The new play “Prairie Park,” which tells the story of deeply entrenched family feuds against the backdrop of a struggling Western-themed amusement park in Tampa, Florida, will have an invitation-only industry reading on Jan. 9. The property was previously titled “The Legend of Prairie Park.”
Directed by Stephen Santa and written by T.J. Pieffer with original music from Pieffer, Brad Kemp, Becki Toth and Amanda Ribnick, “Prairie Park” will be told in the mockumentary style of films like “Waiting for Guffman” and series like “Parks and Recreation.” Angie Schworer, Lauren Lopez, Marcus M. Martin, Lizzy Murray, Rogue Schmidt and Pieffer will star in the presentation, which is produced by Pipe Dream in association with Davenport Theatrical Enterprises.
The creative team will also include music supervisor Adam Magnacca and stage manager Daryl A. Laurenza.
Previously, Pieffer’s musical comedy “Salem” was selected for the 2023 Johnny Mercer Foundation’s Writer’s Grove at Goodspeed Musicals and received an industry workshop in January 2024. Pieffer has since directed the show in concert at the Green Room 42. His musical comedy “Abduction” likewise has received numerous readings, workshops and productions. Pieffer is also a contributor to the satirical online theater site the Broadway Beat.
Stephen Santa is the former artistic director of the Omaha Community Playhouse. In addition to directing workshops of Michael R. Jackson and Anna K. Jacobs’ horror musical “Teeth” and “Uncharted: The Music of Anna K. Jacobs,” Santa was the assistant director on the “Flashdance” national tour. He currently serves as the executive artistic assistant to Tony Award winner Sergio Trujillo and Truworthy Productions.
