Gas Lamp Teen Players will present ‘It’s A Revolution,’ an original musical theatre revue of revolutionary events and ideas throughout history.
Thirty-eight teenagers, Grades 7-11, will perform scenes and songs from groundbreaking musicals from Broadway’s Golden Age to present-day blockbusters. Written and directed by Kristy Graves, Gas Lamp Artistic Director, ‘It’s A Revolution’ will be premiered July 28-29 at Ridgewood Avenue School Theater in Glen Ridge, New Jersey.
“Our teens care deeply about social and political issues, many of which continue from past to present,” says Graves. “This work addresses topics such as race relations, class wars, unionization, miscegenation, interfaith marriage, homosexuality, AIDS and the immigrant experience. This isn’t a typical lighthearted, escapist musical. We’re examining musicals that were groundbreaking with their depictions of real-life settings, situations and struggles.”
Graves continues, “This group is both musically talented and emotionally equipped to tell these incredibly important stories with honesty and empathy.” Performances will include monologues, solo and ensemble singing and dance routines.
“’It’s A Revolution’ is the fourth in a series of original works created to educate Gas Lamp performers and audiences about the evolution of musical theater,” explains Sarajane Boyle, Gas Lamp Educational Director. “This particular camp experience adds compelling historical context and character motivation to our rigorous acting, singing and movement training.”
Performers include: Alyson Kumor and Rachel Kumor of Bergenfield; Andrew LoMonte and Alexander Wolfe of Bloomfield; Catherine Bailey of Chatham; James Anderson, Zachary Anwar, Daniel Baur, Mollyjane Boyle, Nic Chang, Eryka Duckett, Mykhel Duckett, Avery Eaton, Natalie Garcia, Kate Guittari, Stella Lodewick, Emma Mangol, Sara Mangol, Nicolas Pelayo, and Christina Regazzi of Glen Ridge; Alyssa Corino of Lyndhurst; Amelia Brubaker, Rachele Gaisie, Sadie Kim, Eva Owgang, Jack Rodriguez-Vars, Hazel Togman and Abi Zellner of Montclair; Jolie LoGrasso, Emily Ostrowski and Julia Resnick of Nutley; Julia Alati and Maya Monteleone of Rutherford; Erika Boone of Verona; Jasper Hilliard of West Orange; Micaela LaBarbera of Rifton, New York; and Duncan O’Connell of Tucson, Arizona.
“We believe ’It’s A Revolution’ appeals on many levels,” concludes Rennae Pelayo, Gas Lamp Business Director and Show Producer. “The revue format showcases the individual musical strengths of our talented teens. And the content spurs conversations that are just as important today as when these works premiered.”
Gas Lamp Players is a non-profit community theatre whose mission is to cultivate creativity, confidence, compassion and community through the performing arts. For more information, visit http://gaslampplayers.org.