Director J. William Bruce stages each song as a playlet, smartly taking advantage of each piece's theatricality. Without microphones to worry about he's free to indulge in some clever staging, especially in comic numbers like "The Sound of Muzak", which spoofs the technological advances we really don't need and "Fandango", an amusing morning dance performed by a married couple of go-getters when the sitter cancels and each needs to the other to watch the baby.
Love's Divide is a fun performance that just lets loose by throwing stereotypes out into the open with no regrets. The dialogue is crude and blunt but makes a point. From "shock and awe blow jobs" as sexual manipulation for marriage to the "cool" chick equaling the "martyr" chick, there's something everyone can relate to, no matter who you are
Directed by Suzanne Rydz with musical direction by Molly Gachignard, the cast features Rent Tony winner Wilson Jermaine Heredia as well as J. William Bruce, Shauna Goodgold, Sarah Rolleston, Rachel Rincione and Gregory Treco. Show time each night is 6:30 PM. Avarice features book and lyrics by J. William Bruce and music by Bruce and David A. Shenton.
The musical, according to press notes, "begins as the group of friends struggle with adulthood and their impending future. Over the course of nine months they soon discover that the bond that was formed at eighteen may not be enough to overcome the obstacles they are about to face. Throughout their journey they begin to question many things about not only life but themselves as well."
Directed by Stacy Lee Tilton with set design by Rachel N. Ryan, the cast features Tom Ashton, John Raymond Barker, Richard Binder, Lindsay Lavin, Kristin Piacentile, Leanne Surace and Chadwick Vogel.
Avarice, according to press notes, "tells the tale of Scott, an aspiring theatre director, and a group of performers that make up his friends, living in New York City on the Upper West Side. Striving for a life of 'having it all,' they soon discover the secrets and vices that have haunted them through the years begin to change their relationships, not only with each other, but themselves."
I had the pleasure of seeing Cheeseburger Deluxe, an original musical play presented by J. William Bruce and JK Theater Company Inc. This show had me laughing, tapping my feet at the original music, and completely stunned at the serious issues the characters confronted that I was not at all expecting.
Cheeseburger Deluxe, a new musical play featuring book, music, and lyrics by J. William Bruce, will receive its world premiere production at The 4th Street Theater in New York City.
Cheeseburger Deluxe serves up the tale of Scott, an aspiring theater director, and a group of performers living on New York's Upper West Side. While striving to fill their plates, the friends discover that the secrets and vices that have haunted them begin to change their relationships, not only with each other, but within themselves. Cheeseburger Deluxe features an array of rock, country, gospel, and R & B tunes.
The cast of Cheeseburger Deluxe will feature Austin Archer (The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Peter and the Starcatcher), Richard Binder (The People vs. Mona, 1776), Casey Keenan (Glass), Katie Mack (Azreal's Dissent), John Mervini (Illyria, Church), Samantha Schiffman (Seussical, Plath) and Morissa Trunzo (Spring Awakening).
Cheeseburger Deluxe will be directed by Stacy Lee Tilton, who has been developing the musical since 2013. She is an assistant director for Musicals Tonight and AMDA. As a performer, she has been seen on Broadway in Brigadoon. Zoe Briskey (Sleep No More) is the musical director. Tony Award winner Wilson Jermaine Heredia (RENT) is the creative consultant. Kimberly Nordstrom is the Artistic Director of Just Kidding Theatre Company.