The World State is a futuristic society that exists within Alduous Huxley’s novel Brave New World. It is here that the population is chemically engineered and happiness is always just a dose of soma away. Yet, there still exists a land where “savages” live without such technological advances. Two worlds collide in this story of love, humanity, and loss. Based on the book, the musical Brave New World makes its world premiere at NC Stage Company May 11 through June 5.
NC Stage was given the unique opportunity to help develop Brave New World for future commercial productions. Joining the team will be a crew of local designers, musicians, and actors. Charlie Flynn-McIver, artistic director and cofounder of NC Stage, says, “We’re really lucky to have a local theatre scene that has created the kind of confidence that New York producers have now tapped into several times to help birth their creative projects. NC Stage is thrilled to help bring this musical to life for the first time on a stage!”
Ben Andron, who wrote the musical’s book, says. “We felt that the mission statement of NC Stage—dedication to creating theater that is as consequential as it is entertaining—along with an audience in Asheville that is both sophisticated and open to new works, made this the perfect place for the world premiere of Brave New World.
“The audiences there will be a valuable part of the process of developing this exciting new musical, and our creative team is in great hands with Charlie Flynn- McIver and his entire staff at the theater. We are thrilled to be collaborating with them.” Previous world premiere productions at NC Stage have included Stalking the Bogeyman and Someone Else before they began off- Broadway runs.
This production contains some language, simulated drug use, and sexual content, and is recommended for mature audiences only.
NC Stage is located at 15 Stage Lane in downtown Asheville. Performances run Wednesday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets ($16–40) are available at the door or in advance through the NC Stage box office at 828.239.0263 or online at ncstage.org. Attendees can enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres on Thursday, May 12, at 6:30 p.m.; $1 beer and a Q&A after the show on Friday, May 13; and champagne and dessert on Saturday, May 14.
