Haddon Township, New Jersey Sep 8, 2022 (Issuewire.com) - Haddon Township, NJ – A new musical, The Bisley Boy will have its world premiere at the Ritz Theatre in Haddon Township, New Jersey on Friday, September 16.
The show is a gothic musical fantasy that follows the private life of Bram Stoker, best known as the author of the novel, Dracula. In another of his books, the nonfiction Famous Imposters, Stoker explores a legend that Queen Elizabeth I was actually a male decoy.
He wrote that Elizabeth, as a child, died of an infection and was replaced by a young boy. The Bisley Boy uses the story of the Virgin Queen as a backdrop while exploring contemporary themes of gender identity, and sexuality, and creating an entirely new persona.
The music combines elements of classic and pop rock musical theatre and the aesthetics aim to transport the audience with Elizabethan eccentricity and modern glamour.
The show is the creation of three South Jersey residents:
Joshua Bessinger (Book, Music, and Lyrics) also appears as Stoker in the show. He has appeared in many local theater productions and is an Elementary Education teacher, working in the Delran School District.
Krysten Cummings (Book and Direction) in Rent originated the role of Mimi in Toronto and London, later playing the part on Broadway. She has numerous theater credits, especially in London, and has worked with Andrew Lloyd-Weber, Cameron Mackintosh, and Stephen Schwartz.
Collin Maier (Composer and Arrangements) has had productions at The Prince Theatre (It’s A Wonderful Life) and The Devon Theatre (Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat). His extensive résumé includes working for The Walnut Street Theatre, Act II Playhouse, Temple University, and Drexel University, in addition to numerous regional theatrical productions.
Bruce Curless, The Ritz Producing Artistic Director said “The Bisley Boy is part of our ongoing commitment to encourage and promote local artists, many of whom later go on to fruitful careers in the arts. The Ritz is proud to give The Bisley Boy its world premiere and envision it going on to great success.”
The Bisley Boy Company includes Joshua Bessinger (Bram Stoker), Spencer Petro (Bisley), Michael Doheny (Sir Henry Irving), Jennie Santiago (Alice Comyns-Carr & Queen Elizabeth I), Hadar (Florence Stoker), Sharon A. Martin (Kat Ashley), Rachel Redden (Oscar Wilde), Emily Goldstein (Dame Ellen Terry), Larisa Bunch (Dame Genevieve Ward), Sydney Sheehan (Mary, Queen of Scots), Roxanne Paul (Charlotte Stoker), Ollie Gregorio and Thomas Heneghan (Young Bisley), Kyleigh Flippone and Lucy Hofstetter (Princess Elizabeth), Alexander Brown(Ensemble), Audra Casebier (Ensemble), Adia Gilmore (Ensemble) Kage Harris (Ensemble), Chimere Lynn (Ensemble), Joseph Rippert (Ensemble)
The Bisley Boy is produced by The Ritz Theatre Company and Chuck Hamilton.
The creative team includes Krysten Cummings (Director), Collin Maier (Musical Director) Courtney Daniels (Choreographer), Derek Cortes (Lighting Design) Amanda Frederick (Stage Manager), and Kimberly DiStefano (Assistant Director).
Tickets are available at The Ritz Theatre, 915 White Horse Pike in Haddon Township, and at https://ritztheatreco.org or 856-288-3500.
Media Contact
The Bisley Boy Musical Chuck@TheBisleyBoy.com http://www.TheBisleyBoy.com
