CURRENT PROJECT
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In the new American musical An Extra Penny, Jessie Hansen anticipates
her husband's return from combat during World War II. Watch from the present as the past comes to life. As Jessie finds herself back in her childhood community that rallied together during world war I her memories begin rushing back. She recalls the first World War, watching women take a stand on the home front as their sons and husbands left to fight. In the trying times of war, women formed unbreakable bonds by overcoming challenges together. An Extra Penny is a full-length musical drama with an original book and score.
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Conwell Worthington, II
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“In over 40 years of producing, I’ve rarely discovered an up and coming creative team this talented. Cindy Lu Mancini has written an incredible story, and her gift for staging the compelling music of Mary Lee Taylor Kinosian, has given birth to a unique new score that supports the show brilliantly. These women are a force of nature, and although considered newcomers to the field, they are extremely innovative and bring 75 years of professional experience to the table.
An Extra Penny has the legs to move forward and is a show about community that is needed right now. It’s an impassioned adventure of sacrifice, love and loss that will touch the heart of all generations." |
"An inspirational evening of family entertainment that is sure to stand the test of time."
AN EXTRA PENNY
Developmental Timeline
Developmental Timeline
2016
Executive Producer, Conwell Worthington, II took notice of An Extra Penny, and has been driving the show forward ever since. Worthington is one of America’s major independent theatrical producers and is responsible for many of the Walt Disney stage productions that toured around the world and back again to New York’s Broadway.
Says Worthington, ”Musicals with passion, compelling story and moving music are a rarity today. I've done hundreds of projects in my career and I truly believe An Extra Penny has the legs to move forward.”
2017
Louisburg College became the first major benefactor to sponsor An Extra Penny by providing a solid year of in-house residency at the Norris Theatre to develop and rehearse, then offering The Seby B. Jones Performing Arts Center for nine public performances. Mounting a full production on stage for the first time was an extraordinary accomplishment, and it took a village of over 110 people, mostly volunteers, to make it happen, along with a sizable grant from the Franklin County NC Board of Tourism.
“It’s quite rare for an original script to make it to the stage, even once." says Worthington. "Most will never be produced because it takes monumental tenacity to bring a script to life. Giving birth to an original show needs extensive financial support… and the first money is always the most difficult to find because it takes brave souls to invest in new ideas.”
2018
The Turnage Theatre in Washington, NC becomes the second venue to believe in the future of An Extra Penny, and in conjunction with Pamlico Arts, graciously sponsored a weeklong workshop to move the show forward.
Says Mancini, “The first production allowed me to see where we needed to make changes… but a series of productions is the only way to insure true progress. The workshop at The Turnage Theatre gifted a necessary opportunity to explore new ideas and create the next script for presentation and review to the public.”
2019
The Edna Boykin Cultural Center was the third supporting venue to champion An Extra Penny and married the event with their "The 100th Anniversary Celebration" sponsored by Wilson Arts. These performances provided information that would propel the storyline to new heights by clearly identifying which ideas worked and which ones didn't. This run was the catalyst needed to forge ahead.
"It's a risk and it takes courage for an arts organization to present an original show," says Mancini, "especially when the show is not fully developed. Wilson Arts, along with those before, gambled on An Extra Penny and I will be forever grateful to all of them for supporting the efforts of emerging artists that need the time and non judgmental interim support to nurture the seed of an idea into a mature and exciting full bodied work."
2020
Covid-19 proved to be the next major sponsor, and although the difficult months brought challenges, Signature mustered every ounce of perseverance and creativity it possessed to keep momentum going. Thanks to countless dedicated actors reading scenes and singing new lyrics on ZOOM... over and over again... An Extra Penny survived, stronger than ever. Substantive character development was achieved and it changed the course of the show.
2022
The Kennedy Family Theatre at Barton College
The performances at Barton College presented a surprising reinvention of An Extra Penny that circled back to the original vision, but with a more focused story.
Executive Producer, Conwell Worthington, II took notice of An Extra Penny, and has been driving the show forward ever since. Worthington is one of America’s major independent theatrical producers and is responsible for many of the Walt Disney stage productions that toured around the world and back again to New York’s Broadway.
Says Worthington, ”Musicals with passion, compelling story and moving music are a rarity today. I've done hundreds of projects in my career and I truly believe An Extra Penny has the legs to move forward.”
2017
Louisburg College became the first major benefactor to sponsor An Extra Penny by providing a solid year of in-house residency at the Norris Theatre to develop and rehearse, then offering The Seby B. Jones Performing Arts Center for nine public performances. Mounting a full production on stage for the first time was an extraordinary accomplishment, and it took a village of over 110 people, mostly volunteers, to make it happen, along with a sizable grant from the Franklin County NC Board of Tourism.
“It’s quite rare for an original script to make it to the stage, even once." says Worthington. "Most will never be produced because it takes monumental tenacity to bring a script to life. Giving birth to an original show needs extensive financial support… and the first money is always the most difficult to find because it takes brave souls to invest in new ideas.”
2018
The Turnage Theatre in Washington, NC becomes the second venue to believe in the future of An Extra Penny, and in conjunction with Pamlico Arts, graciously sponsored a weeklong workshop to move the show forward.
Says Mancini, “The first production allowed me to see where we needed to make changes… but a series of productions is the only way to insure true progress. The workshop at The Turnage Theatre gifted a necessary opportunity to explore new ideas and create the next script for presentation and review to the public.”
2019
The Edna Boykin Cultural Center was the third supporting venue to champion An Extra Penny and married the event with their "The 100th Anniversary Celebration" sponsored by Wilson Arts. These performances provided information that would propel the storyline to new heights by clearly identifying which ideas worked and which ones didn't. This run was the catalyst needed to forge ahead.
"It's a risk and it takes courage for an arts organization to present an original show," says Mancini, "especially when the show is not fully developed. Wilson Arts, along with those before, gambled on An Extra Penny and I will be forever grateful to all of them for supporting the efforts of emerging artists that need the time and non judgmental interim support to nurture the seed of an idea into a mature and exciting full bodied work."
2020
Covid-19 proved to be the next major sponsor, and although the difficult months brought challenges, Signature mustered every ounce of perseverance and creativity it possessed to keep momentum going. Thanks to countless dedicated actors reading scenes and singing new lyrics on ZOOM... over and over again... An Extra Penny survived, stronger than ever. Substantive character development was achieved and it changed the course of the show.
2022
The Kennedy Family Theatre at Barton College
The performances at Barton College presented a surprising reinvention of An Extra Penny that circled back to the original vision, but with a more focused story.
It's an exciting time for Signature!
SIGNATURE is a non-profit 501 c(3) corporation located in Eastern NC that collaborates with accomplished artists and venues to break new ground. We develop and produce original theatrical material that enriches lives, then pay it forward by providing professional level performance and intern opportunities.
Signature depends on public generosity to help fund our mission through monetary donations and
in-kind services, such as use of equipment, facilities, and professional expertise.
There is no paid permanent staff and all revenue goes directly to operations.
SIGNATURE is always looking to widen its portfolio of performing artists and theaters.
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Board of Directors Cindy Lu Mancini Conwell Worthington, II Sharon Pait Marilyn Powers William Allen Advisory Board Joseph Carow |
A Non-Profit 501 c(3) Organization Please consider supporting this unique and dedicated company. Signature is always in need of funding to meet budget goals and all gifts are greatly appreciated! Donations are 100% tax deductible #20-4283265 Corporate Sponsors please contact our General Manager: SharonPait@signatureinc.org |
For more information:
info@signatureinc.org
252.9161439
PO Box 1651
Wilson, NC 27894
2020 © Signature Incorporated
All rights reserved