After a pandemic hiatus, Greenbelt Recreation is celebrating the return of the annual Youth Musical by presenting a sparkling show about the resurgence of joy.
Tickets go on sale today for The Joy Gods Return, written and directed by Greenbelt resident Chris Cherry and featuring a cast of talented teen actors from several local schools.
Set in Manhattan a year after 9/11, the story concerns actress Felicity Knox, who makes a surprise appearance as Iris, the messenger goddess of joy, on the Channel Four morning news. Her stunt is meant to publicize the premiere of her late husband’s musical, The Joy Gods Return, but it blossoms into a campaign of joy that lifts the spirits of the entire city. New York falls in love with Iris, and so does jaded newscaster Brian Banning, whose quest for an exposé nearly wrecks everything.
Alternately funny and touching by turns, the show is an uplifting and entertaining depiction of finding love after experiencing loss. Zoe Larsen, a senior at Eleanor Roosevelt High School, plays Felicity. Creedence Jackson, a student at Bowie State University and an alumnus of the youth musical program, plays Brian. The play-within-a-play structure of the story affords the other cast members the opportunity to play multiple roles.
There will be four performances in the Community Center Gymnasium/Auditorium: Saturday, March 4 at 7 p.m.; Sunday, March 5 at 3 p.m.; and Saturday, March 11 at 2 and 7 p.m.
To purchase tickets, visit the Community Center Business Office, or call 301-397-2208. Historically, the Youth Musical has sold out, so advance purchase is recommended.