For more than a century, the Statue of Liberty, a gift of friendship from France to the people of the United States, has been a universal symbol of freedom and democracy. Dedicated in October 1886, Lady Liberty quickly came to represent hope for millions of immigrants who entered the U.S. through New York, as they set out to make a life for themselves in the land of dreams.

Ironically, the statues uplifted torch, meant to suggest enlightenment by her creators, instead represented a message of welcome to anxious immigrants who had survived an arduous journey. And, over time, the statues official Web site notes, Liberty emerged as the Mother of Exiles, a symbol of hope to generations of immigrants. She became an icon of immigration, reinforcing the idea of America being a melting pot of many cultures.

Over the last 126 years, since the statues dedication, millions of stirring stories of immigrants have emerged, but few have come to life like that of Liberty: A Monumental New Musical, making its world premiere at the Warner Theatre in Torrington by special arrangement with Theresa Wozunk. With book and lyrics by Dana Leslie Goldstein, music by Jon Goldstein, and under the direction of acclaimed New York stage director Igor Goldin, Liberty opens June 30 and will continue through July 14 at the Warner.

This is a fantastic opportunity for local audiences to see a professional production before it heads to New York, said Warner Theatre executive director John Bonanni. Our community of actors and volunteers are excited to inaugurate the Warners new professional development program, serving as an incubator for a commercial run in New York.

Liberty, according to the Warner, is a production that conveys the story of a young immigrant who arrives from France in 1884 amid anti-immigrant fervor. With powerful political forces working against her, and only a precious few on her side, she is befriended by fellow immigrants from all corners of the world. Libertys compelling and sometimes uncertain journey leads her to becoming the symbol of all immigrants, winning over the people of the United States and taking her rightful place in New York Harbor.

Featuring an entirely original score, Liberty has only been performed in pieces at venues such as the Lower East Side Tenement Museum and the New York Immigration Coalition. It was presented as a developmental workshop as part of Mayor Bloombergs Immigrant Heritage Week, as part of the grand reopening of the crown of the Statue of Liberty on July 4, 2009, and, most recently, as part of the official celebration of the 125th anniversary of the Statue of Liberty National Monument last year. As the show prepares for an off-Broadway premiere in New York City, it marks a first for the Warner Theatre, which has never before developed and premiered a new musical prior to its commercial New York run.

Ive been with the show two or three years now, Mr. Goldin said, noting that he has been with other shows from the beginning. Liberty existed before I came aboard and though I havent worked on new shows by design, I tend to enjoy it more than established shows. I like to develop a production. Its certainly more challenging, and you become completely immersed in it. There is so much of you invested in it.

Twenty-year-old Madeline Brewer, who is stepping into the role of Liberty, feels the same way. Ms. Brewer graduated in May from the American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA) in New York City, and said this is her first leading role. She relishes the opportunity to shape the character for audiences who will meet Liberty for the first time June 30.

Its been crazy, but its been an awesome experience, Ms. Brewer said enthusiastically after a musical rehearsal for the production. At AMDA, were taught how to make a role our own, how to develop a character, and I have certainly had the chance to do that with Liberty. Ive discovered some things come organically, such as how I relate to her. You definitely develop a character like this differently, because you cant see how others have done it, and thats great for me as an actress.

For a first gig, she said at a press event after she was introduced to the community, this isnt too shabby. Continued...

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'Liberty' Comes to Warner