UNIVERSITY PARK — Penn State Centre Stage presents ‘Be More Chill’ to start its 2016-17 season. The musical runs Tuesday, Oct. 4, through Saturday, Oct. 15, at the Playhouse Theatre on the University Park campus.
With music and lyrics by Joe Iconis and book by Joe Tracz, ‘Be More Chill’ was first produced at Two River Theatre in New Jersey, where it was given its world premiere. Penn State’s production is the first since that premiere. John Simpkins, head of musical theater at Penn State, directs. Music direction is by Dan Riddle, with choreography by J. Austin Eyer.
An average and “unspecial” teenager, Jeremy Heere is almost invisible. That is, until he discovers a tiny supercomputer that gives him access to everything he wants: girls, parties, popularity. Truly the teenage dream — or so he thinks.
Based on the novel by Ned Vizzini, this science fiction piece follows Jeremy and his search to find his own voice in the world. Praised as “a high-energy, imaginative, well-crafted world premiere musical,” ‘Be More Chill’ was also lauded as “a vibrant, inventive musical that makes the most of every moment.”
The production features Joesph Allen as Jeremy, Jonathan Savage as Michael, Maria Wirries as Christine, Aidan Wharton as The “Squip,” Johnathan Teeling as Rich, Jessie Davidson as Chloe, Samantha Littleford as Brooke, Maggie Malaney as Jenna, Graham Hancock as Jake and Jonathan Hashmonay as Jeremy’s dad.
Penn State’s production is designed by Michael Schweikardt (scenery), Zach Straeffer (lighting), Richard St. Clair (costumes) and Curtis Craig (sound). Mary Dennis is production stage manager.
Joe Iconis will provide a special free post-show concert after the Thursday, Oct. 13, performance. Iconis is currently under commission by Penn State’s School of Theatre to write an original musical for the university — the first writer in a new yearly commissioning series in musical theater.
The New York Times calls Joe Iconis and Family “the future of musical theater.” Iconis has authored the musicals ‘Bloodsong of Love,’ ‘The Black Suits,’ ‘ReWrite,’ ‘The Plant That Ate Dirty Socks’ and ‘We The People.’ His songs were featured on Season 2 of NBC’s ‘Smash.’ He has been nominated for two Drama Desk awards and a Lucille Lortel Award, and is the recipient of the Ed Kleban Award, the Jonathan Larson Award and a Doris Duke Grant.
Broadway historian Jennifer Tepper will lead a free post-show discussion after the Sunday, Oct. 9, performance. Featuring members of the original cast, the Penn State cast and creative team and Iconis, the discussion will focus on the creation of new musicals in 2016.
For more information and tickets to ‘Be More Chill,’ visit https://theatre.psu.edu/bemorechill.
