As part of this summer’s New Musicals Lab at Christopher Newport University’s Ferguson Center, the creative team behind Mating Games, by Marshall Hagins and Brad Moranz, will present a free staged reading of their captivating new musical.

Set amid the lush rainforests of Papua New Guinea, Mating Games follows a team of ornithologists whose research into the spectacular birds-of-paradise uncovers more than the secrets of nature. As the scientists observe the elaborate courtship rituals of one of the world’s most extraordinary species, they find themselves confronting their own questions about love, ambition, identity, and the often-surprising ways we connect with one another. Rich with humor, heart, and a vibrant contemporary score, Mating Games is an unforgettable journey where science and romance take flight.

Performed by the talented company of the New Musicals Lab, this special reading offers audiences a rare opportunity to experience a brand-new musical while it is still evolving. After the reading, stay for an engaging talkback and Q&A with the cast and creative team.