‘Drift’ Combines Rock Music and Videography for Ensemble Theatre of Chattanooga Production

Reporting: Monessa Guilfoil

Ensemble Theatre of Chattanooga Director Garry Posey came across the concept album that this musical is based on many years ago.    To his delight, the songs from Jeremy Schonfeld have been used in the making of a musical with lyrics and music by Schonfeld and the book by Craig Pospisil.    ‘Drift’ was given a good review when it premiered at the New York Musical Theatre Festival in 2006.     ETC will be one of the first Regional Theatres to mount a production of this, “New, edge rock musical,” says Posey.     He says that ‘Drift’ contains very little dialog, instead relying on songs, staging and theatricality to tell the story of it’s protagonist David who is going through a divorce.     The play opened this weekend on the Black Box stage of the St. Andrew’s Center.

Here’s more about this production from the ETC website:

June 1 – 17

• Fridays
• 7:30

• Sundays
• 2:30, 6:30

“Jeremy Shonfeld, the writer, is insistent about the story being told through the music, there is very little dialogue in the 90 minute show,” says director Garry Lee Posey.  “A component from a previous production utilized videography, something that I believe could really enhance the story telling, so we are using that convention as well. To help us direct the use of this convention in the most effective way possible, we are focusing on music videos for inspiration.”

Drift marks the 25th production that Garry Posey has directed with ETC. “To me, Drift is a musical that finds its protagonist trying to survive in two different worlds- fantasy and reality. In the musical, recently divorced David lives (and sings about what is) in his mind. His ex, Laura conversely finds herself trying to pull David back into reality. Ironically, the plot of DRIFT and my tenure thus far with ETC are almost mirror images of the other.”

Drift is directed by Garry Posey.  Cast members include Maggie Bradshaw, Damon Buxton, Dana Colagiovanni, Kyle Dagnan, Ryan Laskowski, Ellen Poole, Justin Wahlne and Jeremy Wilkins.  The stage manager is Casey Keelen.

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Tags: 'Drift', 2012, Ensemble Theatre of Chattanooga, Garry Posey