“The Complete History of Fairfax (The Musical)” cast, from left: Christopher McDonnell, Hillary Leersnyder, Jesse Pollack, and Alex Poirier. Photo courtesy of the Class Act Theatre Company
Where and When
“The Complete History of Fairfax (The Musical)” will be performed at two Fairfax County venues: the James Lee Community Center Theater and the Workhouse Arts Center.
• “The Complete History of Fairfax (The Musical)” at James Lee Community Center Theatre, 2855 Annandale Road #101, Falls Church. Performances, July 6, 7 and 8, 2017 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, matinee, July 8, 2017, at 2 p.m. Tickets: $10. Tickets available at the door or visit: eventbrite.com/e/th…
• “The Complete History of Fairfax (The Musical)” at the Workhouse Arts Center. 9518 Workhouse Road, Lorton. Performances July 13, 14 and 15, 2017, at 7 p.m. Tickets: $12. Call 703-584-2900 or visit workhousearts.org.
Celebrating Fairfax County’s 275th birthday, a new musical will entertain and enlighten, with its share of spoofing. It is “The Complete History of Fairfax (The Musical)” not only about the well-known, but the little-known real life characters from local history as well. The musical will have its premiere at two Fairfax County locations: the Workhouse Arts Center and the James Lee Theatre.
“The Complete History of Fairfax (The Musical)” was created by Northern Virginia’s The Class Act Theatre. The troupe was co-founded by Fairfax County resident, Alex Bulova. Bulova graduated from Robinson Secondary School in 2015 and is currently a student at the College of William & Mary. Bulova is not a newcomer to creating musicals; a first musical, “SuperNOVA” premiered at last summer’s “indie” Capital Fringe Festival in D.C.
“As I researched the history of Fairfax, I discovered these really fun and eccentric characters: John Randolph, Sadie the Cow, and the legendary Bunnyman, just to name a few. As I began writing ‘Fairfax,’ I knew the only way I could capture the essence of these characters was by letting them sing,” said Bulova.
“Musical numbers are named after and based on towns in Fairfax, and the historical events that happened there. Each song is written in a different musical style, ranging from western to Jackson 5 to Stephen Sondheim,” noted Bulova. “The lyrics within the songs balance storytelling with jokes, making the show both entertaining and informative.“
The Class Act Theatre troupe’s production featured four actors who will portray multiple Fairfax figures. The actors include Alex Poirier, Christopher McDonnell, Hillary Leersnyder, and Jesse Pollack. Chris Mayhew will be on the keyboard.
Audiences can expect to witness the likes of George Washington, General Mosby, Sally Fairfax and Antonia Ford, John Smith, Henry Clay, John Randolph and Lucy Burns with vibrant musical spirit.
“There are many reasons to come see ‘Fairfax,’” said Bulova. “It's funny, it's educational – but most importantly, it's a celebration of our wonderful area, and what it means to be from Fairfax.”
"We're thrilled that Northern Virginia’s Class Act Theatre Company is bringing ‘The Complete History of Fairfax (The Musical)’ to life at the Workhouse. In a region whose story is dominated by the major events of history, the show captures the joy, humor, and unique character of Fairfax County's local history. That is so very important," said Ava Spece, Workhouse CEO and President.