CU to present play about its own creation

From staff reports

The 2021-22 Clarion University Theatre season will continue from Feb. 23 to 27 with the award-winning musical “[title of show].” This show will be presented at 8 p.m. Feb. 23 to 26 and at 2 p.m. Feb. 27 in the Marwick-Boyd Little Theatre.

Created by writer and actors Hunter Bell and Jeff Bowen, the witty autobiographical script is practically a love letter to musical theatre.

The premise of the show is simple: Two nobodies (also named Hunter and Jeff) in New York join forces to write, in the words of one of their songs, “a musical about two guys writing a musical about two guys writing a musical.”

Totally unique, “[title of show]” chronicles its own creation, from the initial idea to the opening on Broadway.

“The backstage story is a standard trope in American Musical Comedy, from “42nd Street” through “Kiss Me Kate” and “Gypsy. ‘[Title of show]’ is different, as the show portrayed behind the scenes is the actual show that the audience is watching,” said Robert Levy, director. “A number of years ago, a few students ran into my office demanding that I listen to this new score. I was intrigued and excited by it and was determined to present the show.

“It was initially scheduled for last season, but during the shift to online production, we felt that such a homage to theatre needed to be presented live to an audience.”

Tickets are available at www.clarionuniversitytickets.com or by phone at (814) 393-2787.

Because of adult language, this production is not recommended for children. Patrons are reminded that masks must be worn in Clarion University buildings.

 

Editor’s note: “[title of show]” is the title of the show.