Kennedy High performs ‘The Anxiety Project’ written by school alumna

CEDAR RAPIDS — The Kennedy High School Theatre Department’s fall production “The Anxiety Project” was written and composed by alumna and New York City-based composer, pianist and music director Rachel Dean.

“The Anxiety Project” is Dean’s first licensed musical written with David Brush as a musical theater songwriting team they call Dean & Brush.

It explores true stories of anxiety, depression and other mental illnesses. The story follows senior psychology student Avery as she works to finish her thesis — a study of the mechanics of mental illness and how science can change lives. Soon, Avery becomes immersed in the lives of the patients in her study as they struggle with anxiety, depression, suicide and medication.

Dean is a pianist for “Hamilton” and “Moulin Rouge” on Broadway and a staff pianist for NYU Steinhardt School of Culture, Education and Human Development. She is an award recipient of American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers and her work has been performed in New York, Tokyo, Miami, Ohio, Arizona and New Jersey.

Dean and Brush actively partner with mental health professionals and organizations like the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention in support of mental health resource availability for all.

There are two more opportunities to catch the show: 7 p.m. on Thursday and Friday at Kennedy High School, 4545 Wenig Rd. NE, Cedar Rapids. Tickets can be purchased online at kennedytheater.ludus.com/index.php.

Comments: (319) 398-8411; grace.king@thegazette.com