The Light Chasers
based on the album by Cloud Cult
music & lyrics by Craig Minowa
book by Andrew Hungerford
story by Andrew Hungerford & Jess Hutchinson
Know Theatre of Cincinnati | Spring 2024​
"In a world just a few years from where we are now, it seems the emotional struggles we face as humans remain the same: grief, uncertainty, and – fortunately – love and hope. We all make mistakes; it is in putting the pieces back together that we learn how to…well, make different (and hopefully) better mistakes. But no matter what, we keep going."
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Katrina "Kat" Reynolds - League of Cincinnati Theatres
"The direction was especially tight and focused, with almost perfect pacing and clear storytelling."
Kirk Sheppard - The Sappy Critic
Teaser video beautifully filmed & created by CCM student Yodeet Nymberg
About This Production​
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A long-time friendship born on Twitter, a mutual love of the band Cloud Cult, and shared beliefs about what theater is for and how it should be made combined with a dream cast and creative team to make The Light Chasers a truly once-in-a-lifetime adventure. I was honored to co-direct this piece with Andrew and am so proud of the brand new rock musical about grief, friendship, family, and how endings can be new beginnings. ​
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More on the origin of this project in this lovely preview article in American Theatre, written by Rob Weinert-Kendt
About This Show​
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Teenage science whiz Nic is stuck on Earth with her practical mom while her beloved dreamer of a father is ten years into an improbable mission to the stars. Nic vows to defy what she’s always been told is possible to bridge lightyears, get a message to her dad, and reunite her family.
This epic, world-premiere theatrical adventure based upon the album Light Chasers by indie orchestral-rock band Cloud Cult is a co-production between Know Theatre and UC CCM Acting, written by Know Producing Artistic Director Andrew Hungerford and developed with Chicago-based theatre maker Jess Hutchinson, who co-directs the show.
The Light Chasers is a music-fueled story about finding hope in a broken world and the galactic distances we’ll go to heal.
photos by Dan R. Winters Photography
Featuring
Gabi Adams
Staylie Brunner
James Creque
Nico Graves
Montez O. Jenkins-Copeland
Evan Kupersmith
Carson Mehlbauer
Cassandra Reeves
Sarah Summerwell
Lilia Villaflor
Collaborative Team
Co-Directors: Jess Hutchinson & Andrew Hungerford
Movement Director: L. Lucia Duque
Orchestrator & Music Director: Rob Stark
Asst Directors: Becca Anderson & A.J. Baldwin
Scenic & Lighting Designer: Andrew Hungerford
Costume Designer: Noelle Wedig-Johnston
Sound & Projection Designer: Douglas Borntrager
Stargate Design: Brandon Johnston
Props Designer & Scenic Artist: Danielle Robison
Stage Manager: Grace Wohlschlegel
Technical Director: Jim Stark