Directed by Charlie I. Miller
Story by Mimi Stokes Katzenbach, Charlie I. Miller and Ben Greena
Book by Mimi Stokes Katzenbach
Music and Lyrics by Ben Green
An original nonpartisan one-act musical dramatizing
the importance of inclusion
to the future of democracy!
Show Up for Democracy is a new educational touring production that dramatizes the importance of inclusion to the future of democracy. This original nonpartisan one-act musical follows a theatre ensemble, founded in 1776, as it struggles to keep the 'Show of Democracy' going. A new member from the next generation challenges the troupe with fresh ideas for the next act. Will the democratic ensemble be able to work together to keep the show going, or will their differences drive them apart? What should our next act be? Developed for PHAMALY by an intergenerational creative team, this inspiring drama about inclusion opens up new perspectives on disability and catalyzes a new conversation about the democratic ensemble and our parts in it.
Show Up for Democracy presented in association with the Mizel Arts and Culture Center (MACC) premieres on August 21 and 23 at the MACC, 350 S. Dahlia St. Performances are 7 p.m. on Thursday, August 21 and 2 p.m. on Saturday, August 23. To make reservations call 303-575-0005 or email SUFD@phamaly.org. These events are free and donations are gladly accepted. Proceeds go towards providing free outreach performances to schools that serve large numbers of low-income students. More information can be found at www.phamaly.org.
Show Up for Democracy is double cast to allow for multiple bookings. Connor is played by Stephen Hahn and Nick Ortiz Trammell, Sean McGee and David Wright in the role of Libbie, Boomer is played by Angie Aguilar and Tara Cowan and the role of Gen is performed by Briana Berthiaume and Katrina Weber. The role of Demos is played by Leonard E. Barrett Jr and understudies.
During the Democratic National Convention (August 25-28), the cast performs the show as entertainment for various Convention gatherings. In September and October, the production tours regional high schools, colleges, and other community centers. A DVD and interactive website keep the show going beyond the performance schedule and serve as the basis for extended educational programs and civic engagement. Parties interested in booking Show Up for Democracy should email sufd@phamaly.org or call 303-575-0005.
PHAMALY is Showing Up in a whole new way:
Viral Video Crew
Following a performance, PHAMALY's viral video crew will challenge the audience to "show up" as themselves, inspired by the production. The crew will encourage guests to speak to the camera, and videos will be instantly uploaded to YouTube as part of the Show Up for Democracy YouTube project.
Interactive Website
More collaborative possibilities online for free, where participants can help keep the show going by posting videos, engaging in online discussions, and exploring the issues and themes of the play. The website also includes an essay about the meaning of democracy as an ensemble and theatre games inspired by the production for educational use and civic engagement. Launch date: September 2008.
PHAMALY (The Physically Handicapped Actors and Musical Artists League), a Denver-based theatre company that is the only group in the country to produce large-scale professional productions featuring an entire cast of actors with disabilities. Now in its 19th year, PHAMALY's mission is to enable persons with disabilities to showcase their talents and abilities through live productions and to make the performing arts more accessible to everyone.
PHAMALY's actors inspire in ways that no other actors can. Democracy is in need of inspiration. Let's bring them together.