‘PASSING THROUGH” HAS MUSICAL MESSAGES AT THE TERRIS THEATRE

Actor Max Chernin is about to set off on a 4000 mile journey from Pennsylvania to California and yet never leave Chester, Connecticut.  He has been cast to play Andrew Forsthoefcl who at the age of 23 decided to find himself as he walked across the country.  This true tale resulted in a memoir “Walking to Listen” which has now been transformed into a new musical enjoying its world premiere at Goodspeed’s Terris Theatre in Chester from Friday, July 26 to Sunday, August 18.

Entitled “Passing Through,” the show has had its beginnings at the Goodspeed Festival of New Musicals, the Johnny Mercer Writer’s Colony also at Goodspeed and the Rhinebeck Writer’s Retreat.  With music and lyrics by Brett Ryback and book by Eric Ulloa, “Passing Through” will chronicle Andrew’s trek across a patchwork quilt of Americana, with musical genres changing as he travels.  As Andrew walks, with only a backpack, he stops and talks, interviews, has conversations with strangers.  And, most of all, he listens.

These interactions become life lessons and, ultimately, help him to deal with a personal family issue that is troubling his soul.  The real Andrew began his odyssey by training and walking, mapping out the friends he would visit along the way, but, in the end, setting off on a wing and a prayer.  The walking allowed him time for introspection, moments of self-reflection, as he absorbed other people and cultures. Along the way, he matured.  His podcast “Walking to Listen” documents his one year adventure as he searches for life answers.  The people he meets become less strangers and more like friends, so much so that many of them flew or drove to Half Moon Bay, California,  his final destination, to celebrate the culmination of his journey with him.

Since Max Chernin was seven, and discovered acting in “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown,” he has been committed to the stage. His favorite roles have been in ”Sunday in the Park with George” (even though he was George’s understudy and never actually played the role) and meeting Steve Martin, the kind, dedicated and smart writer when he was in “Bright Star.” Now he would have to say playing a real person, Andrew, is a ”dream role, being able to create and debut this beautiful score.  I am thrilled.” He is also looking forward to meeting Andrew in person when he comes opening weekend.

For tickets ($49-54), call Goodspeed Musicals at 860-873-8668 or online at www.goodspeed.org for special offers. Performances are Wednesday at 2 p.m. and 7:30 pm., Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 pm. and 6:30 p.m.  Performances will take place at the Terris Theatre, 33 North Main Street, Chester, exit 6 off route 9.

As for the message in the musical, Max Chernin wants people “to listen carefully to what is said around you” as well as internally, messages inside you that you tell yourself.  He cautions you to change how you receive other people’s viewpoints for they represent the “root of humanity.” Be prepared for revelations.