Where did they get the music? Why haven’t I heard of this musical before? Who are these amazing young performers? These are the questions you—like others who’ve seen the play—will ask after seeing Dust to Dust, an original musical performed by the Class Act Players, a theater company composed of 11 graduating high school seniors from Robinson Secondary School and Oakton High School in Fairfax.
The story follows Tobiah, the young adult son of Midwest dustbowl farmer, who ventures to NYC to find Gabriel Rosen, his father’s friend from earlier in life—now wealthy socialite–with the hope that she’ll repay a debt to keep Tobiah’s family and farm afloat. When Tobiah meets, Scarlett, Gabriel’s daughter and up and coming jazz zinger in NYC’s music scene, their worlds, though wildly different, find promise in the connection.
The story is timeless, and inspiring. The music, in 14 entirely original scores, is immediately gripping. The players move seamlessly between onstage character portrayals to slightly off stage instrumentals and or supporting vocal harmonies, creating a depth and richness in the performance that though difficult to describe, is the irreplaceable hallmark of polished and beautiful story telling.
The buzz in the parking lot after Dust To Dust’s soft preview at the Clifton Town Hall was electric with gleeful disbelief that such an amazing work of art—story and music—was created entirely by a group of high school seniors. Sarah Marksteiner, who wrote and directed Dust To Dust, is quick to note that what audiences see on stage “is the product of a collaboration of 11 people who love to make art, and who are grateful for all the support the community has given us to do just that. The Capital Fringe Festival has provided us with the perfect environment to invite others to share in the experience our show has to offer, and we hope that audiences will take as much enjoyment in our musical as we do.”
Dust to Dust is playing July 11th, 16th, 18th, 22nd, and 24th in the Eastman Studio Theatre at Gallaudet University. Composer and musician Chris Mayhew rehearses with the cast.
PERFORMANCES:
Gallaudet University: Eastman Studio Theatre –
800 Florida Avenue, NE, in Washington, DC, 20002
Saturday 7/11 at 4:00 PM
Thursday 7/16 at 8:15 PM
Saturday 7/18 at 12:30 PM
Wednesday 7/22 at 9:50 PM
Friday 7/24 at 8:00 PM
FOR TICKETS, CALL (866) 811-4111, OR PURCHASE THEM ONLINE.
