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Two coffee lovers produce original musical in Gettysburg


In September, the Ragged Edge Coffee House in Gettysburg will showcase an original musical created by two Messiah College students, said Olivia La Bianca, co-writer of the musical.

La Bianca and Kramer Hardman, both 22 years old and from the Gettysburg area, co-wrote "A Cup of God," after realizing their love for writing and music, La Bianca said.

The musical takes place in a dystopian future where coffee is illegal, La Bianca said. It's based off the 1920s prohibition era, she said.

When a barista who works at an underground cafe discovers the perfect cup of coffee, the question becomes how characters interact with something that's perfect and illegal, she said.

The pair's partnership started as an informal talk between classmates in the Ragged Edge Coffee House, where coffee would get them through long nights of discussions, Hardman said.

The musical is part of the pair's goal to produce two full-length musicals within five years, he said.

"A Cup of God" premieres Sept. 11-12 at the Ragged Edge in the outside garden area.

"The location was chosen because it's been a point where we've been fertilizing the idea for the last two years," Hardman said.

Hardman has been a customer of the Ragged Edge for at least two years, said Jake Schindel, owner of the coffee house.

Schindel is looking forward to the musical's premiere, as he heard them rehearse outside his shop for the past few months.

"I think it's great," Schindel said in regards to the musical being performed at his location.

The Ragged Edge Coffee House is not new to performances. It hosts open-mic and poetry nights each month, he said.

During the presentation of "A Cup of God," the coffee shop will be open to provide refreshments throughout the show, Schindel said.

The plan is to keep the show's attendance small, around 30 to 50 people, he said, to allow plenty of interaction between the audience and cast.

Hardman is looking at September's premiere as a test to work out any kinks the show may have, he said. Come November, the pair plans to take "A Cup of God" on tour around theaters and other coffee shops in Adams County, as well as those closer to Harrisburg, Hardman said.

If you go

What: "A Cup of God" premiere

When: 7:30 p.m. Sept. 11-12

Where: The Ragged Edge, 110 Chambersburg St., Gettysburg