Genesee Community College's Forum Players present God’s Favorite a comedy play by Neil Simon, Thursday-Saturday March 29-31 at 7:30pm and a Sunday Matinee, April 1 at 2:00pm
Jon used to think of himself as a promising composer, but...
"Instead, I've been promising for so long I'm afraid I'm about to break my promise."
That's the paraphrased line of the main character in "Tick, Tick...Boom," a semi-autographical musical by Jonathan Larson, the writer of "Rent." It will be performed this weekend at Harvester 56 Theater in Batavia.
Directors Shellene Bailey and Thorin Vallentin are members of the newly formed local theater group, JNS Productions -- named after the founders: Joel, Shellene, and Nick. They look forward to bringing this lesser known work of Larson's to the local stage.
"The music is very similar (to the music in "Rent")," Vallentin said. "It has some of the same styles, with roots in rock music but including various other styles as well."
"Rent" fans may be interested to know that Larson worked on this play first. When listening to the music, according to Vallentin, they might notice the seeds of a style that will further develop in the tunes of "Rent."
While it is similar to "Rent" stylistically, it has what Vallentin calls a "lighter feel."
"It's not as heavy," he said. "It does deal with emotional issues, but it's not as in-your-face."
The show also doesn't have as much R-rated material as "Rent," although there is some bad language (including the f-word) and a somewhat provocative dance number.
Pictured are Amanda Taylor and Drew Williams, the actors in the roles of Susan (Jon's girlfriend) and Jon, an aspiring Broadway playwright
A little information on the story: Jon is approaching his 30th birthday, and he is having what Williams calls a "pre-midlife crisis."
"His career isn't where he thought it would be by the time he turned 30," Bailey said.
At this pivotal point in his life, Jon has to decide whether he wants to continue to pursue a career in musical theater, which is his true passion, or choose a safer and more realistic path in life, as Susan and Michael, Jon's friend since childhood and an executive in corporate America, advise.
"He doesn't want to give up his dream," Bailey said.
Williams said he sees a couple of similarities between himself and the character he's portraying.
Like Jon, Williams is also about to turn 30.
"Also, he has a real passion for music," he said, "like I do. So I can kind of relate."
"Tick, Tick...Boom!" will have four performances: this Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m., and then a matinée at 2 p.m. on Saturday.
General admission tickets are $10 and can be purchased online at www.showtix4u.com (through the Batavia Players, Inc). People can also buy tickets at the door.
At this point, there are still tickets available for all four shows. The Harvester 56 theater seats about 110 people.
For more information, e-mail Nick Russo at nickrusso224@gmail.com
Genesee Center for the Arts at Genesee Community College presents:
“In the Blood” by Suzan-Lori Parks performed by the Forum Players at the Stuart Steiner Theatre Thursday – Saturday, Feb 3, 4 and 5, 2011 7:30pm
Genesee Center for the Arts at Genesee Community College, Stuart Steiner Theatre:
Children’s Theatre “Nobody Likes Mordacious” (And That's How He Likes It) by Jack Stokes, is presented by the Forum Players and local grammar school students, March 25, 2011 at 7:30pm.
Trevor Lee | Age 16 | Junior at Batavia High School
His role: Thenardier
"Les Miserables has been an phenomenal experience and I can confidently say that others share the same sentiments. I have met some many wonderful new people and I am enthralled to have shared this experience with everyone.
Les Miserables is a very profound and heart wrenching show, but despite all of the strife, there are glimpses of comedy which my character and his "charming" wife provide. Every cast member has something to bring to the stage, allowing our production to really shine."
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Alex Black| Age 18 | Nursing major at SUNY Brockport
His role: Javert
"Rehearsals are fun because we MAKE them fun. Lynda (Hodgins) is a great director and likes to get things done and get down to business, but us kids like to loosen her up. The good thing about the cast is we usually know when to get serious and when to mess around. Either way, rehearsals always turn into a fun time with friends.
People should come to this show because even though it is set in a time much earlier than 2010 it is still very relatable to most audiences. What I personally love about this show is how emotionally attached everyone gets to the characters.
You can't help but feel bad, sorry, a whole spectrum of emotions for each individual character. It makes for quite the heart wrenching performance but thats what people look for in a show. Even a cold hearted audience member could shed a tear watching Les Mis."
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Sydney Alexis | Age 17 | Senior at Notre Dame High School, Batavia
Her role: Factory girl/ensemble
"Rehearsals are great. After a long, irritating day at school they're just what I need. I get to actually be somewhere with people who share the same interests as me and who don't judge. My favourite part of the whole thing has got to be the process of thinking up and the making of a big secret surprise that won't be revealed until Halloween night! I can't say much more... Stay tuned!
Les Miserables is, without a doubt, power in musical form. The show is filled with tough, painful lessons on love, revenge, failure and hope. There is a lot to get from the story and everyone will leave with a piece of it- from a song in their heart to a tear on their cheek. You're going to learn something from this show. And I guarantee you're going to love it."
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Jake Bortle | Age 17 | Senior at Leroy Jr./Sr. High School
His role: Jean Valjean
"Above all, rehearsals have been extremely rewarding. Watching the show come together even in the past few days really puts my dreams into reality. I have always wanted to play this role and having it finally come true, and with such a talented cast, really makes everything worth while.
My favorite experience in the show would have to be my favorite song, 'The Confrontation.' I love singing this song with Alex (Black, who plays Javert). Being onstage with sets, costumes, hair, and make-up, this scene really intensifies. Every single time we sing it, it gets more and more intense.
But to keep this short, people should come see the show because it's awesome. But really, the talent in this cast is something you would not expect from people our age. Every single person is putting all they can into the show, and it really shows. The quality of this show really is fantastic and will blow anyone out of their chairs."
For more info, including ticket prices and show dates, on Les Miserables School Edition, click here or become a fan Encore! Theatre Arts on Facebook by clicking here.
TANYS Theatre Festival - "Our Thanks to Broadway"
Weekend of November 19, 20 & 21
The primary voice of community and educational theatre in the Empire State, TANYS returns to Genesee Community College, in the Stuart Steiner Theatre, for their annual theatre festival of workshops, demonstrations and performances.
Visit www.TANYS.org for schedule, reservations and tickets.
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