June 1, 2004
Phoenix Theatre Presents ‘Naked Boys Singing’
The Phoenix Theatre continues its tradition of presenting non-traditional musicals with the Indiana premiere of Naked Boys Singing. This good-hearted musical treat will open with a half-price preview on Thursday, June 17 and continue through Sunday, July 25. Tickets are $25.00 for those 25 and over; $15.00 for those 18-24. No one under the age of 18 will be admitted to Naked Boys Singing. Tickets can be purchased with a credit card by calling 317-635-PLAY (317-635-7529).
Naked Boys Singing is a traditional musical revue, in the vein of Vaudeville and high-camp American musical theater, performed by an energetic troupe of young nude men. Its only point is to celebrate the splendors of male nudity in comedy, song and dance. Musical numbers range from the screamingly funny (like the sassy opening number “Gratuitous Nudity” or the circumcision-based “Bliss of a Bris”) to poignant and moving numbers (such as “Kris Look What You’ve Missed” and “Window to Window”). There are 16 songs in Naked Boys Singing – making this 90-minute tribute to the human male, fly by in a torrent of laughter and nudity.
Naked Boys Singing was conceived by Robert Schrock, and features material from numerous talents, including songs by Stephen Bates, Marie Cain, Perry Hart, Shelly Markham, Jim Morgan, David Pevsner, Rayme Sciaroni, Mark Savage, Ben Schaechter, Robert Schrock, Trance Thompson, Bruce Vilanch, and Mark Winkler. It has enjoyed sold-out runs in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, Portland, Minneapolis, Madison and elsewhere in the US. It’s also been a hit in London, Rome, Sydney, Cape Town and Oslo.
The cast of seven includes Christopher Lee, Deontre A. Martin, James Hunter Rice, Rich Simone, B.J. Whetstine, Matt A. Winings, and Brent Wolgamott. Deontre Martin appeared at Ball State University in productions of Jekyll and Hyde and Side Show. James Rice performs regularly with the Indianapolis Opera and played Miss Great Plains in the Theatre On The Square production of Pageant. Florida-based performer Rich Simone appeared in Bat Boy! The Musical and The Rocky Horror Show at the Shores Performing Arts Theatre. Simone also appeared in the Phoenix Theatre productions of Assassins, Only Kidding, and Aas Is. B.J. Whetstine appeared as Young Scrooge in The Scrooge Variations, presented by Rough Magic Productions last Christmas. Matt Winings played Miss Deep South in Pageant at Theatre On The Square and has appeared in several musicals at Indiana State University. Brent Wolgamott appeared in The Gay 90’s at Theatre On The Square and in Party at the Phoenix.
Bryan Fonseca is directing the Phoenix Theatre production of Naked Boys Singing. Fonseca has directed most of the theatre’s productions during its 21-year history, including last fall’s The Goat, or Who Is Sylvia?, this winter’s Boston Marriage, and Take Me Out. Pete Lux is musical director. Ron Spencer of Theatre on the Square is choreographer. Michael Schiesser, resident technical director of the Phoenix Theatre, will coordinate the construction of the set and properties for the production. Heidi Baker is stage manager for the production and Lindsey Lyddan will be designing the costumes. Jeremy Wilson is assistant director and Anne Smith is assistant stage manager.
Naked Boys Singing performance dates:
Thursdays at 6:30pm June 17(half-price preview), June 24, July 1, July 8, July 15, July 22
Fridays at 8:00 June 18, June 25, July 2, July 9, July 16, July 23
Saturdays at 8:00 June 19, June 26, July 3, July 10, July 17, July 24
Sundays at 2:00 June 20, June 27, July 4, July 11, July 18, July 25
