Clear Space Theatre to introduce spring repertory shows May 1 and 4

As part of its ongoing program expansions, Clear Space Theatre Company features two productions this May. 

“Dear Evan Hansen,” a Tony Award-winning musical with a powerful message, will open Friday, May 1, and “The Legend of Georgia McBride,” a daring comedy by Tony Award-winning playwright Matthew Lopez, will open Monday, May 4. For complete details, go to clearspacetheatre.org.

This new spring repertory supplements Clear Space’s existing three-musical summer repertory, which opens Tuesday, June 23, and continues through Labor Day weekend. 

“Dear Evan Hansen” makes its regional premiere with this production. Written by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (“The Greatest Showman,” “La La Land,” “Smash”), the musical evokes the ecstasy and the agony that comes with finally being seen. In the story, an unexpected lie spirals out of control, leaving Evan – a high schooler with anxiety who is desperate to belong – at a crossroads. Can he learn to speak up, reach out and still hold on to himself? Or is believing you can be who you want to be better than just being who you actually are? For a generation of audiences, this musical has become not just great theater, but a lifeline, a mirror and a reminder that no matter the circumstances, no one is truly alone.

The Clear Space Gives Back program continues with a special fundraising performance of “Dear Evan Hansen” in support of Children’s Beach House, an area nonprofit that seeks to help all children reach their highest potential, at 2 p.m., Saturday, May 9, when a percentage of single-ticket purchases to this performance will be donated to Children’s Beach House. A light reception will follow the show, giving patrons the opportunity to learn about the organization. 

“The Legend of Georgia McBride” is a hilarious and heartfelt story of transformation and self-discovery. When Casey, an Elvis impersonator at a small-town, run-down Florida bar, finds himself out of work, out of luck, and with a baby on the way, he’s forced to trade in his blue suede shoes for wigs, heels and a whole lot of padding. Tony Award winner Matthew Lopez (“The Inheritance,” “Some Like It Hot,” “Red White and Royal Blue”) crafts a daring comedy about finding your voice – even if it comes with a whole new wardrobe – and a new chosen family ready to embrace the fact that a drag queen can be both fabulous and straight.

“Dear Evan Hansen” marks Clear Space Managing Director Joe Gfaller’s first production as a stage director at Clear Space, after previously directing dozens of regional and world premieres in Boston, Atlanta and St. Louis. He is joined by music director David Libby (“42nd Street” at Clear Space) and choreographer Mark Lenard (“Oklahoma!” and “My Fair Lady” at Clear Space). “The Legend of Georgia McBride” is directed by acclaimed Rehoboth Beach comedian, director and author Fay Jacobs in her Clear Space debut. 

The two productions feature returns from several popular past Clear Space performers, including Larry Munsey, Christina Sophia, Rick Nazzaro, Eryk Bluto, Sarah Rose, Nancy Curry and Joseph DiBiase, as well as debuts from Hunter McCauley, Johnny Doty, Mia Goodman, Cameren Evans, Jordan Kilgore and Eric Peterson. Travis George (Live at Lincoln Center, Alvin Ailey Dance Theatre, Chester Theatre) designs the repertory set, Brendan Smith designs lights, D. Justin Jewell designs sound, Tennessee Dixon designs projections, and Mary Beth Powell and Christopher Decker design costumes.

All performances are held on the mainstage at Clear Space Theatre Company, 20 Baltimore Ave., Rehoboth Beach.