musicals on this (CSPS) stage, with orchestra and singers presenting those classics that Cameron loved so much, Glick said. All the proceeds from that event will go toward funding our seasons moving forward.

A new education initiative, titled The Second Stage series, will feature master classes with industry professionals.

The whole focus is how you develop your work for the professional theater, Glick said, including audition workshops.

Another aspect will be monthly forums in a casual setting free and open to the public during which the pros discuss their process, such as production design.

You have a drink in the bar and they talk for an hour, Glick explained. It's just another way to engage and educate the community on what we do what it takes to make it all happen. I'm really excited about that.

Past classes have brought home Cedar Rapids native Michael Harrington and his wife, Broadway actor Elena Shaddow, as well as Kevin Worley, another Cedar Rapids native and Broadway actor and touring veteran.

It's capitalizing on those individuals, and letting our community be able to work with them in a really engaging and educational process, Glick said.

Also new in 2024 is switching from a calendar year to following the school year for Revivals seasons.

Were not going to officially kick off a full season, which will be our 10th year, until September of 2024, Glick told The Gazette in an interview prior to the recent fundraising concert.

That first show will be the musical comedy, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. The title announced Nov. 15 was just a teaser. The rest of the 2024-25 season will be revealed in April.

In the meantime, Glick told The Gazette: We're in the midst of strategic planning, looking at a new vision for the company, fundraising, and strategizing for the next 10 years.

Comments: (319) 368-8508; diana.nollen@thegazette.com

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Revival Theatre in Cedar Rapids announces new initiatives for 2024 ... - The Gazette