THEATRE + COMEDY

The Houston Family Arts Center (HFAC) Actors Academy announced today that Kissless the Musical will have three preview performances at the Berry Center prior to its World Premiere at the 2011 New York Musical Theatre Festival (NYMF). The preview performances will be on Sunday, Sept. 11 at 7 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 17 at 3 p.m., and Sunday, Sept. 18 at 7 p.m.

Kissless the Musical, with book, music and lyrics by Houston’s own Chance McClain, tells the story of two very different people forced to live together for the summer and the unlikely relationship that develops to the dismay of their friends and family. With a raucous cast of characters including Abercrombie jocks, misfit Goths, brainy nerds, and backwards rednecks, Kissless the Musical tugs on heart strings between belly-laughs. A genre-hopping score paces this completely original look at what it is like to be a teen in the 21st century.

This is the first time in NYMF history that a theatre in Houston has been given the opportunity to perform in the Festival. Kissless the Musical is the only full production in this year’s Festival that was not cast in New York with professional actors.

“We are doing all we can to help the nearly all-teen cast raise the funds they need for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” Clark continued. “Our cast and crew of 40 must raise $100,000 to cover production costs and expenses for 13 days in New York. We’re having a silent auction and reception during the Sept. 11 performance and a reception only on Sept. 18. Cast members will provide entertainment during the receptions, where patrons will have the opportunity to meet the artistic team and Chance McClain, who created this great musical.”

All proceeds from show tickets sales, reception ticket sales, and the silent auction will be used to support the cast of Kissless the Musical and their journey Off Broadway.

Directed by Sam Brown, Kissless the Musical has choreography by Ellen Dyer, musical direction by Stephen W. Jones and scenic design by Lisa Garza.

Click here to read more about this production.

Pictured:  From Left to Right: Rachel Broussard, Lindsey Vrana, Ryne Nardecchia, Sarah Rentcome, Raegan Roberts, Jordan McLaughlin and Noah McClain. Photo credit: HFAC by Frank Bullington.