Dennis Manning is a bold, emotionally resonant storyteller who blends magical realism with grounded, character-driven narratives. His work explores universal themes of love, identity, and self-acceptance, particularly through inclusive LGBTQ+ representation. With screenplays like "Undertow and deeply poignant dramas like "The Woman on the Bench", and musicals like "Hometown," "Now & Then," and "One More Yesterday," Dennis creates stories that connect with audiences on a deep emotional level while offering fresh, imaginative perspectives. His ability to seamlessly combine fantasy with human experiences makes him a unique and compelling voice in contemporary filmmaking.
Inclusive, emotional storytelling with magical realism.
Hometown" is a heartfelt musical drama set in a small Pennsylvania town, following lifelong friends Tom and Celia as they navigate love, missed opportunities, and the emotional weight of their past. When Tom’s sudden death shocks their tight-knit community, the story reflects on regret, love, and the fleeting nature of life. Combining the nostalgia of Our Town with the emotional depth of Manchester by the Sea, Hometown explores how relationships shape us in ways we never fully realize until it’s too late.
Hometown the Musical
When a man dies unexpectedly, his friends and loved ones in his small hometown come together to mourn his passing and reflect on the dreams, regrets, and chances taken and missed over their lifelong relationships.
The Story
The musical follows Tom, a lifelong resident of Sunbury, Pennsylvania, and his tight-knit group of childhood friends, including his unrequited love Celia. Over the years, Tom and Celia have had an on-again, off-again romance but have never made it work. When Tom finally proposes to Celia on the anniversary of their first meeting, she turns him down, feeling their chance at love has passed. Heartbroken, Tom accidentally falls to his death from a bridge that night. The story explores themes of missed opportunities, enduring friendships, and bittersweet nostalgia for the simplicity of small-town life.
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