DZ Productions brings the coming-of-age song cycle Edges to the Crown Uptown Theatre from July 21st to the 23rd. A song cycle is a unit of songs meant to be presented together, and in a particular sequence, in order to advance a story line, a theme, a mood—a unifying coherence from the combination of musical pieces.
Edges was written in 2005 by the Tony-nominated duo Benj Pasek and Justin Paul while they were in their sophomore year of studying musical theatre at the University of Michigan. The two then-19-year-old students were dissatisfied with the roles they were cast in at the school, so they decided to write their own show. The following year, the pair became the youngest to win the Jonathan Larson Award, a $20,000 prize established by the estate of Jonathan Larson, the composer of Rent.
DZ Productions started out in 2013 as a way to enjoy the summer while staying involved in theatre. The four-person musical Glory Days was the first show produced, followed by Spring Awakening in 2014, and the Midwestern premiere of Heathers: The Musical in 2015. Now in its fourth season, its mission is to provide pre-professional experience to young actors in a professional venue.
Edges explores the difficult transitions endured by young people trying to make their ways in the world. Love, commitment, identity, and expectations are at stake. You can see this show onstage at the Crown Uptown this week only.