Lynden Theater Company Presents West Coast Premiere of Rock Musical on Addiction

Audiences in Lynden will have the chance to see a new rock musical before it appears on any other West Coast stage. The Jansen Art Center is hosting the West Coast premiere of 'Rathskeller: A Musical Elixir' starting Thursday, Oct. 29. The production runs through Sunday, Oct. 31, and returns for a second weekend from Thursday, Nov. 5, through Sunday, Nov. 7. All performances begin at 7 p.m.

The story centers on John Casey, a man trying to save his mother from an abusive marriage to an alcoholic husband. As the plot unfolds, John is haunted by the addiction he spent his youth resenting. He eventually wakes up in a dive bar named Rathskeller, which sits in the basement of the afterlife. The narrative explores themes of faith, redemption, and the long-term consequences of personal choices.

Director Andrew Cooper stated that the production focuses on how small decisions shape a life. He described the work as a cautionary tale wrapped in rock music and humor. Cooper noted that the show aims to resonate with older audiences who have experienced life's difficulties and younger viewers who may need a warning before facing those same challenges.

Matthew Twining plays John Casey, while Tara Hanson portrays The Bartender. Hanson described her role as an omniscient being who serves as a sardonic guide for the protagonist. She said the character allows her to step into a personality completely different from her own. The rest of the principal cast includes Erin Connolly as Becca, Tony Dvoracek as Bill Casey, Ella Hieronymus as Ty, Bonnie Hollingsworth as Tasha, Maria Miller as Linda Casey, and Laura Williams-French as Peyton.

The musical features a live band rather than recorded tracks. The ensemble includes David Diehl and Nick Kiel on guitars, Blade Johnson on bass, Anderson Vaughan on percussion, and Michael Zarling on piano. Hanson said performing rock music with a live group is a new experience for her and one she is eager to share with the public. The band's presence creates a concert-like atmosphere that distinguishes the show from traditional theater productions.

The work was created by Brianna Kothari Barnes and Chris Rudd of Dame Productions. Barnes wrote the book, music, and lyrics. She traveled from New York to Lynden to work with the local creative team during rehearsals. Cooper explained that he found the show's concept album online and contacted the creators to secure the licensing rights. Barnes said the company is excited to see how local audiences react to the material, noting that new musicals require theater groups willing to take risks on unproven works.

The production concludes with an interactive element where the audience votes on the story's ending. Barnes described this as a social experiment designed to make viewers consider how a person's life can be defined by their choices. The show is rated PG-13 for mature themes. Tickets are available for general seating at $25, VIP seating at $35, and private tables for four at $200. The venue is located at 321 Front St. in Lynden.