The Human Race Theatre Company to Present BAND GEEKS!, 5/31-6/17

The Human Race Theatre Company wraps up its 2011-2012 25th Anniversary Season with the Midwest premiere of Band Geeks!, described as "a gleefully entertaining musical about the trials and tribulations of a down-on-its-luck Ohio high school marching band."

The Cuyahoga High Marching Beavers are 75 trombones short of a Music Man, and there’s only one cornet left, but while the band may be close to extinction, their spirit isn’t. It’s a rousing Glee with instruments, a tribute to the tribulations of the millions who have spent football halftimes pounding out Sousa-like renditions of “Maria.” Whether you were in the band, on the team, or in the stands, you’ll recognize the woes and revel in the fun of Band Geeks! The Human Race’s show marks only the second professional production of the play, conceived by Tommy Newman, with book by Tommy Newman and Gordon Greenberg, lyrics by Gaby Alter and Tommy Newman, and music by Gaby Alter, Mark Allen and Tommy Newman. The production is directed and choreographed by Greg Hellems and music directed by Human Race Resident Artist Scot Woolley. Band Geeks! runs May 31 through June 17, 2010. Opening night is Friday, June 1.

Newman, Band Geeks!’s creator, is an admitted former “fully-fledged band geek,” having spent 8 years in school marching bands himself. The story was born out of a graduate school assignment to write about a group of people to whom he related most. The play was featured at the National Alliance for Musical Theatre’s 2009 Festival of New Plays, and received its world premiere at Goodspeed Musicals in 2010.

The ensemble cast includes: Sarah Agar, John Robert Armstrong, Tyler J. Baranski, Dane C. Becker, Richard Cerato, Zach Cossman, John Fisher, Liz Fye, Human Race Resident Artist Jennifer Joplin, Mykal Kilgore, Katie Klaus, Jon Kovach and Jennifer Roehm.

The set for Band Geeks! is designed by Scott J. Kimmins, costumes by Janet G. Powell, lighting by Resident Artist John Rensel, and sound by John Findley. Kay Carver is the stage manager.

Production sponsors for Band Geeks! include: Marion’s Piazza, One Call Now, Two Friends, CompuNet Clinical Laboratories, Houser Asphalt and Concrete, The Human Race Theatre’s Producers’ Circle, John and Tamara Clough, Doug Annala, Innovative Auctions, Inc., Matthew J. Scarr, CPA LLC; with additional support from Dr. and Mrs. James P. Graham and the Blaine Block Institute for Voice Analysis and Rehabilitation.

Tickets and performance information on Band Geeks! is available online at www.humanracetheatre.org or by calling Ticket Center Stage at (937) 228-3630, and at the Schuster Center box office.

More Articles by This Author...