Different
musical premiere
PROGRAM
CAST: https://sites.google.com/view/differentpremiere/cast
(Click link above for photos and bios of the CAST, thanks!)
Henry - Harrison Buchanan
Mom - Marion Pack
Mike - Thomas Jenson
Ellie - Emma Strong
Jessica - Myra Palmer
Freddie - Colton Purcell
Mia - Sara Platter
Cole - Oliver Estrada-Brown
Ms Karen/Summer/Moderator - Marie Jacobs
Mr Craig - Jeremy Pratt
Jack & Other Team - Nathanael Cook
Charlie & Other Team - Emily Trejo
Bailey & Other Team - Joseph “Jo” Hansen
Angel - Brynley Anne Colton
Special thanks to our understudies:
Emily Trejo,
Oliver Estrada-Brown
& Marie Jacobs!
CREW: https://sites.google.com/view/differentpremiere/crew
(Click link above for photos and bios of the CREW, thanks!)
Executive Producer - Rick Daynes
Creator & Principle Author - Tyler Daynes
Director & Playwright - Samantha Daynes
Lyricist & Composer - Jefferson Daynes
B.M.O.C. lyrics - Larry Farnes
Music Recordings - Joshua Sohn
Production Stage Manager - Alyssa Call
Assistant Stage Manager - Isabella Beals
Music Director - Marion Pack
Choreographer - Kate Hendrickson
Props - Rose Allen
Follow Spot - Robby Moore
Crew - Justin Kwan
Dramaturgy - Pollyanna Eyler
Director's Note:
Hello everyone and welcome to tonight’s production of Different the Musical. My name is Sammy Daynes and I am the director and co-writer of the show. Please take a moment to ensure your phones are switched completely off, not just on silent. Photography and video during the performance is strictly prohibited except by assigned crew members.
Back in 2020 my cousin Tyler called me up and told me he wanted to write a musical about what it’s like to have autism, which he himself has. Tyler also has a brother with Down syndrome. We spent the next two years writing, perfecting and working on the show. I was able to help with the dialogue, but the story and characters were entirely Tyler’s.
When we held auditions we sought to cast as many special needs actors as we could find. About 60% of the cast and crew has a disability of some kind, including ADHD, chronic illness, and autism. We are so proud to bring this story to you and hope you enjoy Different the Musical.
Producer's Note:
Different the Musical Celebrates Inclusion on Stage A heartwarming story and a mix of talent never seen ON STAGE ever! Appropriately named, Different the Musical is unlike anything that has ever been put together for an on-stage, live theatrical.
During an extremely challenging time in High School, Tyler Daynes, who has autism, approached his dad with the idea that he wanted to put on a musical. The always-supportive dad and author Rick Daynes said, “well, okay, son, let’s figure it out.” Tyler’s concept was further developed by the two, who then enlisted accomplished Pianist Jefferson Daynes and Writer/Director Samantha Daynes to bring the story to life.
This world premiere show is based on Tyler’s life and the wild imagination that got him through the halls of high school and beyond. The characters and cast of the show are made up of extremely talented artists from around the state of Utah, many of which have special needs.
The story centers around an awkward teenager’s journey for acceptance. He yearns for more but cannot comply with social norms. Then one day he is befriended by an unlikely group who introduces him to a world of inclusion.
Writer/Director Samantha Daynes is a recent graduate of Theater Arts at Brigham Young University, during which time, Different the Musical, won an award for “Best Concept for a Musical.” “It has been extremely rewarding to take this unbelievable idea from Tyler’s brain and bring it to life for the first time in a theater setting. The cast and crew are humbled and honored to be a part of the debut of something as beautiful and as different as Different!”
Different the Musical takes the stage at The Hive Collaborative Theater in Provo, UT. Show dates are August 24-27 at 7:30 PM with a Saturday matinee at 2:00 PM. Both Saturday shows will be live streamed. For ticket info, interviews with the cast, and more information about the author, please contact Rick Daynes or visit www.differentmusical.com.
Dramaturgy Note:
When I first heard about this musical, based on true, first-hand-feelings, I knew I wanted to do all I could to support it. This musical brings back a flood of memories, both sad and happy. Marriage and parenthood is hard enough, but when raising a neuro-divergent child, there's an added measure of heart ache, anguish, grief, and gut-wrenching choices alongside a front row seat of pure bliss and innocence.
To provide dramaturgy for a production is to be a world-builder! We are not only the keepers of the script, but we share a portion of our hours of research to help the cast and crew to explore this sometimes new world for them. We began with these two great introductory videos regarding those who have or those who love people on the Autism Spectrum or who have Down Syndrome:
Autism Spectrum, Just Like You - https://youtu.be/S0w6carvS8k?t=18
Down Syndrome, Just Like You - https://youtu.be/5M--xOyGUX4?t=1
Dramaturgy also helps to bridge the world of the play for the audience, so check out the lobby display and share with the cast and crew a litttle bit about you! We'd also love your help improving the script and the production with your adorations, questions, & suggestions! You may fill out a comment card on paper or online:
I am so thrilled to have come closer to the cast and crew, their performances are spot on - and really bring the script to life and the messages of heart and hope home! No matter how many times I view it, I cry tears of joy! If I could change anything, it would be to have been able to have had this musical to reference years ago when my family was going through the thick of things. Here's to all of us who still support those on the Autism Spectrum and with other Special Needs! So hold-on tightly to your loved ones, God bless, and enjoy the show!