Corey Cott and Emily Padgett to Lead Last Days of Summer Musical

Kansas City Repertory Theatre will launch its 2018-19 season with the world premiere musical Last Days of Summer, running September 7-30. The new work is based on the book by author Steve Kluger, who also wrote the show's book and lyrics.

Last Days of Summer features music by Grammy winner Jason Howland, is directed and choreographed by Tony nominee Jeff Calhoun, and is produced by special arrangement with Daryl Roth.

Starring in Last Days of Summer are Corey Cott (Bandstand) as third baseman Charlie Banks, Emily Padgett (Brightstar) as Hazel MacKay, Robbie Alan Berson as Joey Margolis, Jim Kaplan as Craig Nakamura, and Chris Dwan as Stuke. Rounding out the cast are: Lauren Braton, Joseph Carr, Gary Neal Johnson, Katie Karel, Mike Ott, Josephine Pellow, Ben Priestland, Tim Scott, Emily Shackelford, and John-Michael Zuerlein.

Set in early 1940s Brooklyn, soon-to-be Bar Mitzvah boy, Joey Margolis and best friend, Craig Nakamura, write letters to their hero, New York Giants Charlie Banks, with the hope that Charlie will help them impress and suppress the neighborhood bullies. An unlikely friendship is formed between the two boys and Charlie, and as they are there for each other through everything life throws at them and while the turbulent events at the dawn of World War II unfold, bonds are formed that will last forever.

The creative team for includes set design by Jason Sherwood, costume design by Loren Shaw, lighting design by Jen Schriever, sound design by Ken Travis, and wig design by Alison Hanks. Rick Hip-Flores will serve as music director and Paul McGill as associate director and choreographer.