AARP presents new military musical at Historic USO in July

Posted on 06/24/22 by Thalian Association

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WILMINGTON, NC - Thalian Association Community Theatre in partnership with AARP will present the Wilmington premiere of Dogfight the musical July 8 through July 17. The production is directed by Star News Theater Award winner Cathy Street with music direction by Randy Craft, a professional music director and vocal coach from Nashville TN. The show stars Wilmington veteran performers Logan Mack, (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Little Shop of Horrors, Guys and Dolls) and Sydney Smith Martin (Footloose, Mr. Roberts, Mamma Mia). The musical will run at the Hannah Block Historic USO/Community Arts Center on 2nd street. Tickets are available at Thalian.org or by phone at 910-251-1788.

“I am so pleased to bring this premiere to Wilmington”, says Artistic Director Chandler Davis. “The music is absolutely stunning. It’s also always a pleasure to bring theatrical pieces featuring the military to a place with such a rich military history like the Hannah Block Historic USO Building.”

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The hauntingly beautiful musical, Dogfight, by Pasek and Paul (Dear Evan Hanson, James and the Giant PeachA Christmas Story) and Peter Duchan, was praised by countless critics and nominated for numerous awards, winning the Lucille Lortel Award for Best Musical. Based on the 1991 Warner Brothers film, Dogfight takes audiences on a romantic and heartbreaking theatrical journey.

It's November 21, 1963. On the eve of their deployment to a small but growing conflict in Southeast Asia, three young Marines set out for one final boys' night of debauchery, partying and maybe a little trouble. But, when Corporal Eddie Birdlace meets Rose, an awkward and idealistic waitress whom he enlists to win a cruel bet with his fellow recruits, she rewrites the rules of the game and teaches him the power of love and compassion.

Advisory Warning: Mature language and subject matter: not suited for very young audiences.

Please be advised that gunfire/war effects are used in this production.

This story is provided by AARP North Carolina. Visit the AARP North Carolina page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.

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