The upcoming performance by the Park Players – a local theater company based in Union City – will meld parody and puns by a cast that truly represents Hudson County and beyond.
The troupe will perform A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum next month, having chosen the Stephen Sondheim musical due to its popularity with their audience.
Director John Fiorenza Conklin and his husband and Assistant Director Joseph D. Fiorenza Conklin are both looking forward to their upcoming performances for a number of reasons.
First, the show will be taking place at Our Lady of Fatima Church’s hall, located at 8016 Kennedy Blvd. in North Bergen, which will provide many more seats for the public than more recent shows.
This cast is comprised of seasoned actors, teachers, and students from throughout the area.
“There is a place for theatre in all kinds of places.” – L. Robert Johnson
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Assistant Stage Manager Pat Noble will play Erronius, an old senile man who walks around Rome seven times, getting more and more confused as the musical goes along.
Noble, a High Tech High School English, humanities, and public speaking teacher, has several of his students performing in this production.
“We’re sharing personalities,” said Noble. “We’re sharing parts, and I think it’s great to have kids involved because that is our goal, to provide community theatre to the community, but it’s also to help people develop their skills and interests.”
Conklin said that the actors range from 7 years old to 82.
Growing in their roles
Three High Tech High School seniors and National Honor Society members play courtesans. They are Blaine Morris of Secaucus, Ashley Gaeta of Bayonne, and Danielle Male of Jersey City.
Phylis Shaprio, an Englewood Cliffs elementary school teacher who auditioned for Vibrata after seeing a previous Park Players role, thought the different age groups bring everyone in the performance together.
Morris, who has professional theatre experience, explained that when she and her fellow classmates were freshmen, Noble told them about the Park Players and asked if they were interested. She was happy that she and her friends took him up on his offer.
“I’m having a lot of fun with this show,” said Morris, who is playing Tintinabula.
Park Player Judy Espaillat, who has appeared in the last few of the troupe’s performances, not only donned the role of a Geminae Twin, but is also the show’s chorographer. Her son Ryan, 7, is making his premier as the Little Protean/Roman magician. Ryan said he wanted to act because his mom was always having fun.
High Tech High School student Dylan Finnerty of Bayonne said that this was his first experience acting outside of his hometown.
“The show is hilarious,” said Finnerty, who is Hero in the show. “Everyone here has worked very hard, are very funny and talented, [so] there is no reason why you wouldn’t want to see a good show.”
Need for theatre
Sam Napolitano, as Marcus Lycus, said that he felt very lucky to be offered such a good role, where he could be outrageously funny and timid at the same time.
Senex, Hero’s father, performed by L. Robert Johnson, also felt that the Park Player had given him an opportunity. Johnson explained that for five years, he did not act in any stage productions because he was sick. Recently, he enjoyed once again flexing his acting muscles.
He said 400 years ago, Shakespeare productions were similarly composed of full-time actors and novices.
High Tech Alum Cindy Yin came back from college to take part as the musical director just because of the collaboration community theatre represents to her.
Around 30 individuals, from costume designers to actors, are involved in this performance.
“We need more theatre, regardless of what it is, who it is, and who’s in it, because people will go see the worst show imaginable in New York and blow $100, not to mention what they pay to park the car,” said Johnson. “You can have something like this that could be absolutely amazing. There is a place for theatre in all kinds of places.”
Performances will be held on Nov. 6, 7, 13 and 14 at 8 p.m., and Nov. 8 and 15 at 5 p.m. For more information or to purchase tickets, call (201) 941-6030.
Tricia Tirella may be reached at TriciaT@hudsonreporter.com.