THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN
Book & Lyrics by Gordon Leary, Music by Julia Meinwald
Choreographed by Duane Lee Holland Jr., Music Directed by Jeremy Robin Lyons, Scenery by Ann Beyersdorfer, Costumes by Adam Dill, Lighting by Jake DeGroot, Sound by Matt Otto, Props by Miranda Hartmann, Assistant Choreographer Alvon Reed
World Premier Presented by Flint Repertory Theatre, March-April 2023
For more information about The Magnificent Seven musical, click HERE.
With the weight of the hopes and dreams of a nation on their shoulders, seven female rivals and friends were chosen to represent the United States at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta. Through innovative musical storytelling, writer Gordon Leary and composer Julia Meinwald explore the inner lives of the first female gymnastics team to win gold for the United States. This world premiere musical features teenagers Amanda Borden, Amy Chow, Dominique Dawes, Shannon Miller, Dominique Moceanu, Jaycie Phelps and Kerri Strug as they work through adolescence on a very public stage. From falling off balance beams to dreaming of getting their faces on a Wheaties box to Kerri Strug’s ankle-busting vault heard round the world, The Magnificent Seven brings the history-making team of young women back into the spotlight. It’s both a love letter and an examination of 90s pop culture, USA gymnastics, and the national representation of women’s bodies.
Photos by Jake DeGroot and Jenifer Veloso
“…this stunning production captures the story of the 1996 U.S. World Gymnastics Team as they compete for Olympic Gold on the world stage. It is intriguing, entertaining, and most of all a deep dive into the pressure and pleasure of world competition, all set to music.” – Kathleen Kirby, Flint Area Theatres
“There is a lot more to savor in this production. Wonderfully directed by Catie Davis and choreographed by Duane Lee Holland Jr., the play moves smoothly and with rhythmic synchrony.” – Kathleen Kirby, Flint Area Theatres
“The right idea for a new musical is about half the battle for it to be a commercial success. The other half, of course, is getting the writing and music right. In the case of The Flint Repertory Theatre’s world premiere of The Magnificent Seven, the production team has gotten this work about the 1996 Olympic Gymnastics team very right.” – David Kiley, Encore Michigan
“With bold creative choices and skillful stage direction, Director Catie Davis evokes the energy and intensity of an Olympic gymnastics competition, deftly shifting the focus between characters. She finds the balance that the show needs to be effective and to keep it an ensemble piece.” - Bridgette M. Redman, Arts Advocate & Journalist