“Red String” showcase coming to Pilars Loft

Nessa has been having the dreams again. Foreign cities, romantic languages and the person she’s loved since childhood saying those three little words. Sick of slinging drinks, unfulfilled and restless; Nessa decides to follow her dreams — literally. With her best friend Sami in tow, the two women take off on an adventure that will change their lives forever. “The Red String” combines a modern love story with a driving, sentimental and hum-worthy tunes.

The musical is written by Amanda Scheirer of Winter Garden with music and lyrics by Dan Drnach of Orlando. It is directed by James Honey of Orlando.

This trio met and fostered their friendship working in entertainment at Universal Orlando. They previously brought the award-winning “Cross Country: A Self-Help Concert Performance” to the Orlando Fringe Festival in 2021. Now, after completing a six-week workshop, they are holding a staged reading-style showcase of this original, full-length musical.

They’ve assembled a group of local actors and musicians to fill out the cast and band, including T.J. Washburn, Lauren Morrison, Anthony R. Smith, Zach Briggs, Cat Cutenese, Leyla Lawrence, Linda Floyd, John Devennie, Michael Carrese and Aaron Bohlander.

 “Our goal throughout this process has been two-fold,” Scheirer said. “We want to appeal to local producers and theatres to take us under wing, to give this show a future full production. We don’t have the means to do it on our own; we need help. In turn, we are giving back to the Central Florida community.”

Two local charities will benefit. There will be a goods drive for One Heart-Orlando, and 25% of ticket sale proceeds will be donated to the Cast Member Pantry.

“The show, it’s all about what connects us, what ties us together as people,” Honey said.

“I wanted to write something that leaves the audience uplifted, happy and joyfully singing the songs on the drive home,” Scheirer said.

“The Red String: A New Musical” will hold its showcase at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 14, at inside Pilars Loft on the second floor of the Roper Garden Building, 146 W. Plant St in downtown Winter Garden. Doors open at 7, and there will be a private cash bar available before and after the show. Tickets are $12 and can be purchased at the door or in advance at theredstringmusical.eventbrite.com.