Stoneham Theater Presents Musical's East Coast Premiere

"Jonah and the Whale: A New Musical" is an unforgettable story of faith, loss, and survival against unbeatable odds. Starring Taavon Gamble, last seen in "The Scottsboro Boys" at SpeakEasy Stage Company, as Jonah, this epic musical journey re-imagined from the Old Testament features a completely original pop/folk score.

With a book by Tyler Mills, music and lyrics by David Darrow and Blake Thomas, orchestrations by Robert Frost, the exciting ensemble cast is directed by Weylin Symes and choreographed by Elliot Norton and IRNE Award-winner Ilyse Robbins. Performances run from February 23-March 12, 2017. Press Opening is Saturday, February 25, 2017, at 3:00 pm.

Shares Symes, "When I heard about this show, I was immediately incredibly curious to see how someone had turned the story of Jonah into a musical relevant to today. It's a bit of an odd story and one that resists easy adaptation. Then, when I saw how the authors had used major touch points from the original Jonah story to create an original and remarkably moving story of their own, I knew I wanted to put it on our stage. I think the authors have made a deeply human story that explores grief, loss and community in a powerful way. It's been several years since we presented 'The Sparrow,' but I loved that show, and 'Jonah and the Whale' reminded me a lot of that play, with its use of an ensemble of actors to tell the story of an entire community. I hope our audiences will respond to the strong feeling of community that pervades this musical."

In addition to star Taavon Gamble, the 'Jonah and the Whale' cast includes Stoneham Theatre favorites Christopher Chew, David Jiles, Jr., Sarah Elizabeth Pothier, Ilyse Robbins, Kathy St. George, and Nick Sulfaro and newcomers Ian Conway, Marge Dunn, and Kirsten Salpini. Eddie Pizzano, a student actor, makes his Mainstage debut performing alongside the professional artists as part of the young company comes to the Mainstage program.

The design team is comprised of Scenic Designer Katheryn Monthei, Lighting Designer Chris Fournier, Costume Designer Deirdre Gerrard, Music Director Bethany Aiken, Sound Designer John Stone, and Props Master Lisa Berg.

Single tickets for "Jonah and the Whale": $50-$55 Adults; $45-50 Seniors; $20 Students (with valid ID). Thrifty Thursday tickets cost $15 at the door and are available for the Thursday, February 23, 2017, performance at 7:30 pm. Student Rush Tickets start one hour before each performance, and two student tickets may be purchased for the price of one (subject to availability). There will be a talkback after the performance on Sunday, February 26, 2017, at 2:00 pm. For more information or to purchase tickets, call Stoneham Theatre's Box Office at (781) 279-2200, or visit www.stonehamtheatre.org.

Student matinees for "Jonah and the Whale" are also available. Please contact Carol Dempsey, Director of Sales, [email protected] or 781-587-7905 for more info.