Genesius Theatre in Reading presents Tony-nominated Broadway writer Bill Russell’s latest musical, “Has Anyone Seen My Mind?”
Shows run Jan. 31, Feb. 1, 6, 7 and 8 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 2 at 3 p.m. The show is 90 minutes long with no intermission.
Russell, a frequent Genesius contributor who directed his musical, “Unexpected Joy,” on their stage last spring, has returned to Berks County – this time, with longtime friend and fellow Broadway veteran, Justin Ross Cohen.
Cohen, who got his start as a ballet dancer before being cast in the original Broadway productions of Pippin and A Chorus Line, is directing this world premiere production.
The two creatives met working together on a project in 1974, and have been fast friends ever since. That 50-year-relationship has transcended the stage, the screen, and the United States Postal Service.
“I have been writing free verse ‘musings’ for decades. At the end of every year, I send five of those to a list of long-time friends and new acquaintances who’ve played a part in the year just passed,” Russell said in the release.
Cohen has been on that mailing list since its inception. And, as he happily dug into these ‘musings’ year after year, he came to realize his friend had written something truly destined for the stage.
After one particularly inspiring piece, he pitched the idea to Russell, and he was all-in. Together, the pair poured over the hundreds of pieces Russell had written over the years, and they came up with a list of their favorites.
Those pieces – some put to music and others left as spoken monologues – formed the show, “Has Anyone Seen My Mind?”
Russell describes his production as, “a wild ride through our current cultural landscape, filled with hilarious, touching, and engaging thoughts about contemporary life. It addresses the quirks of modern living, the enduring mysteries of relationships, and our frequently curious cultural climate.”
“It’s a show about four people trying to find their sanity in an insane world,” Cohen said in the release.
Cohen understands the revue-style format of the piece – which lacks traditional scenes and plot lines, but is no less filled with emotional journeys and character arcs – is uniquely demanding for performers. But four talented local performers (Jennifer Parker-Scott, Edwina Vargas, Edwin Diaz, and Ian Wettlaufer) are bravely and boldly breathing life into the tale that’s been decades in the making.
“The talent is enormous, I feel so blessed,” Cohen said. “Bill and I both feel so lucky that these four people are as talented as they are, not just on a technical level as actors and singers and interpreters, but also emotionally – because this is a show where no performer has a character to hide behind. This piece forces our actors to be very authentic and to pull up emotions deep from within. And each and every one of them is stepping up to the challenge.”
Together, this Broadway duo and the volunteer team of Berks County actors and stagehands have created a unique piece of theater that promises laughter, catharsis, and community as we all navigate this ever-changing landscape called life.
Though he’s seen his work produced on the biggest stages in the world, Russell has a soft spot and a deep reverence for community theatre.
The creative team and crew includes musings and lyrics by Bill Russell, music by Janet Hood, Nick Cearley and Ron Melrose, and orchestration by Mark Hartman. The production is directed by Justin Ross Cohen, produced by LJ Fecho, and stage-managed by Sara Huard. The music director and pit conductor is Dr. Heidi Rochlin. Set design is by LJ Fecho, lighting design is by David Tyson and Sonja Mowery of Scary Good Productions, sound design is by Albert Garcia, Costume design is by Cathy Miller, and scenic art is by Marjory Ewald. Randy Hauk is the master carpenter, Jeggrey Jones is the prop master, and Brent Beckner provides production support.
Ticket prices are $15 – $28. For tickets and full playbills, visit www.genesiusdifference.org.
Genesius and the DoubleTree offer a Park, Dinner, Shuttle and Show Program. Park for free in the DoubleTree garage, dine at Cheers American Bistro in the DoubleTree prior to the show, then enjoy a complimentary shuttle to and from the show. Purchase tickets separately on the Genesius website and call the DoubleTree to make reservations for two hours prior to the show time. Mention the shuttle upon making a reservation and upon arriving at the restaurant.
A 501-C-3 non-profit organization, Genesius Theatre, located at 153 N. 10th St. in Reading, is accessible to individuals who use mobility aids. Free parking is available in a lot adjacent to the building. In addition to the main parking lot, ask the parking attendant for a parking pass to the overflow lot at Walnut and Moss Street. Street parking is also available. For more information on parking or accessibility, call the theatre at 610-371-8151 or email info@genesiustheatre.org.
Source: Berkshire mont