Now. Here. This. (Flexible Version) will make its virtual premiere on the Orange County School of the Arts YouTube page May 14-17, 2020.
Now. Here. This. was rehearsed over Zoom meetings, shot over six weeks (entirely in quarantine) on iPhones and home computers, and presented start-to-finish as a virtual project. This virtual production is directed by Scott Barnhardt & Peter Marinaro and is performed by and incorporates over 30 Orange County School of the Arts Musical Theatre, Acting, Production & Design and Visual Art Conservatory students.
Originally written for 4 actors, Now. Here. This. (Flexible Version) has been adapted to allow for the casting of any number of performers, from 4 to 400. Also, this adaptation allows any performer to be cast in nearly any role, regardless of gender, race, or sexual orientation. Additionally, the show is modular, allowing theatres to customize the run time of their show, from approximately 45 minutes to full length. The new flexible, modular version of the musical written by Tony nominee Hunter Bell, Susan Blackwell and Jeff Bowen (Broadway's [title of show]) will be made available for video conference readings, and virtual and live productions.
For more information, visit concordsho.ws/PerformNHTFlexible
“We are super-excited to present this flexible, modular version of Now. Here. This. and we can’t imagine a better way to introduce it to the world than this remarkable virtual production created by OCSA’s Musical Theatre Conservatory. Regarding this virtual production, OCSA parent Gina Gidden told me: ‘This whole experience gave the students something they could control. It gave meaning to this time. It gave them purpose. This proved that impossible things can be done.’ I couldn’t put it any better than that,” said Blackwell.
The Authors and OCSA are suggesting donations to the OCSA Foundation (Donation Link), Educational Theatre Foundation (Donation Link) and GenZStayHome (Donation Link) in lieu of tickets.
Check out previews in the video players above and below.