Plays of Wilton (POW!) and Ronnie Larsen Presents will present a world premiere musical “A Shonda” from the creators of hit musicals “Now & Then,” “Come Out, Come Out,” and “One More Yesterday”, at The Foundry from July 10 through August 11, 2024.  Two worlds collide in this musical about two men deeply in love in Memphis, Tennessee.  A young Orthodox Jewish man and a down home country boy struggle to reconcile their relationship as their communities try to keep them apart by using religion and God as a wedge.  This is the first musical ever written to explore these two worlds through the lens of a gay relationship.

“A Shonda” stars Jackson Goad, making his POW! debut and Brandon Campbell returning to POW! after his critically acclaimed performance in the sold out run of “The Prisoners”.  Costarring are Angie Radosh and Avi Hoffman who’s stars shown bright in POW!’s world premiere musical  “One More Yesterday” and Ana Marie Calise making her POW! debut.  The production is directed by Ronnie Larsen, founder and artistic director, POW!. Returning to POW! as choreographer is two-time Carbonell nominee, Oren Korenblum. 

Larsen has been working on the idea of the stage play “A Shonda” becoming a musical for about five years.  In February 2024, Larsen and Dennis Manning pulled the musical together based on the original stage play by Wendy Graff.  All the songs are original by Dennis Manning, with additional music by noted local composer and pianist Bobby Peaco.

“I want to present something I have not seen before.  Many gay men struggle with their faith, whatever religion that may be, and being gay and being accepted.  And, I believe people will be moved by this journey that they will be a part of with “A Shonda the Musical,” said Larsen.  “Also, audiences will find the production very timely given so many events happening in our world today,” Larsen added.  “The opening songs gives us the crux of the situation for all of us from the song “Hometown,” and it goes like a merry-go-round.  Do you get off or stay on in this hometown,” said Dennis Manning, composer and lyricist.

“A Shonda” runs Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sundays at 3 p.m.  Tickets are available at www.ronnielarsen.com.