Name: BHS Presents: Songs for a New World
Start: 2024-10-26T19:30:00
End: 2024-11-09T19:30:00
Location: Batavia Fine Arts Centre Black Box

October 26, 2024 – November 9, 2024

Batavia School District Events

Songs for a New World is, according to composer Jason Robert Brown, “about one moment. It’s about hitting the wall and having to make a choice, or take a stand, or turn around and go back.”

With a rousing score that blends elements of pop, gospel and jazz, featuring tight harmonies and darling vocals, Songs for a New World transports its audience from the deck of a spanish sailing ship bound for a new land, to the ledge of a New York penthouse. Characters range from a young adult in the Bronx who dreams of becoming a famous basketball player, to a forlorn and neglected Mrs. Claus lamenting as Christmas approaches.

A small but powerful diverse cast and a supercharged, well crafted score appeal to old and new generations alike as each character — in their own way — takes hold of that one moment and enters a new world.

Musical Numbers

“Opening: The New World” – This song sets the tone for the show, introducing the central theme of facing critical moments that require taking a leap of faith and entering a “new world.”

“On the Deck of a Spanish Sailing Ship, 1492” – A sailor on a Spanish sailing ship faces the uncertainty of leaving the known world behind and the anticipation of discovering something entirely new.

“Just One Step” – A wealthy woman decides to take a drastic step to get her husband’s attention, reflecting a moment of desperation and the desire for change.

“I’m Not Afraid of Anything” – A woman asserts her courage and determination to face the unknown, symbolizing personal growth and the courage to embrace new challenges.

“The River Won’t Flow” – This song depicts characters who lament their lack of success despite their hard work, reflecting on the unpredictability of life and the need to persevere despite setbacks.

“Stars and the Moon” – A woman reflects on her life choices, realizing that she chose material wealth over true love and the simple joys of life, representing a moment of regret and the recognition of what truly matters.

“She Cries” – A person experiences the emotional power their partner has over them, acknowledging the complexities and vulnerabilities in relationships.

“The Steam Train” – A young person dreams of escaping their current life and becoming a basketball star, symbolizing ambition, dreams, and the allure of fame.

“The World Was Dancing” – This song tells the story of a person who realizes that he was avoiding true happiness by not embracing the unpredictability of life.

“Surabaya-Santa” – Mrs. Claus sings a comedic yet poignant lament about her disillusionment with her marriage to Santa Claus, reflecting on unmet expectations and the desire for change.

“Christmas Lullaby” – A young woman finds hope and strength in her pregnancy, symbolizing new beginnings and the promise of a better future.

“King of the World” – A social prisoner sings about their loss of freedom and the desire to reclaim their power and identity, representing the struggle for autonomy and self-determination.

“I’d Give It All for You” – A couple realizes that despite their individual pursuits and mistakes, they ultimately need each other, highlighting the theme of reconciliation and the importance of relationships.

“The Flagmaker, 1775” – A woman making flags for the American Revolution reflects on the sacrifices and hopes tied to the fight for independence, symbolizing patriotism and the cost of freedom.

“Flying Home” – A soldier who has died in battle reflects on their journey to the afterlife, representing the final transition and the hope for peace.

“Finale: Hear My Song” – The closing song brings together the themes of the musical, emphasizing hope, resilience, and the power of facing new worlds together.

DIRECTOR’S NOTES

Welcome to songs for a new world, a production that speaks to both the heart of human experience and the power of possibility. Jason Robert Brown’s musical is a journey through moments of decision, where characters face the unknown and must choose how to step forward into their “new world.” Though first produced in the mid-90s, its themes resonate powerfully today—perhaps even more so in a world that constantly challenges us to redefine our lives and our futures. Each new world we encounter is either a blank page waiting for us to create upon it or a dark void waiting to be filled with our light. As the characters face their turning points—whether in love, loss, ambition, or desperation—they become creators of their own destinies.

We have brought songs for a new world into the present day, and the characters’ journeys reflect the realities of today’s world through the eyes of this generation. Our cast, made up of young people growing up in a time of immense change, embodies the struggles and triumphs that resonate deeply within their own lives. The reference points these characters come from are not just abstract—they mirror the specific challenges this generation faces: loving others and knowing themselves, social injustice battles, global pandemics, and deeply personal losses.

Yet, this generation is also one of resilience, hope, and action. They have come of age amidst movements for change, innovation, and deeper human connection. The characters they bring to life reflect this reality. Every new world demands their courage, creativity, and determination. Through their stories, we see a reflection of the world they are inheriting—one that asks for boldness in the face of uncertainty, but also offers endless possibilities for renewal and growth. These are the “new worlds” that call not just for attention, but for transformation.

Ultimately, this show is a call to action. It’s about the power we all possess to create something meaningful in our lives, even when the future seems uncertain. The final message of songs for a new world is not one of despair but of hope. Yes, stepping into a new world can be terrifying. But we are reminded of our capacity to endure, to imagine, and to build something better.

Your blank page, your own new world, is out there waiting. It may seem daunting, but take heart in the possibilities it offers. When the lights dim and you step back into the real world, I hope you’ll carry this truth with you:
“But hear our song, it will help you believe in tomorrow.”

Thank you for joining us on this journey. Let’s create something beautiful together – A NEW WORLD!

Dominic A Cattero

Cast

Maddie Cooper is a senior at Batavia High School, and is thrilled to be a part of the fourth and final musical of her high school theater career! Her previous shows include The Spongebob Musical, 42nd Street, and Mean Girls. She is so grateful for all the friends and memories she has made in the past four years, and is proud of all the hard work everyone put into the show. She’d like to thank the show’s directors and choreographer, along with everyone in the cast and crew for bringing it to life. She hopes you enjoy the show!

Cast

Kate Streepey is a senior at Batavia High School. This is her 11th, and final, show at BHS. She would like to thank everyone who has supported her throughout the past 4 years, and hopes everyone enjoys the show.

Cast

Mac Leathers is a senior in high school and is very excited to be in this show! This is Mac’s last show with BHS and they are so grateful to have had this chance to perform. They would like to thank their friends, director, and family for making these last four years a great experience. Finally, they would like to thank the audience for coming to see the show and hope that you enjoy it!

Cast

Sarah Anderson is a senior at BHS, and she has always loved the arts, particularly singing and dancing. She’s thrilled to finally be part of her first musical, though she wishes she had joined sooner! This experience has been eye-opening, and she feels grateful for the talented and friendly cast and crew who have welcomed her. Sarah also wants to thank her parents for their unwavering support; she knows she wouldn’t be here without them. She hopes you enjoy the show!

Cast

Crew

Cast

This is Julia’s 10th and final production at Batavia High School! While she is sad to see it come to an end, she’s so grateful to be ending with A Wrinkle In Time. She would like to thank Mr. Casburn, STAGE, and the stage managers for making this production come to life, as well as her family and friends for their continued support.

Cast

Crew

Stage Manager

Assistant Stage Manager

Lauren Smith is a senior at BHS and this is her 7th production with the BHS Drama Program and her 6th as a member of the stage management team. A Wrinkle in Time is her final show and she is so excited to see this story brought to life! She hopes you enjoy the show!

Crew

Assistant Stage Manager

Crew

Pit

Guitar

Pit

Guitar

Tommy Gray is a guitarist currently taking residence in Batavia, Illinois. He is a prolific jazz and jazz fusion guitarist, however he also dabbles in the occasional thrash metal song. Some of his favorite artists include Casiopea, Jeff Buckley, and Ghost, Masayoshi Takanaka, and Julian Lage. He has been playing guitar “seriously” for about 4+ years, and currently plans to attend a college for music education or performance, with an emphasis on jazz guitar.

You can contact him/find out more about him @guitarguybatavia02 on instagram, Process on youtube/soundcloud.

Pit

Bass

Amber Hill

This is Amber’s fourth year playing bass in the pit orchestra. She has previously played in The Spongebob Musical, 42nd Street, and Mean Girls. She is also involved in orchestra, jazz ensemble, and marching band. She hopes you enjoy the show and have an amazing day!

Pit

Piano

Jackson Jonak is a freshman at BHS, and this is his first time playing an instrument for a musical. He has a love for musical theater and piano, and found the best of both worlds by joining the pit! He hopes you enjoy the production!

Pit

Piano

Artistic Team

Dominic Cattero

Artistic Director

Cast

Assistant Director

Sophia Jech is a senior at Batavia High School. She is so excited to play Meg and act in her 10th show at the high school. Sophia has loved getting to perform with the other actors and help from crew and wants to thank all of the wonderful students , parents, and other people who make these shows happen. She hopes you enjoy the show!

Peter Barsch

Music Director

Peter Barsch teaches all curricular and co-curricular choirs at Batavia High School. Mean Girls marks his 20th show as Music Director. In addition to the last nine years of BHS shows, he has worked on Les Miserables, Ragtime, Beauty and the Beast, Into the Woods, The Producers, and more. Mr. Barsch holds a Master’s Degree in Music Education from NIU and two Bachelor’s Degrees from the Honors Program at Loyola University Chicago. Mr. Barsch has been listed in “Who’s Who among America’s Teachers” and was a Quarter-Finalist for the Grammy “Music Educator of the Year” Award. Mr. Barsch and his wife, Annie, live in Batavia with their three children.

Cast

Assistant Music Director

Jayden is very excited about his last show at the high school. He is very proud to be an ensemble member, as the ensemble is what makes this show what it is. He thanks his friends and family and hopes the show changes you in a good way!

Kyle Donohue

Choreographer

Kyle Donahue is thrilled to be working with the great cast and artistic team of songs for a new world! He has loved choreographing previous BHS productions of Mean Girls, 42^nd Street, Spongebob, Theory of Relativity, Mamma Mia, Chicago, and Cats! He has choreographed and performed around the world on regional theatre, theme park and cruise ship stages. Some choreography credits include Pippin, Legally Blonde, Grease, All Shook Up, Oklahoma!, and Forever Plaid. In the Chicagoland area, Kyle has been seen on stage at Drury Lane Theatre Oakbrook, Steel Beam Theatre, Fox Valley Ballet, and New American Theatre, and has choreographed for Buffalo Theatre Ensemble, North Riverside Players, Fox Valley Repertory, Rockford University, and College of DuPage. He serves as the Assistant Superintendent of Recreation at the Geneva Park District, and resides locally with his beautiful wife Julie and their four kiddos Lulu, Lincoln, Finn and River. He sends a big thank you to Dominic for this opportunity and the cast and artistic team for their hard work and dedication!