Vassar & New York Stage and Film have announced additional casting for the 35th Powerhouse Season in Poughkeepsie, NY, which continues through Sunday, July 28. Vassar & New York Stage and Film’s Powerhouse collaboration continues to be the launching pad for some of the most groundbreaking new works for the American theater. Dozens of celebrated projects trace their roots to Powerhouse and New York Stage and Film, including Hadestown, currently on Broadway; the Lynn Nottage musical The Secret Life of Bees off-Broadway at Atlantic Theater Company, & Colman Domingo’s Lights Out: Nat “King” Cole at the Geffen Playhouse.
Musical Workshop – Goddess

Goddess, the third musical workshop presentation of the 2019 Powerhouse season (July 26-28), conceived by Saheem Ali, music and lyrics by Michael Thurber, book by Jocelyn Bioh, additional lyrics by Mkhululi Z. Mabija, and directed by Saheem Ali; will feature Phoenix Best (Dear Evan Hansen), Rodrick Covington (Once On This Island), Amber Iman (Shuffle Along…, Soul Doctor), Janelle McDermoth (A Bronx Tale), Drama Desk Award winner Abena Mensah-Bonsu (School Girls; or, The African Mean Girls Play), Adesola Osakalumi (Fela!), Lance Roberts (My Fair Lady, “Yo Gabba Gabba!”), Avery Smith (Beautiful: The Carole King Musical), and Antoine L. Smith (Carousel, Miss Saigon).
A young man returns home to the African coastal city of Mombasa, Kenya, to marry his betrothed and step into his family’s political dynasty. But when he visits Moto Moto – a steamy afro-jazz club and the stomping ground of his youth – he finds himself drawn to a beautiful, mysterious new singer. Soon, he must decide whether to fulfill the legacy of his lineage, or give in to his love of music and a newfound attraction. A story of love, destiny, the spirit world and the power of passion, inspired by the ancient myth of Marimba, the goddess of music.
performances
July 26th at 8pm
July 27th at 8pm
July 28th at 2pm
July 28th at 7pm
Play Workshop – The Best We Could

The Best We Could (a family tragedy), the second ‘Inside Look’ Play Workshop of the season (July 25-27), by Emily Feldman and directed by Daniel Aukin, will feature Drama Desk Award winner Eboni Booth(Dance Nation), Drama Desk Award nominee Kristin Griffith (The Fatal Weakness), Tyrone Mitchell Henderson (Much Ado About Nothing), Drama Desk Award nominee Lisa Joyce (“Insecure,” The Ugly One), and Tony Award winner Frank Wood (Network, The Iceman Cometh).
A daughter’s road trip with her father becomes a theatrical journey across more than just state lines. This funny, wise, and heartbreaking debut from an exciting new writer will be brought to vibrant life by director Daniel Aukin.
performances
July 25th at 8pm
July 26th at 8pm
July 27th at 2pm
July Reading – The Excavation of Mary Anning

The Excavation of Mary Anning, the seventh reading of the season (July 21 at 4pm), by Ian August and directed by Sammi Cannold, will feature Sami Bray (1984, School of Rock), Alejandra Escalante (Tee’d Off), Vanessa Kai (credits), Amy Jo Jackson (Theresa & Allison), Nike Kadri (credits), and Patrena Murray (Gloria: A Life).