Convenience: a new musical

Area Premiere

February 24 - March 19, 2006 - Hennepin Stages

Music, lyrics and book - Gregg Coffin

"Convenience" is a musical about family, the ties that bind and the ones we struggle to break.  A single mom and her estranged son have news for each other, but neither can find the words nor the courage.  She is remarrying, and he has a boyfriend.  Will the doors between them be sealed forever, or will a new one open?  During one funny, awkward, touching week, they come to realize what so many families discover:  the things they feared would tear them apart end up bringing them closer together.

photo credit: Roy Blakey

Director - Steven J. Meerdink
Musical Director - Kevin Hansen

Set Design - Steven Meerdink and Kevin Hansen
Costume Designer - Joshua Stevens
Light Designer - Lee Fiskness
Sound Designer - Tom Bothof
Rehearsal Accompanist - Emily Hanson
Prop Designer - Robbie Droddy
Stage Manager - Joyce Norman

Cast
Vince - J.C. Lippold
Liz - Susan Brodin
Ethan / Young Vince - Shaun Nathan Baer
Young Liz - Alison Mary Forbes
Abe - Duane Johnson

"Gregg Coffin's musical is a worthy choice for Minneapolis Musical Theatre, which loves to premiere lesser-known shows.  The tunes are pleasant and the story is involving and intimate – a fine fit for the small theater." – Pioneer Press

"A sweet...variation on the coming-out story...Director Steven J. Meerdink stages a fast-moving and often witty production..." – Star Tribune

"Convenience...gets a solid Twin Cities premiere from the Minneapolis Musical Theatre. It's an intimate, heartfelt show - one that is perfect both for MMT's small downtown Minneapolis space and the talented cast and crew...Steven J. Meerdink and Kevin Hansen [have] crafted a show that is funny, moving and, most of all, honest." – TalkinBroadway.com