Waiting for You: A musical comedy

Stop me if you heard this one (and you haven’t). Two men walk into Heaven and hilarity ensues.

That’s the story behind “Waiting for You,” a new musical comedy created by two Upstate music and entertainment industry legends and premiering Friday, April 11th, with a limited engagement at the Chapman Cultural Center.

“Waiting for You” is set in Heaven, where men are forbidden, but two show up and throw Paradise into pandemonium. Colorful characters in the nine-member cast include EGGS (Eternal Great Generating Spirit); Saints Mattie and Joanie; Dr. Jessie Christie; and Susie, who dies within minutes of the opening and is eager to enjoy her rewards in the Afterlife. She discovers Eternity isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.

The musical is the brainchild of John Jeter and David Berry.

Berry, a 37-year composition professor at Converse University, wrote the music and co-wrote lyrics. In addition, Berry toured for 13 years with Anthem, his rock band whose members included Ralph and Marty, a beloved duo that performed for years around Greenville. Jeter, who wrote the book and lyrics, is best known as co-owner of The Handlebar, the storied Greenville live-music venue that he chronicled in his book, “Rockin’ A Hard Place.” He now teaches music business at Converse and USC Upstate.

Kimilee Bryant, the Upstate artist renowned for her leading roles on Broadway, is the featured performer. Most notably, she starred as “Christine” in “The Phantom of the Opera” —  Broadway’s longest-running show —  she is the only actor to have played the two other major female roles. She also appeared in Phantom’s U.S. Tour, in Toronto and  Switzerland, and has performed in numerous other New York City musical and operatic productions, among myriad marquee accomplishments.

Director Michelle Newman brings a wealth of experience and expertise with a resume that boasts nearly 200 stage productions, and her continued work with numerous off-Broadway actors.

Tickets start at $25, plus facility fees. After the Friday premiere, the only other performances will be at 7pm. Saturday and a Sunday matinee at 3pm. This program is funded in part by the Metropolitan Arts Council, which receives support from the City of Greenville, BMW Manufacturing Co., SEW Eurodrive and the South Carolina Arts Commission.

For tickets and more information, visit the Chapman Cultural Center’s ticketing website or call (864) 542-2787 or at waitingforyoumusical.com. The performing arts center is located at 200 E. Saint John St. in Spartanburg’s state-designated Cultural District downtown.