Rising Above
“Higher”
Contemporary Arts Center, 44 E. Sixth St.
March 7–9, 13–15, 20–22
Tickets begin at $40 for general admission; discounted and complimentary tickets are available for active military, veterans, and those in need of financial assistance
Art gets off the all at the Contemporary Art Center, with Higher, an original rock musical developed by American Legacy Theatre.
Performances of the show, which opens March 7, will take place in the CAC’s three-story gallery space. “Higher” has been newly rewritten for this production for its Ohio premiere.
“Higher” explores the power of love, with a gripping story set amidst the crisis of addiction that has rocked so many families and communities across the country, particularly here in the Midwest.
The musical is a message of hope from playwright Mark Levine, with a mission to reduce stigma surrounding those impacted by the opioid crisis, which continues to affect millions of people from all walks of life.
“Higher” shines a light on the emotional rollercoaster of addiction, told through a gripping love story. During the performance, viewers will experience All-American beginnings of the main character, Benjamin, and see how life’s harsh realities align to derail his dreams. As he searches for meaning and belonging, his newfound love, Mara, offers a tempting and dangerous "solution."
Directed by Matthew David Gellin, this original rock musical is the first of its kind in American musical theatre, tackling the subject of addiction in a new way. ALT developed the production to bring people from all walks of life together to build a shared vocabulary and create shared experience.
Supported by a dynamic seven-person ensemble, Benjamin’s journey unfolds, leading him to discover powerful ways to rise above his pain, and ultimately to make the hardest decision of his life. This compelling new work explores struggle, transformation, and hope in ways that every viewer will be moved by.
This American Legacy Theatre presentation at CAC is made possible through the Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile, Jr. Foundation's generous support of The Basement: CAC's Black Box Lab.