Article Contributed by Gratefulweb
Published on February 12, 2026
APRIL 17-26, 2026
Tilles Center for the Performing Arts at Long Island University has announced the creative team and performance schedule for the first production of Feels Like the First Time – The Foreigner Musical, an electrifying new stage production inspired by the iconic music of Foreigner. The show will run April 17–26, 2026, at the Little Theatre on LIU’s Brookville campus, with tickets going on sale Friday, February 13 at noon.
This groundbreaking collaboration between Tilles Center and Long Island University’s Post Theatre Company brings together professional artists and students to develop and stage a brand-new musical powered by some of rock’s most enduring anthems. The production follows a successful developmental workshop last fall and will feature a company of 26 performers, primarily LIU students alongside select professional actors. Full casting will be announced at a later date.
Set in 1985, Feels Like the First Time tells the story of an ordinary suburban family whose lives are turned upside down when they win an extraordinary MTV sweepstakes: a weekend visit from rock icon Simon Bash, culminating in a private backyard concert. As the Davis family prepares for the superstar’s arrival, neighbors scramble to leverage the moment for social gain, career salvation, or even a prom date. Convinced that Simon—the ultimate “Juke Box Hero”—holds the answers to all their problems, they quickly discover just how wrong they are when reality crashes in.
Blending humor and heart, the musical features Foreigner classics including “Cold as Ice,” “Waiting for a Girl Like You,” “Urgent,” “Hot-Blooded,” and “I Want to Know What Love Is,” weaving them into a story about risk, redemption, and rediscovering love.
The first production is directed by Tony-nominated Adam Pascal (Rent, Aida, Cabaret, Chicago, Something Rotten!), who also serves as Long Island University’s inaugural 2025/26 Artist-in-Residence. The creative team includes book writer Stephen Garvey, orchestrator and arranger David Abbinanti, and choreographer Lorna Ventura.
“This new show represents everything I love about making theater—great music, fun storytelling, and meaningful collaboration,” said Pascal. “Partnering with Foreigner, Tilles Center, and LIU Post Theatre Company to develop a brand-new musical in an academic setting creates a rare and powerful environment where artists and students are building something together from the ground up.”
The production launches Long Island University’s newly established New Works Initiative, spearheaded by Tom Dunn, Creative Producer, Executive and Artistic Director of Tilles Center, and Dean of LIU’s College of Arts and Design. The initiative is designed as an incubator for developing original theatrical works while providing experiential learning opportunities for students.
Funding for the project was secured through an exclusive benefit concert hosted by original Foreigner lead singer Lou Gramm at Tilles Center in September 2025. Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and founding member Al Greenwood will attend opening night on April 17.
“The songs of Foreigner and a Broadway-style musical fit well together,” Greenwood shared. “Our songs tell stories and they complement the story of this musical rather well. It’s beyond exciting to see the songs we created years ago come to life in another art form.”
All tickets are $40 and go on sale Friday, February 13 at noon. Tickets and additional information are available at TillesCenter.org/FLTFT.
Performance Schedule
Friday, April 17 – 7:30pm (Opening Night – Sold Out)
Saturday, April 18 – 2:00pm
Saturday, April 18 – 7:30pm
Sunday, April 19 – 2:00pm
Sunday, April 19 – 7:30pm
Thursday, April 23 – 7:30pm
Friday, April 24 – 7:30pm
Saturday, April 25 – 2:00pm
Saturday, April 25 – 7:30pm
Sunday, April 26 – 2:00pm
Sunday, April 26 – 7:30pm
