Two of New York City’s most crowded thoroughfares – Broadway and Bowery – lie a very short distance apart but epitomize the divide between “uptown glamour” and “downtown edge.”
This season, Abingdon is thrilled to expand the series to include additional venues, such as Chelsea Table and Stage.
DIVIDED
January 31, 2024 at 7PM
Chelsea Table and Stage (152 West 26th Street New York, NY 10001)
The journey of two friends across decades, miles, and a country divided. Refusing to be defined by societal constraints, Eleanor and Hanna strive for personal freedom amidst a backdrop of hatred, lies, loss, and war.
Taking place pre and post Civil War, the story of Divided spans from Mississippi to Boston, following two friends separated by society, but forever bonded through their bravery. On a journey that takes them both far from home, they wonder if they will ever be reunited again.
The evening will feature a bevy of stars including Talia Suskauer (Wicked), Kimberly Marable (Hadestown), Carrie St. Louis (Titanique), Rashidra Scott (Company), Mikaela Bennett (The Golden Apple), Alyssa Wray (American Idol), Robert Cuccioli (Jekyll & Hyde), Jason Forbach (Into the Woods), Bart Shatto (War Paint), Curtis Wiley (Ain’t Too Proud), and Wyatt McManus.
The new musical is composed by Kristen Rosenfeld with book and lyrics by Luanne Rosenfeld. The performance will be directed by Jim Cooney with musical direction by Robbie Cowan.
About the Team
JIM COONEY (Director) (he/him) is a NYC-based director/choreographer whose international body of work encompasses stage, screen, concerts, and events. He’s currently the Associate and Tour Choreographer of the national tour of Lincoln Center Theater's production of My Fair Lady. Highlighted past credits include Between the Sea and Sky (Best Musical award at NYMF), Shooting Star (StageSceneLA award for Best Choreography), A Chorus Line (Best Musical and BroadwayWorld Best Choreography awards), The Accused (Atlantic City Casino Show of the Year award), Sweet Charity (directed by Michael Rupert), and Broadway Bares (directed by Jerry Mitchell). He's been involved with Divided since 2018, directing its past readings and workshops. Jim is the Founder of Amplified Artists, a membership community helping theater professionals create careers and lives they love. He’s also the host of the Theater Life Uncensored podcast, which is in the top 25% of most followed podcasts on Spotify.
LUANNE ARONEN ROSENFELD (Book & Lyrics) is a South Carolina based playwright and lyricist whose work has been performed on stage and in cabarets across the country. She has written the book and lyrics for EQUAL TIME; HOLLY AND IVY; THE QUEEN OF VALLELUNA; CARDBOARD CASTLES; DIVIDED; and CHASING GOLD DUST in addition to contributing lyrics to several other shows. A member of The Dramatists Guild, Luanne studied theatre at The New School and Tufts University and has also worked as a producer, director, and theater educator.
KRISTEN LEE ROSENFELD (Composer) is a New York based composer and music director. Her songs have been performed by some of Broadway's finest talent at venues such as 54 Below, Joe's Pub, the Triad and the Metropolitan Room, and her music has been commissioned by Sprouts Children's Theatre, Red Fern Theatre, the Atlantic Acting School, American University and Wooden O Theatre. Kristen's music direction credits include the 1st National Tour of the Broadway musical Spring Awakening and Band of Angels with collaborator Colman Domingo. Kristen has also music directed and arranged for children's pop sensation Laurie Berkner and Backstreet Boy Howie D. Other music direction credits include the Off Broadway hit Friends! The Musical Parody, and shows at NYMF, NAAP, Prospect Theatre Company, the John W. Engeman Theatre, the Olney Theatre Center and Village Theatre, as well as being a guest artist at Pomona College, American University and SUNY Cortland.
ROBBIE COWAN (Music Director) Last seen by Abingdon audiences as the music director and pianist for the star-studded 2023 gala, he has been the music director for several national tours including Bullets Over Broadway, Anything Goes, Shrek, and Elf. He supervised the long-running off-broadway hit The Imbible, is the resident music supervisor and contractor at the historic New London Barn Playhouse, and has worked at some of the country’s best loved regional theaters, like the Ogunquit Playhouse and Northern Stage. He produced, wrote, and directed the original comedy revue 4 Guys Who Sing, which has been seen worldwide aboard luxury cruise lines, and his original 10-minute comedy murder mystery play Who Did It? was selected from hundreds to be performed in Playbill’s inaugural Virtual Theater Festival. Educated at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, Gonzaga University, and New College, Oxford.
The World of Divided
Lights up on Eleanor and Hanna in Mississippi, 1859.
Eleanor, blinded with the naivety of her family’s beliefs, makes a noble choice that will free Hanna from a lifetime of slavery. As Hanna escapes from the South, leaving behind her husband, Joshua, Eleanor finds she must soon follow-suit; after marrying the love of her life, Connor, she no longer can stand for her family’s prejudiced morals.
Once Eleanor and Connor arrive in Boston, reunited with Hanna, she realizes the North is not quite as accepting as she had hoped. When Connor’s Irish-Catholic family hears of her true identity, a web of lies is spun into their lives, making waves for the whole family.
With the Civil War on the horizon, Joshua’s journey North to make his way back to Hanna, just before joining the 54th Massachusetts Regiment, and Connor joining the Union’s Irish Brigade.
Nearly 20 years, a war, and a child later, Eleanor finds herself back at home to bring aid to her dying mother; all the while believing there is no one else left in this world for her.
A twist of fate, a newspaper ad, and an unexpected fire later, Eleanor and Hanna reconnect after what feels like a lifetime apart.
Photos from Divided
Photography by Grace Copeland
Featuring a bevy of Broadway stars including Teal Wicks, Jackie Burns, Samantha Pauly & many more!