CF students to premier new musical

The talented musical theatre students at the College of Central Florida are about to hit the ground running with an exciting new production – described by its creator as “a meditation on change” – and the community is invited to enjoy the world premiere of a brand-new musical on stage Aug. 1-3 at the Black Box Theatre sponsored by Norman and Susan Reid, 3001 S.W. College Road.

“In Willowbark Woods” is an original theatrical work composed and written by Joshua L. Mazur, CF adjunct instructor of music. Students registered for a special two-week section of the college’s Advanced Play Production class will be assigned roles and will learn and rehearse the musical from July 21-31, then perform the show live Aug. 1-3.

“‘In Willowbark Woods’ is about change in a place that seems unchanged,” Mazur revealed. “Through spare dialogue, vivid moments, intimate songs and an atmosphere that feels both familiar and strange, ‘In Willowbark Woods’ becomes a portrait of ordinary people who, despite the stillness around them, cannot avoid confronting their own transformation. Audiences are invited into this small, imaginary community not as spectators alone, but as fellow travelers – reflecting on how even the quietest corners of life conceal tides of change we all must eventually meet.”

The production will be directed by Dr. Jason Longtin, CF professor of music and choral director. Performance times are 7:30 p.m. Friday, August 1, and Saturday, August 2, and 3 p.m. Sunday, August 3. Tickets are $10 for adults and can be purchased at cf.universitytickets.com or by calling 352-873-5810. Tickets are free for CF students, faculty and staff with valid I.D.

The community also is invited to two free talks with Mazur: “Making a Show: The Writing and Composing of ‘In Willowbark Woods’ on Tuesday, July 22, at 3 p.m., and “Making a Living: Being a Composer in 2025” on Tuesday, July 29, at 3 p.m. Both 90-minute events will be held at the Black Box Theatre sponsored by Norman and Susan Reid, 3001 S.W. College Road.

For more information about CF Visual and Performing Arts events, visit CF.edu/theatre.

Topics and concepts presented at this event are for discussion purposes only and are not intended to espouse, promote, advance, inculcate, or compel individuals to believe the topics or concepts presented therein. Nor do they constitute endorsement of such topics or concepts by the College of Central Florida, its Board of Trustees, or any of their officers, employees, or agents.