San Diego State University is finishing its season with the world premiere of Ryan Scott Oliver’s new musical, Tomorrow, the Island Dies. The work performs at the California institution May 1-6, with Stephen Brotebeck at the helm.
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The dystopian, original story is set on an island off the coast of Maine facing imminent destruction in the face of the climate crisis. A mysterious death leads to finger pointing between those still left alive.
“I’m interested in the ways people respond to crisis—how they seek order, how they define virtue, and how quickly certainty can become destabilizing,” says Oliver in a statement. “The piece asks what happens when our desire for clarity overtakes our capacity for compassion.”
The work has been developed in the last two years via SDSU’s New Musical Initiative. Press notes describe the score as drawing on influences “ranging from Sweeney Todd to Benjamin Britten’s Peter Grimes.”
Cast and creatives for the production included:
Widow Clack, the lighthouse keeper: Rebecca Murillo
Benji Clack, her brother: Ian Bartlett
Kathryn, the government: Savannah Comer
Jacob, the law: Nole Jones
Ephraim, the church: Jansen Espares
Wyatt, sanitation: Quetzal Alcaraz
Mckenzy, sanitation: Katie Emily
Shauna, the shop: Ajay Junious
Shelly, the shop: Janeth Shayo
Porter, the docks: Anthony Methvin
Nadine, the hospital: Ashley Roche
Bree, the school: Isabel Wirz
Ms. Kelly, the outcast: Courtney Corey
Ensemble: Kassidy King, Mackayla Olivas, Avery Henkenius, Jordan Davenport, Bobby Bednar, Shane Mullinix, David Lamb (swings: Callen Kraus, Valentina D’auria)
Scenic Design: Lauren Richards
Costume Design: Kelan Yang
Lighting Design: Mary Ashley Fulton
Sound Design: Paul Peterson
Dramaturgs: David Limon, Nitalia Wilson
Production Stage Manager: Aden Carlson
Asst. director: Brett Puppilo
