Boston Conservatory at Berklee Presents a Workshop Production of the New Rock Musical The World Still Needs You, Boris Yeltsin!
Boston Conservatory at Berklee is thrilled to announce a workshop production of the highly anticipated new rock musical The World Still Needs You, Boris Yeltsin!, with stage performances by Boston Conservatory opera students and music performances by Berklee College of Music students. This innovative and dynamic musical, crafted by the talented trio of Evan Mack, Joshua McGuire, and Christopher Mirto, will take the stage for a limited engagement on Saturday, September 28 and Sunday, September 29, 2024. The workshop performance will be directed by David Gately, associate professor at Boston Conservatory.
Set against the backdrop of the Cold War, The World Still Needs You, Boris Yeltsin! explores the greatest moment in history that no one ever heard about: an event that took place in a grocery store in Houston, Texas, in 1989. The Soviet Union is communist and America is capitalist—but in this supermarket, bigger forces are at play. A checkout clerk dreams of life in the spotlight, a middle manager dreams of climbing to the top, and a macho rent-a-cop battles demons in the closet. The characters reach their breaking point when the soon-to-not-be laughingstock of the USSR, Boris Yeltsin, makes a last-minute stop on his tour of America. He speechifies, he drinks, he throws up, he wrecks things, but ultimately he finds something he didn’t know he was looking for.
Through its engaging music and dramatic storytelling, the musical offers a unique perspective on one of the most pivotal periods in modern history, blending historical context with perennial themes of resilience and transformation. It speaks to the choices the world faces today, as it navigates the joys and perils of freedom.
“The musical’s bold exploration of historical and personal themes, coupled with its electrifying rock score, promises to be an unforgettable experience for audiences,” says cocreator Mirto.
The World Still Needs You, Boris Yeltsin! showcases the musical prowess of Mack, known for his compelling compositions; McGuire, a lyricist with a flair for evocative storytelling; and Mirto, whose inventive musical book-writing brings the story to life. This workshop production is a unique opportunity for audiences to experience a fresh and exhilarating take on musical theater, and to engage with new and emerging young talents in the industry.
Boston Conservatory at Berklee’s production is part of the institution’s ongoing commitment to fostering innovation and creativity in the performing arts. This workshop is designed not only to present the musical’s core elements but also to engage student performers for feedback and refinement as part of the developmental process.
“I am thrilled to welcome Evan Mack to our campus for this workshop of The World Still Needs You, Boris Yeltsin!” Gately said. “This workshop presents a rare and important opportunity for our students to experience firsthand how productions are created and fine-tuned to Broadway perfection. I look forward to seeing the outcome of our musical, which only comes with patience, creativity, and a willingness to collaborate and learn together.”
The World Still Needs You, Boris Yeltsin! will be presented in a workshop production on Saturday, September 28 and Sunday, September 29 at 7:30 p.m. in Boston Conservatory’s Studio 401 at 31 Hemenway Street in Boston. The performance is free and open to the public.