Warner to Mount 'Liberty,' Show of Firsts

By RICKY CAMPBELL Register Citizen Staff

TORRINGTON Liberty, an upcoming musical at the Warner Theatre premiering on June 30, is a production of firsts and everyone involved isnt just content with that, but theyre rather excited.

Liberty will showcase the story of an immigrant girl coming from Paris, gathering outside influences ideals of what liberty is to them, and integrating their multiple thoughts into her own development. Its the first time the musical will see the light of day in its entirety, the first time its lead actress will be the focal point in her young career and its the first time Liberty will have the opportunity to push its cast and crew to their ultimate goal: a New York City stage.

On Thursday, cast and crew members of Liberty introduced themselves to Warner staffers, city officials and the public. After explaining the musicals premise, fine details and an opening, teasing number from its lead actress, Liberty cast members hit the stage for their first weekend of rehearsals.

The crew will spend their Thursdays through Saturdays leading up to the June 30 world premiere on the Torrington Main Street theatres stage, practicing their lines and developing their characters. When the show leaves the Warner Theatre after its final performance on July 12, the production, aiming for brighter lights and bigger venues, can look to Torrington as its jumping off point.

For some, it could be the initial catapult to a career under the lights.

For a first gig, this isnt too shabby, lead actress Madeline Brewer said with a smile Thursday following the warm welcome. Brewer, 20, graduated from the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York a week ago. Outside of her hometown theater in Pitman, New Jersey, Brewer said shes never landed the lead role.

On June 30, 2012, that will change for Brewer as she becomes the first actress to ever don the copper-turned-green wardrobe of Liberty an immigrant girl from France trying to make a life in 19th century America.

Liberty will hit the stage for the first time, creating a new draw, officials believe, for the different demographics of show-goers.

Youre building a relationship here and that relationship is with the Warner family, Warner Theatre Executive Director John Bonanni said to the group. When you leave, youre going to find yourself missing this place.

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Warner to Mount 'Liberty,' Show of Firsts