SHEFFIELD-UNA Vocal Performance majors Gary O. Fuqua, Jr. and Preston Cox teamed up for their
directorial debuts in the Todd Almond pop-rock musical, Girlfriend, at the Ritz Studio this October 10,11,
and 12 at 7PM. As creative director, Fuqua has set a dynamic vision to tell this story on the Ritz’s small
Studio stage. As music director, Cox has integrated a new musical interpretation into the narrative. Both
have managed to create an intimate and fun experience in this new space for theatrical performance at
the Ritz.
Fuqua, a veteran performer of the Ritz SummerStock program, has starred in roles such as Herr Schultz
in Cabaret, The Baker in Into the Woods, and Aldolpho in The Drowsy Chaperone. Cox made their
SummerStock performing debut last summer as the Emcee in Cabaret. Both have distinguished
themselves through their dedication to musical theater and deft craftsmanship when dealing with
challenging content.
Girlfriend is the story of two young men, Will (James Graham) and Mike (Lane Davis) exploring their
relationship and mutual attraction in 1990s Nebraska. The narrative centers around Matthew Sweet’s hit
rock album, Girlfriend. Four vocalists back up the story; Star Corder, Carolina Mooring, Matt Jones, and
Blake Poff. Girlfriend originally debuted in 2010 at Berkeley Repertory Theatre.
Don’t wait; tickets are limited due to seating restrictions in the smaller performance space. Tickets are $15
and are available at tennesseevalleyarts.org. Tickets can also be purchased by calling 256-383-0533 or
stopping by the Tennessee Valley Museum of Art front office located at 511 N. Water St. Tuscumbia, AL
35674.
Media Release/Riel Fuqua/Administrative Assistant/Tennessee Valley Art Association
