Sunday, May 24, 2009

Kids on Fire

Greetings Gossip Lovers,

Well by now West End Studio Theatre is empty. But I suspect there's still a bit of partying going on in celebration of the season's final production by the New Hampshire Theatre Project's Senior Youth Repertory Company, (deep breath after that title folks) And who can blame them hum? They've worked hard. Created some fine art. And for seven, its the end of their time with the company.

I suspect those still partying-on are students and that "Hamlet's" Director Genevieve Aichele is home crying at the loss of her performers, which she announced to the audience were some of her all time favorite.

Well there can be no doubt that Gen had/still has, a great crew. There was some serious performances tonight. And as followers of G Lady's ramblings know nothing excites the gloved-one more than fresh faces in the seacoast work pool. Alas, some will be leaving us soon for college.

Luckily a fair number are still in high school, so we have them a while yet. - Yes, that's a sigh of relief you hear. We're talking some fine talent folks.

And yes it is a talented group. But I cannot help but single out a few from tonight's performance. Channeling that McCartin women again, (and again see previous story for an explanation).

Among them, those we're losing: Hamlet, Dan Kleinmann. He's heading to Fordham University in the fall, but not before playing Danny in Prescott Park's "Grease" this summer. Can't wait! Jes Marbacker, the ghost and grave digger, is off to Colgate University. And Gen is also losing Gabriel Dorfsman-Hopkins, who played Claudius.

Lucky for some of the notables are staying right here: Queen Gertrude, AKA Hannah Feintuch; Ophelia, Brigid Abreux and Laertes, Luke Gajewski. My guest just loved Punit Matta as Polonious, who's also here another year or so.Watch for these performers folks. It is definitely to your benefit. TRUST me!

If you missed this production - My sympathies.

I know heading to a youth production is a hard call when you don't know a kid in it. There's an assumption - amateur and all that. But keep in mind, half the folks in the Rep's exceptional "Urinetown," (see below), are barely out of high school and grew up on these stages. The Seacoast has sent its fair share on to Broadway, national tours and respected venues - at about these kids ages. They DO get there from here.

Again, one of the great wonders of a theater-rich community is watching these natural performers blossom.

My philosophy is see 'um before tickets to their shows are upward of $125 each.

Yours in magic of art

Gossip Lady

Hope you enjoy the photos, snapped during the after-play merriment.


Top photo: receiving flower: L to R: Dan Kleinmann, Gabe Dorfsman-Hopkins & Genevieve Aichele
Two girls: Nelly Nickerson & Marcela Dorfsman-Hopkins
Thumbs up trio:
Nelly Nickerson (back turned), Marissa Reilly & Jes Marbacker
Duo: Brigid Abreux, and longtime actor Roland Goodbody
Black-T clad guy: Dan Kleinmann
Bottom photo: Luke Gajewski

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