Project Élan is a brand-new, original, culture-current musical that seeks to shed light on the individual and universal needs of the millennial generation. Digital and uniquely undefinable, this generation seeks to find answers in an unpredictable world. And although they may appear to be an age overrun by technology and isolation, their dreams are timeless. The millennial generation still longs for the most basic of human needs – safety, hope and love.

Conceived and directed by The Rep’s Resident Director and Director of Education, Nicole Capri, Project Élan is written by Capri and seven SMTI alumni and staff including. The production, which opens on the 10-year anniversary of The Rep’s Summer Musical Theatre Intensive (SMTI) program, features approximately 50 of the best past and present alumni from the last decade of the program.

Project Élan features a diverse musical score with original songs from almost every genre of music – contemporary-alternative, acoustic-folk, urban-rock, indie-pop, jazz-fusion, Nashville-sound, progressive-Broadway and sunshine-pop.

The word “élan” – is defined in several ways — “to live in the moment,” “to live with reckless abandon and enthusiasm,” “confidence,” and “spirit.” The writers of this piece seek to produce a relevant and relatable musical that speaks to the heart of all generations.

Public previews begin tomorrow with the official opening night on Friday, May 8. The production runs through May 16.

The creative team includes:

• Nicole Capri – conception, director, choreographer, writer
• Mark Binns – writer, musical director
• Bobby Banister – writer
• Conly Basham – writer
• Sam Clark – writer
• Robert Frost – writer
• Jimmy Landfair – writer
• Charity Vance – writer
• Marisa Kirby – choreographer
• Stephen K. Stone – choreographer
• Drew Posey – set designer
• Shelly Hall – costume designer
• Dan Kimble – lighting designer
• Lynda J. Kwallek – props designer
• Travis Mosler – video designer
• Beth Thiemann – stage manager