New musical covers Fairfax County history

The cast of “The Complete History of Fairfax (The Musical),” from the left: Christopher McDonnell, Hillary Leersnyder, Jesse Pollack, and Alex Poirier. [Class Act Theatre Players Company]

By David Siegel

“The Complete History of Fairfax (The Musical)” celebrates Fairfax County’s 275th birthday with a humorous look at well-known, little-known, and mythical characters from the past.

The musical, produced by the Class Act Players Theatre Company, will have its premiere at two locations: the James Lee Community Theatre in Falls Church July 6-8 and the Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton July 13-15.
Class Act was co-founded by Alex Bulova, a 2015 graduate of Robinson Secondary School who currently attends the College of William & Mary.

While researching the history of Fairfax for the new musical, “I discovered these really fun and eccentric characters – John Randolph, Sadie the Cow, and the legendary Bunnyman, just to name a few, Bulova says. “As I began writing ‘Fairfax,’ I knew the only way I could capture the essence of these characters was by letting them sing.”

Alex Bulova

“Musical numbers are named after and based on towns in Fairfax and the historical events that happened there. Each song is written in a different musical style, ranging from Western to Jackson 5, to Stephen Sondheim,” Bulova notes. “The lyrics within the songs balance storytelling with jokes, making the show both entertaining and informative.”

The production features four actors – Alex Poirier, Christopher McDonnell, Hillary Leersnyder, and Jesse Pollack – who portray multiple characters. Chris Mayhew is on keyboard.

Audiences can expect to witness the likes of George Washington, General Mosby, Sally Fairfax, Antonia Ford, John Smith, Henry Clay, John Randolph, and Lucy Burns – with vibrant musical spirit.

“There are many reasons to come see ‘Fairfax,’” says Bulova. “It’s funny; I’s educational – but most importantly, it’s a celebration of our wonderful area and what it means to be from Fairfax.”

Bulova should know a bit about local history. His father is state Del. David Bulova, and his grandmother is Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chair Sharon Bulova. His first musical, “SuperNOVA,” which premiered at last summer’s Capital Fringe Festival in D.C., was about a plan to get Northern Virginia to secede from the rest of the state.

“We’re thrilled that Northern Virginia’s Class Act Theatre Company is bringing ‘The Complete History of Fairfax (The Musical)’ to life at the Workhouse. In a region whose story is dominated by the major events of history, the show captures the joy, humor, and unique character of Fairfax County’s local history,” says Workhouse CEO and President Ava Spece.

Where and when: “The Complete History of Fairfax (The Musical)” will be performed July 6, 7, and 8 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, July 8, at 2 p.m., at the James Lee Community Theatre, in the James Lee Community Center, 2855 Annandale Road, Falls Church. Tickets are $10 and are available at the door or online.

The show then moves to the Workhouse Arts Center, 9518 Workhouse Road, Lorton, on  July 13, 14, and 15 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $12. Call 703-584-2900 or purchase tickets online.

This piece is based on an article that originally appeared in the Connection June 15.