Blindspot Collective and Coronado Playhouse are proud to announce the cast and creative team for “Underground,” a groundbreaking new musical inspired by the discography of legendary singer-songwriter Ben Folds.
This immersive co-production will fully transform the theater and transport audiences to a dynamic dive bar for a joyful exploration of community, empathy, and resilience, organizers say.
“Underground” plays July 7 – 30 at 8 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays; 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturdays; and 3 p.m. n Sundays.
All performances will be held at Coronado Playhouse, located at 1835 Strand Way.
Workshopped in San Diego, New York
Originally conceived by Amy Cordileone, Donnie Tuel, and Rachel Tuggle Whorton, the show was previously workshopped in San Diego and New York City before being expanded for its world premiere.
With a new book by Blindspot Collective co-founder Blake McCarty, audiences can expect an exhilarating blend of compelling storytelling and iconic songs as “Underground” unfolds around them.
With each note and every lyric, Ben Folds’ remarkable music becomes a vessel for connection, healing, and self-discovery.
“For many people, Ben’s music was formative when we were teenagers and young adults,” says director and choreographer Amy Cordileone. “It’s a joy to explore these songs through a fresh, theatrical lens and hopefully introduce a new audience to Ben’s exceptional songwriting.”
Cordileone is San Diego native
Cordileone is a San Diego native who performed at Starlight, New Village Arts, Lamb’s Players, and other local companies prior to moving to New York City to continue her career as an artist and educator.
It was there that she met Blake McCarty, who established Blindspot Collective in New York before moving to the West Coast.
“A workshop of this musical was one of the first things we produced in San Diego,” notes
McCarty, “And we’re excited to share it in an atmosphere that will foster a unique connection between performers and audiences.”
It is particularly timely considering Ben Folds released his latest album on June 2, the first track of which repeats the refrain “Do you still believe in the good of humankind?”
That is a central question of “Underground.”
History of collaboration
With this new show, Blindspot Collective continues its history of collaboration and innovation as they did with last year’s “Black Séance” (winner of Outstanding Solo Performance from the San Diego Theatre Critics Circle) and 2019’s “Hall Pass,” presented in partnership with La Jolla Playhouse.
Prepare to be swept up in the captivating music and unapologetic storytelling of “Underground” as it challenges expectations of what it means to experience live theater.
The cast features Amanda Blair, Hannah Bosworth, Kevin Bradel, Hunter Brown, Sam Castillo, Hero Cordileone, Lu Garcia, Shane Hennessey, Joe Kao, Georgia Ladd, D.
Mckenna, Dakota Ringer, Jerry Rodriguez, Sarah Jane Salonga, Dacara Seward, and Marisa
Taylor Scott.
The creative team includes Amy Cordileone (Director & Choreographer), Michael Tyree (Music Director), Shawn Foote (Stage Manager), Caroline Andrew (Lighting Designer),
Cole Atencio (Sound Designer), Tammy Molenaar (Costume Designer), and Jacob Sampson
(Scenic Designer).
Tickets start at $24
Single tickets start at $24 with group discounts available for parties of eight or more.
Student, Military, and Senior Discounts are available. For more information, contact the box office at (619) 435-4856 or visit www.coronadoplayhouse.org.
