A magnetic performance
The tape is rolling for the premiere performance of “Industrial Cassette,” a one-act musical about climate change at the Lincoln City Cultural Center this Saturday, Feb. 25.
Written by Brandon Lucas, aka Sweeney Gray, the tale follows Ashe, played by dancer Sammy Schmader, who awakens one day in the middle of an unknown and abandoned industrial park. Looking for an escape, Ashe encounters three women who convince Ashe to drink from a strange, polluted river. What follows is a journey deep into Ashe’s mind in a musical exploration of industrialization and the climate crisis.
This is the first original show from Lucas.
“We describe it as ‘Alice in Wonderland’ mixed with Pink Floyd’s ‘The Wall,’” Lucas said. “The story of the experience is told through light, color and sound. I got inspiration from Alexander Scriabin’s tone poems.”
Lucas, a Lincoln City-based piano teacher and technician, is being joined for this production by musical luminaries from near and far.
“I am so excited that we have as our director Alex Miskin, who flew out here from New York,” Lucas said. “He just finished a sold-out run of “Warhol for Cynics.” We also have Adrienne Welsh, who plays for the Newport Symphony and Fish Martinez, a member of the Siletz Tribe. It’s going to be a fun, powerhouse night.”
The lead vocalists of the musical are Dana Reynolds as Water Sister, Steph Doster as Earth Sister and Marisa Reign as Air Sister.
Though the topic is heavy, the goal of the evening isn’t.
“It doesn't matter how we are approaching the topic of the climate crisis logically, we need to approach it emotionally,” Lucas said. “This is basically an invitation to the community to come and feel together and contemplate this big issue in a welcoming environment.”
Lucas moved to the coast two years ago from Denver to accept a teaching position at Neskowin Valley School, but found he prefers to work more one-on-one with kids who, by the way, are welcome at the performance.
“I would give it a PG rating,” he said. “If your kids can handle ‘Alice In Wonderland’ they can handle this.”
The show begins at 7 pm. Admission is a suggested $10 in advance, $15 at the door. Beer, wine and concessions will be available for sale. The Lincoln City Cultural Center is located at 540 NE Hwy. 101. For more information, go to lincolncity-culturalcenter.org or call 541-994-9994.