Whitney Ryan Garrity directs original musical “My Hero” at CATS Playhouse
L.A. | The Atom
An original musical by local playwright Whitney Ryan Garrity with music composed by Aaron Latina will open June 20 at CATS Playhouse. “My Hero” is a melodrama that has made audiences laugh since its introduction at CATS since 2009.
Though Garrity is from Morristown, New Jersey, he has lived in Texas for over 30 years. He studied musical theatre at Herbert Berghoff Studios in New York City and produced his first play at age 21. Since 1984, he has been acting, writing and directing. He has published over 20 original comedies, mysteries and musicals, including “Ring Around Rosalie,” “A Party to Murder” and “All About Christmas Eve” as well as children’s plays, such as “A Little Magic,” “It Takes a Village” and “Rap-Punzel.” Garrity has been the founder of several youth theatre programs, and his works have been performed internationally.
CATS Theatre and other community theatre groups in Lubbock have previously produced “Blame it on the Pony Express,” “Bride of Uforia” and “Society Paige,” written and directed by Garrity.
“This is such a funny show,” said Garrity. “It’s been great working with music director Reyan Luera. He’s so positive and supportive. Christina Lee is the stage manager for this show, and I have enjoyed working with her for over a decade. She is extremely competent and keeps me on my toes. Our choreographer, Edward Funderburke is so incredibly talented, too.”
There are several new cast members joining a Lubbock production for the first time in “My Hero.”
“The energy is great, and the excitement is contagious. Everyone has really stepped up,” Garrity said. “It’s exciting working with new people. This is going to be a good time. Sometimes you just want to be entertained and that’s what this is. Come cheer the hero, boo the villain and tap your feet to the fun songs!”
Performance dates for “My Hero” at CATS Playhouse include evening performances June 20-21 and June 27-28 and matiness June 22 and June 29. Purchase tickets at https://catsplayhouse.ludus.com/index.php.
