About The show

THE PICHER PROJECT is a new musical that explores the rise and destruction of the now-abandoned mining town of Picher, Oklahoma. Once the world’s largest producer of lead and zinc, Picher became the EPA’s #1 Superfund site, deeming it the most toxic place in America. The Picher Project, based on interviews, personal stories and historic events, covers the town’s 100-year history from the opening of the mines to the town’s demise. While grappling with losing their homes, the town is forced to confront their complicated political divide, unpredictable natural disasters, and environmentally caused illnesses. Through the lives of Picher citizens and the often forgotten experience of the Quapaw Nation, The Picher Project shows the struggles of illness, pride, love and loss. The Picher Project ultimately asks the following questions: How do we take responsibility for our history? How do we treat the land we live on? How do we leave our home?

Quentin Madia is a NY/NJ based generative director-choreographer, producer, and multidisciplinary theatre artist. Quentin specializes in documentary musical theatre, musical comedy, dance, and new work development. Quentin is the Artistic Director of commercial producing entity Exequtive Entertainment, LLC. Quentin has taught at The College of New Jersey, Mott Haven Academy, The Abraham Joshua Heschel School, The Dalton School, and more. Additionally, Quentin has directed at UPenn, Stevens Institute of Technology, and TCNJ. Quentin’s work has been seen at Feinstein’s/54 Below, Symphony Space, Green Room 42, Walker Space, The Drama League, Dixon Place, Don’t Tell Mama, Wild Project, WOW Café, Shapeshifter Lab, Theatre Row, HERE Arts Center, The Duo, Pace University, and throughout New Jersey including McCarter Theatre, Exit 82 Theatre, Porchlight Productions, Villagers Theatre, South Brunswick School District, and New Jersey Repertory Theatre. Quentin is an Associate Member of SDC. www.quentinmadia.com

Lauren Pelaia is NY/NJ based singer, songwriter, and composer. As a singer/songwriter, Lauren released several tracks, including Bridesmaids: A Concept Album and Find Her, on all streaming platforms. Branching into writing for musical theater, Lauren orchestrated an entirely original score for the classic play, Our Town, at Villagers Theatre which has since been nominated for a Perry Award for best sound design. Additionally, Lauren wrote original music and arrangements for Steven’s Blandino’s dance narrative entitled Bridesmaids that premiered at Symphony Space. For the last five years Lauren has been working on the music and lyrics to The Picher Project, telling the silenced story of an abandoned mining town in Oklahoma, which debuted its score at Feinstein’s 54 Below and previewed a workshop at The College of New Jersey. Continuing her education, Lauren hopes to earn her doctorate in American Studies, researching the connections between preventable environmental disasters and the forced climate migration of Indigenous communities.

Rebecca Jim & L.E.A.D Agency – Rebecca Jim is the Tar Creek-keeper, founder of Local Environmental Action Demanded (LEAD) in Northeast Oklahoma, and a member of the Cherokee Nation. LEAD Agency Inc. works to educate the community on environmental concerns, take action to counter environmental hazards that put Northeast Oklahoma’s residents at risk, and partner with other environmental organizations throughout Oklahoma and the nation. Rebecca also serves on the Board of Directors for the Anthropocene Alliance.

Cast: Bart Shatto* (Hoppy Ray), Jianzi Colón-Soto (Rebecca Jim), Alex Schecter* (The Man), Patricia Lawrence (Rita Ray), Jade Amber* (Lenna Sanders), Reese Sebastian Diaz* (Cayden Sanders) Kimberly JaJuan* (Grace Charles), Cat Greenfield* (Chip), Bradley Lewis (Vick Charles), Tora Alexander* (Newscaster/90-Pound Jo), Jasper Berger* (Young Tucker), Rene’ Henry (Wilma Stone), Calvin Knegten (Young Cayden), Fin Moulding* (Young Brooke), Hannah Bonnett (Suzanna), Ricky Francese (Tucker Ray), Jenna Drahota (Brooke Charles), Brett Parker Dixon (Dusty Wright), Stephen White (David Miller), Joe Rumi (Boomerang)

Asterisk (*) denotes that actors are appearing courtesy of the Actors Equity Association. This is an AEA approved showcase

Band: Caty Butler (Cello), Meghan Doyle (Bass & Guitar), Daniel DeGeorges (Drums), Mae Roney (Violin), Irene Westfall (Keys)