Collin Hendley’s BRIGHTER THAN THE SUN, directed by Caroline Leggett.
An autobiographical new musical about intergenerational relationships
GREENER PASTURES THEATRE COLLECTIVE
Proudly Presents
"The kind of theater that changes people forever." - The Blackshear Times
Nominated for Best Overall Production, Best Original Score, Best Direction, Best Choreographer, and Best Singer/Actress (Amber Mawande-Spytek) at the New York Theatre Festival
Recipient of the New Georgia Playwright's Grant
BRIGHTER THAN THE SUN
A NEW MUSICAL
Book, Music, and Lyrics by COLLIN HENDLEY
Directed by CAROLINE LEGGETT
Arranged and Orchestrated by RYAN WARD
TWO-WEEK LIMITED OFF-BROADWAY ENGAGEMENT
JANUARY 9 – JANUARY 21, 2023 AT THE CHAIN THEATER
OPENING NIGHT IS TUESDAY, JANUARY 9 AT 7:00 PM
TICKETS ON SALE NOW AT BRIGHTERTHANTHESUN.TICKETSPICE.COM
GREENER PASTURES THEATRE COLLECTIVE is pleased to announce the limited Off-Broadway engagement of Collin Hendley’s BRIGHTER THAN THE SUN, directed by Caroline Leggett. An autobiographical tale about family and what it means to leave a legacy, BRIGHTER THAN THE SUN will play a two-week limited engagement at Off-Broadway’s The Chain Theater (312 West 36th Street, New York, NY). Performances begin Tuesday, January 9 and continue through Sunday, January 21. Opening Night is Tuesday, January 9 (7 p.m.). Tickets are $40 and available at brighterthanthesun.ticketspice.com.
BRIGHTER THAN THE SUN is an autobiographical musical that delves into the poignant relationship between a young man and his grandmother, both hailing from South Georgia. Their parallel journeys through life form the heart of this narrative, offering a simple yet profoundly evocative exploration of shattered dreams, the bonds of family, and the perpetual cycles of birth and mortality that define every human story.
At its core, the show celebrates sisterhood and female friendship, anchored by three resilient yet multifaceted women. Collin, the narrator and protagonist, finds himself looking for comfort in their separate stories and strength. The script intricately weaves the threads of lineage and identity. Collin draws inspiration from the rich tapestry of his extended family to connect his lineage and hometown to his own evolving identity. As he rediscovers his love for his roots and himself, the characters undergo similar trials and epiphanies.
The genesis of this show emerges from a deep personal connection, rooted in the grandmother's profound influence during the author's childhood. Her unassuming yet extraordinary life left an indelible impact on those she encountered. When she passed away in 2019, the author felt compelled to compile the anecdotes she had shared over the years. The solitude of the pandemic provided the time and space for contemplation, birthing this play into existence. It has since grown into a cherished creation that resonates beautifully with audiences.
BRIGHTER THAN THE SUN serves as a vessel for healing, mourning, growth, and reflection on those individuals in our lives who lived modestly and beautifully, but whose stories may fade into the annals of time. This production sparks essential conversations, shedding light on the smaller legacies that quietly uphold us as global citizens today.
The production stars Collin Hendley, Abby Turner, Matt Stevenson, Julieta Berry, Ofer Gordon, Amber Mawande-Spytek, Jared Goodwin, Emily O’ Leary, Dennis Taylor, Carina Milano, Brandon Weber, Ireland Fernandez-Cosgrove, and Jessie Connelly.
BRIGHTER THAN THE SUN is arranged and orchestrated by Ryan Ward. The production is produced by Hannah Grace Laughlin and Alexa Powell. The production features assistant direction by Alexa Powell, choreography by Emma Ruth Matthews, scenic/props design by Hannah Tarr, costume design by Caroline Leggett, lighting design by Sam Wiser. The stage manager is Tori Moss, and the assistant stage manager is Marcus Cruz. Publicity by Katie Rosin/Kampfire PR.
BRIGHTER THAN THE SUN plays the following regular schedule through Sunday, January 21:
Tuesdays at 7 p.m.
Wednesdays at 7 p.m.
Thursdays at 7 p.m.
Fridays at 1 p.m. 7 p.m.
Saturdays at 7 p.m.
Sundays at 1 p.m.
Tickets are $40 and are now available online at https://brighterthanthesun.ticketspice.com/brighter-than-the-sun-a-new-musical. Tickets may also be purchased in-person at theater ½ hour prior to the performance.
$20 student ticket available Friday, January 12 (7 p.m.).
Pay-What-You-Will performances on Wednesday, January 10 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, January 14 at 1 p.m. (suggested donation $15).
Running Time: 2 hours 5 minutes (Fifteen minute intermission)
Website: https://brighterthanthesunmusical.squarespace.com/
BIOGRAPHIES
COLLIN HENDLEY (Book, Music and Lyrics) is an Actor, Writer, and Composer based out of New York City. Born and raised in South Georgia, his work often reflects the joys and trials of leading an existence in the contemporary South. His artistic pursuits began with small projects such as backyard musicals and poolside cabarets, making stages where there often were none. Following a successful career with his high school theatre group, he went on to pursue degrees in Theatre and Entertainment and Media from The University of Georgia. His recent New York Theatre credits include Nun/Bob/Dancer in Beatrice at the Cell Theater and Inmate/Ensemble in Of The Dream That Was My Life… at American Theater of Actors. He is incredibly passionate about empowered storytelling, and exploring the boundaries of what theatrical presentation can seek to provide audiences. He hopes that Brighter Than The Sun will grant you the space and opportunity to reflect on those giants in each of our lives who have stories that deserve to be shared within the artistic canon at large.
CAROLINE LEGGETT (Director) is a Director, Producer, and Artistic Administrator based out of New York City. Caroline is an alumnus of the University of Georgia where she received a Bachelor of Arts in both Theatre and Entertainment Media. She split her time between theatrical direction, cinema direction, and administration. Caroline specializes in the areas of environmental theatre, new works, experimental and interactive theatre, as well as with new media. This past summer she directed an experimental production of Eurydice, which was completely interactive and took place in the Athens Founders Garden. She particularly enjoys working with pieces of art that serve as artistic forms of protest, and center on LGBTQ+ stories, as well as any forms of educational theatre. Caroline was born and raised in a small farming town in Georgia, which is where she acquired her Southern manners and an incredible peach cobbler recipe. She has loved getting to return to her Southern roots while working on this piece with Collin.
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Listings Information:
Who: GREENER PASTURES THEATRE COLLECTIVE
What: BRIGHTER THAN THE SUN: A New Musical
Where: The Chain Theater (312 West 36th Street, New York, NY, 10012)
When: January 9 - January 21
How: $40
BRIGHTER THAN THE SUN is a love letter to family, legacy, and the importance of keeping stories alive.
