Kingdom
2007 Festival
Director
Jose Zayas
Cast
Marisa Echeverria, Ruth Pagan, Gerardo Rodriguez, Jon Rua, Renoly Santiago, Will Sierra, Renaldy Smith and Robin de Jesus
Number of Acts: 2
Number of Principals (Male): 5
Number of Principals (Female): 1
Total Cast Size: 6
Orchestra Breakdown:
3
Genre & Style:
Synopsis
Inspired by the true stories of current and former Latin Kings, Kingdom chronicles the journey of two kids from the barrio who join the Kings in search of power and respect. When tragedy strikes, a power struggle tears the two friends apart – with devastating results. Kingdom composer Ian Williams is a NYU Graduate Musical Theatre Writer, and book writer/lyricist Aaron Jafferis is known for his hip-hop poetry and plays.
Development History
Kingdom has received developmental readings at NAMT Member NYU’s Graduate Musical Theatre Writing Program, as part of The Public Theater’s New Work Now! Series, and at John Jay College of Criminal Justice. The musical had its World Premiere as part of the New York Musical Theater Festival in 2006, produced by Latin Kingdom Entertainment with Eric Louie. It was awarded The NYMF Award for Excellence: Most Promising New Musical. The musical was also cited as a 2006 Outstanding New Musical by Talkin’ Broadway. The show recently had its New Haven premiere at The Bregamos Community Theater.
Festival Successes
Richard Rodgers Award 2008, readings at Queens Theatre in the Park (NY) and The Public Theater (NY) in 2008, full productions at The Old Globe (CA) and ReVision Theatre (NJ) in 2009.