The community is invited to join Ensemble Theatre of Chattanooga (ETC) for the new rock musical “DRIFT”, June 1 - 17; Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 2 p.m. and Sundays at 6:30 p.m.  Performances will take place in the St. Andrews Center, 1918 Union Avenue.

"Jeremy Shonfeld, the writer, is insistent about the story being told through the music.  There is very little dialogue in the 90 minute show," says director Garry Lee Posey. "A component from a previous production utilized videography -- something that I believe could really enhance the story telling, so we are using that convention as well. To help us direct the use of this convention in the most effective way possible, we are focusing on music videos for inspiration." DRIFT is written by Jeremy Shonfeld with additional material provided by Craig Pospisil.

DRIFT marks the 25th production that Garry Posey has directed with ETC. "To me, Drift is a musical that finds its protagonist trying to survive in two different worlds- fantasy and reality. In the musical, recently divorced David lives (and sings about what is) in his mind. His ex, Laura conversely finds herself trying to pull David back into reality. Ironically, the plot of DRIFT and my tenure thus far with ETC are almost mirror images of the other."

Honors for DRIFT include “Best Show of 2009” from Triangle Arts & Entertainment, and “Best Original Music” from Indy Week. Critics praised “Schonfeld's courageous rock and soulful song-cycle sensitively articulated a series of moments in a divorce, largely from the husband's point of view … a prismatic set of rocking, thoughtful, raging, aching – but ultimately joyous – confessions. Four Stars.” (Indy Week). It was also part of North Carolina’s “Hot Summer Nights" at the Kennedy and the 2006 New York Musical Theatre Festival (NYMF).

Tickets are $15 and are available at www.ensembletheatreofchattanooga.com, by calling 423-987-5141 and at the box office. Doors open 30 minutes before each performance.  Free parking is available behind the St. Andrews Center.

ETC’s production of “DRIFT” is directed by Garry Lee Posey and assistant directed by Eric "Red" Wyatt.  Cast members include Maggie Bradshaw, Damon Buxton, Dana Colagiovanni, Kyle Dagnan, Ryan Laskowski, Ellen Poole, Justin Wahlne and Jeremy Wilkins. The live band will consist of members Cody Stansell and Matt Turnure on drums, Haden York and Josh Roush on guitars, Roman Penney on bass, and John Tunstall and Evan Brady on keyboards. Videography provided by Eric Phillips. The stage manager is Casey Keelen. Ensemble Theatre of Chattanooga Announces 'Drift'€ Performance Dates