IU alumnus debuts musical tonight at Wells-Metz

The boroughs of Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx and Staten Island have a new a neighbor – at least for this weekend.\nPlaywright and IU alumnus Eric Price and composer Will Reynolds created the “The Sixth Borough,” a fanciful new musical that examines a community after an enormous change takes place. It opens tonight at the Wells-Metz Theatre. \n“The Sixth Borough” is the whimsical tale of a mythical “lost” borough that is slowly drifting away from the others. As it floats farther away, residents of both Manhattan and the disappearing borough must cope with the drastic loss taking place. In the midst of everything, a young couple has to come to terms with the fact that the world is changing, Price said. \nPrice and Reynolds, both New Yorkers, have been working on “The Sixth Borough” since 2005. Price, who graduated in 2004 with a degree in theater, is thrilled to finally see the \nmusical performed.\n“This show used to be just a vision,” Price said. “An immense feeling of pride surrounds this show.”\nThe music in “The Sixth Borough” is eclectic and embodies all the emotions of New York – it includes vaudeville numbers, comedy and sweeping romantic sections, Price said. This is the first time their music will be performed with a five-piece orchestra, instead of just a piano.\n“Music is only music when it’s off the page,” Reynolds said. “To have it alive and off the page is a feeling that for me is second to none.” \n“The Sixth Borough” was inspired from just living and experiencing New York City. Price said that he found inspiration in every corner of the city – from the people that populate it to stories of its rich history.\n“Although it’s about New York, the emotions are universal,” Price said.\nNostalgia is one emotion Price will be feeling with his show debuting on the same stage where he spent his undergraduate years acting. Price is a former student of Emmy Award-winning director George Pinney and is pleased to be working with him again. \n“It’s really wonderful to be able to work with him now as a colleague,” Price said. “The collaboration between writer and director has been thrilling, especially since he was my teacher.”\nThe musical features three guest Equity actors from New York, including Corey Greenan, who returns to Bloomington for the second time after performing in “Mamma Mia!” at the IU Auditorium last year. The Equity actors are combined with local actors and students for this short run before the IU Department of Theatre and Drama kicks off its season with “Seussical the Musical” this October. \n“The Sixth Borough” will be performed at 7:30 p.m. tonight through Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday at the Wells-Metz Theatre. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the IU Auditorium Box Office or through Ticketmaster. Tickets will also be available at the theater one hour before the show. Visit www.indiana.edu/~thtr for more information.