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, and Songs for a New World is her 9th show at BHS. She can’t wait for everyone to hear all the beautiful music in this show and experience the uniqueness of a black box musical. She also would like to thank all the parent volunteers who made this show possible. Enjoy the show!

Cast

Lucy is a junior and is thrilled to be a part of this amazing and unique production. She would like to thank the wonderful cast, crew, pit and production team for working so hard to make this show a reality. Enjoy!

Cast

Mac is a senior and she is very excited to be doing her 9th show with BHS. She would like to thank everyone who has helped to give her the opportunity to perform. She would also like to thank the audience for coming. She hopes that you enjoy the performance!

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

Lia Woods (Just One Step/Surabaya-Santa) Lia is a sophomore at Batavia High School and is very excited to part of this year’s musical. Her favorite past show has been Heathers (Heather McNamara). She is also a member of the drama club, Swingsingers and Chromatics. Her other hobbies include drawing, reading, and hanging out with her friends. She would like to thank her family for coming to every show and always supporting her, as well as the amazing directors and cast of Songs for a New World.

Cast

Lane Is a Junior and Is glad to be a part of Songs For A New World. His past shows include The Monster: A Frankenstein Tale, And Mean Girls. This is his Fifth show with the BHS Drama Program, and is happy to make an Impact on Drama Program and BHS. He’d like to dedicate his performance to his supporters and hope you enjoy the show!

Cast

Charlotte is a junior and this is her third musical at BHS! She is so excited for you to see all the hard work everyone has put in and she hopes you love it!

Cast

Sama Taha (Ensemble)

Sama Taha is in the tenth grade and attends Batavia High School. This is her thirteenth musical of all time. She is elated to be in Batavia’s production of Songs for a New World. She is also in Swingsingers and But Seriously Folks. She would like to thank the stupendous cast and team for making this show possible, along with her family and friends for being so supportive.

Cast

Caroline Katich is a freshman and is so excited to perform in her first show at Batavia High School. The other shows she’s done are She Kills Monsters, The Lightning Thief, Xanadu, and Madagascar Jr. Some of Caroline’s other hobbies are rollerskating, drawing, and hanging out with friends. She has had so much fun working on this show and hopes you enjoy it just as much as she does!

Cast

Joy Mamminga is a Sophomore at BHS, and this is her third high school production! She is also apart of But Seriously Folks Improv troupe, and Swingsingers. She would like to thank her amazing family for supporting her through everything, her fabulous directors for all the dedication they have put into the show, and her wonderful cast mates for making the show awesome! She hopes you enjoy the show as much as she does!

Cast

Arianna is a sophomore at BHS, this is her first musical at the high school. She hopes you enjoy the show.

Cast

Gwen Elftmann(Ensemble) is in ninth grade. She has been in musicals such as Mary Poppins, Peter Pan, Wizard of Oz, Shrek, and the Lightning Thief. She can’t wait to be in her first BHS musical! She wants to thank her sister, parents, and friends for supporting her through this!

Cast

Wyatt Berryhill, a junior at BHS, is excited to be performing in songs for a new world. He began his theater journey in the fourth grade and has since been involved in Batavia Theater and Stage Works in Geneva. Wyatt’s roles include Mary Poppins (Neleus), Annie (Daddy Warbucks), High School Musical (Coach Bolton), and Mean Girls (Damian). In addition to acting, Wyatt is a producer and songwriter under the alias “Wyatt HilloBerries” and is well-known around school for his music. He would like to thank his mom, Geneva theater friends, and everyone who supports his music.

Cast

Camille has theatre in her blood because her parents are both drama teachers and directors. This is Camille’s 15th show, her most recent being Shrek the Musical Jr., playing Princess Fiona. She looks foward to sharing everything she has learned about theatre over the years. Enjoy Songs for a New World!

Cast

Grace Elftmann (The Flagmaker, 1775) is a junior at Batavia High School. This is her first production at BHS, but her 10th musical overall! This includes The Little Mermaid, Peter Pan, Aladdin, and Finding Nemo. Grace would like to thank the wonderful everyone involved in the drama program for being so welcoming. She also wants to specifically thank her friends Joy and Charlotte for encouraging her to audition for this show, and her parents and sister (Aimee, Eric, and Gwen) for being the best family she could ever ask or hope for.

Cast

Kaia Olberg is a junior at BHS. She has been in theater her whole life and this will be her 5th show at Batavia! She is so grateful for this wonderful learning opportunity, and would like to thank everyone that made it possible! She hopes you enjoy the show!

Cast

Crew

Stage Manager

Lexie is so excited for the show! She is a senior at BHS and is heavily involved in the drama department. Songs for a New World is her 9th production at BHS and 6th as a member of the stage management team. She would like to thank her fellow Stage Managers, Senithi and Lauren, for all of their time and dedication over the rehearsal process. She would also like to thank her family for all of their support. Break a leg everyone!

Assistant Stage Manager

Lauren Smith is a senior at Batavia High School and this is her 6th show at BHS and 5th on the stage management team. She would like to thank the other stage managers, Senithi and Lexie, and all the actors who put so much time and effort into this musical. She is very excited for everyone to hear the beautiful music and voices in Songs for a New World, and enjoy the show!

Assistant Stage Manager

Senithi Hewamanage is a junior and this is her 5th show at the high school, but 6th show overall. She is so excited to be stage managing for a musical for the first time, and can’t wait to for you all to see the hard work everyone has put into these performances. Enjoy the show!

Crew

This is Gianna’s 5th show at the BFAC. She’d like to thank her friends and family for encouraging her to join crew. She hopes you enjoy the show!

Crew

Sarrinah is a sophomore and is excited to be working behind the scenes on this year’s fall musical. She has previously been a part of last year’s musical, Mean Girls, and spring play, Frankensteins, but this year’s musical is her debut as Props Master. In her free time, she enjoys binging TV shows and spending time with her friends and family. Cheers to an amazing show!

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

Jonah Tesdall is excited to play piano for the musical. This is his second year doing the musical, and will hopefully continue in years to come. He has been playing piano since he was 7 and has been looking for more ways to get involved with playing piano at the school. He would like to thank his friends and family for being supportive with his musical endeavors, and thank all of my band and music teachers for helping me on this journey.

Artistic Team

Dominic Cattero

Artistic Director

Dominic Is a Batavia native, graduating from BHS in 1999, at which point he attended Illinois Wesleyan University, where he earned a BFA in Theatre Arts. Following a short stint as a freelance director, he settled in Quincy Illinois at Quincy Community Theatre and served as their Director of Student Theatre and Head of Education from 2003-2005 at which time he transitioned to the position of CEO and Managing Artistic Director from 2005 – January of 2011. Dominic has also been appointed and served a three-year term with the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency, and served as an adjunct professor of Theatre Arts and Acting with Hannibal-LaGrange University from 2008 to 2010. A Theatrical Dominic met his wife Miranda on stage in Grease and they have four children, Brayden, Delaney, Mirabella, and Bianca.

Directing Credits Include: The Sound of Music, Urinetown, The Producers, Little Shop of Horrors (twice), Miracle on 34th Street, Steel Magnolias, Jesus Christ Superstar, On Golden Pond, The Graduate, Chicago, Little Brother, Lucky Stiff, Forever Plaid, Footloose, The Importance of Being Earnest, All Shook Up, Jake’s Women, Everybody, Death of a Salesman, Lost in Yonkers, Shrek, Beauty and the Beast, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, I Never Saw Another Butterfly, Dear Edwina, The Theory of Relativity, 9 to 5 The Musical, Arsenic and Old Lace, You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown, Bridge to Terabithia, I Do! I Do! and many more. He is also the founding Director and coach for But Seriously, Folks… improv troupe founded in 2003.

Awards & Reccognition
* West Central Illinois 20 Under 40 recipient
* Individual Artist recipient for Wes Central Illinois?SouthEastern Iowa/North Eastern Missouri
* Arts Educator of the year – 2009
* Enid Ireland Award
* Batavia/Geneva/St. Charles 30 Under 30 recipient
* Batavia Hall of Honor

Assistant Director

Sophia loves assistant directing her first show! She is a senior at Batavia High School and has acted in nine prior shows here. She is so proud of this show and the cast and crew and wants to thank all of the other adults and students that have helped make it happen. She hopes you enjoy songs for a new world!

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.

Assistant Music Director

Jayden is a Senior and very excited to be the Student Music Director for this show! He thanks Mr. Barsch for allowing him help, and hopes you enjoy the show!

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!