Spotlight
SVU Theatre Takes Flight with World Premiere of FLY
When the curtain rose at the SVU Performing Arts Center in February, it marked more than opening night. Southern Virginia University Theatre was staging the world premiere of Fly, a new musical based on the extraordinary true story of the 1929 National Women’s Air Derby, the first ever cross-country air race for women.
The production was a landmark moment for SVU Theatre, not only because of the story it told, but because students and faculty had the rare opportunity to help shape the show from the very beginning by collaborating directly with the show’s creators.
A Story Worth Telling
Set during the Golden Age of Flight, Fly follows pioneering aviators Louise Thaden, Marvel Crosson, Pancho Barnes, Amelia Earhart, and others as they compete in a demanding race across the country. Along the way, they face public skepticism, sabotage and life-threatening danger, ultimately discovering that their greatest strength lies not in rivalry, but in unity and shared purpose. .
“Prior to working on Fly, I had never heard of the 1929 National Women’s Air Derby or the trailblazing women pilots who participated in that event,” director Dallyn Vail Bayles wrote in the production’s program notes. Being involved in the show’s production changed that, and he hopes audiences will continue to be inspired as well.
Bayles first encountered the musical at a workshop performance in 2019 at Tuacahn Amphitheater in St. George, Utah, and was immediately drawn to its message of resilience, camaraderie and unity. After joining the theatre program at SVU in 2024, he made it a priority to bring the show to campus. “I’m proud that SVU Theatre has been given the opportunity to present the world premiere of this inspiring new musical about these remarkable women,” he added.
Built Collaboratively, From the Ground Up
What sets this production apart is the direct involvement of the show’s creators. Composer and lyricist Jordan Kamalu and book writer Taylor Peck worked with the SVU cast and creative team throughout rehearsals, offering feedback, refining material, and allowing the production process to influence the musical as it took shape in real time.
“Writing a new musical is a collaborative process, and I’m glad everyone at SVU who was involved have left their mark on all future productions of Fly,” Peck said.
“Being willing to take on a new musical from scratch is something we see far too little of in theater,” Kamalu said ahead of opening night. “I’m proud of everyone for taking this step and I’m confident audiences will love the show.”
Many who attended the opening weekend performances couldn’t have agreed more. Combined with the opportunity to engage with Kamalu and Peck directly during special post-show talkbacks, audiences not only left entertained, but with a unique chance to hear about the creative process straight from the source.
Honoring Pioneers, Inspiring the Future
In his director’s note, Bayles reflected on the importance of remembering the legacies of others, citing teachings from former President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Gordon B. Hinckley’s reflections on the importance of looking to those who came before. The women of the 1929 “Powder Puff Derby,” Bayles noted, deserve to be remembered as true pioneers who forged a path for others to follow.
With its energetic score, engaging storytelling and powerful message about equality and perseverance, Fly was more than a memorable production. It introduced audiences to a lesser-known chapter of history and gave students first-hand experience at bringing a full show to life—something that SVU Theater would love the chance to do again.