UP IN THE AIR premiered at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on February 7, 2008, as part of the Japan Culture + Hyperculture Festival. The extremely well-recieved production was conceived and directed by Amon Miyamoto (Pacific Overtures). The book and lyrics were written by Bill Russell, the music by Henry Krieger. The stellar cast was made up of Michael-Leon Wooley (Bullfrog/Owl), Stanley Bahorek (Boonah), Deborah Lew (Sujata/Thrush), Jonathan Hammond (Mr. Sparrow/ Rat), Jill Abramovitz (Mrs. Sparrow), David McDonald (Shrike),Donna Lynne Champlin (Boonah’s Mother), and Lillias White (Snake). The costumes were designed by Angela Wendt, the lighting by Donald Holder, and the sound by Brett Jarvis.

PRAISE FOR UP IN THE AIR

“A soaring musical…  Up in the Air gets top-flight treatment…. Blows the sugary dust off kid’s musicals.”
-Washington Post

“Up in the Air mesmerized the crowd with its witty dialogue and showstopping tunes.”
-Washington Time