HIGHER - 05.29.2020 - OPENING

THE STORY:

Love. War. Trauma. Drugs. Relief. Laughter. Love. Repeat.

Starting with Benjamin’s birth into a loving two-parent household, we see him grow up, take his first sips of beer with his cousin Kyle, strike out with the girl of his dreams, and join the Marines to find purpose.

Disaster strikes as both young men struggle to cope with physical and mental trauma. Seeking love and understanding, heroin fills the void and runs rampant. 

However, Benjamin finds a sense of stability in his newfound love, Mara. While the relationship seems to be perfect to Benjamin and Mara, it creates a terrible rift in Benjamin's family ultimately forcing Benjamin to make the hardest decision of his life. 

CREATORS:

Written by: Mark Levine

Developed by: American Legacy Theatre

Musical Arrangement by: Eric Knechtges

FUNDING SUPPORTERS:

Ohio Arts Council

Rachel and Brian Rasmussen

FUEL Cincinnati

Compagna-Unkenholt Charitable Giving Fund

WHY WE DO IT:

Directed by Jared O'Roark this original rock musical is the first of its kind in American musical theatre. Never before has this topic been addressed in this way. With nearly every American household knowing someone suffering from this epidemic A.L.T. built this platform so we could bring people from all walks of life together to build a shared vocabulary and shared experience.

Our playwright, Mark Levine, said he created this musical for one simple reason: reduce stigma.

We at A.L.T. have been asked for over a year to bring a piece addressing this issue to light. We are thrilled to bring what you have asked. We are even more thrilled that A.L.T. is setting the tone for Cincinnati to be a crucible for new work.

UNDERSTUDY PERFORMANCES:

Because of our unwavering commitment to developing new artists, we have many roles on- and off-stage understudied by a student from the community. They are going through the full rehearsal process and will be guaranteed two performances: 

• Thursday June 4 @ 7:30p
• Thursday June 11 @ 7:30p

OUR COMMITMENT:

We do offer subsidized tickets if you receive SNAP benefits and our prices are detrimental for your family, or if you are a veteran/active military. Please reach out to us directly at 513-443-5429 (LGCY) so we ensure you have a part in this experience and your voice is heard.

ARRIVAL & PARKING:

There are limited parking spots in the SCPA lot behind the school. There is street parking and other city lots nearby including 3CDC's Washington Park Garage and the CET lot on Central Pkwy. 

Upon entering the front doors of SCPA you should make your way downstairs to the Black Box Theatre.

Tickets purchased at the door will be $25 General Admission.