From Dec. 8 – 18, NU Theatre, in collaboration with Ontario’s Theatre Beyond Words, presents The Boy Who Could Sing Pictures, adapted by John Lazarus from the anti-war children’s book by Seymour Leichman. The play is a Renaissance tale about a boy’s unique gift that attracts a large peasant following. The boy’s popularity draws the attention of the king, and a royal performance is commanded. What follows is a surprise for all.
An enchanting multimedia theatrical event for the whole family that includes puppets, masks, juggling, projections and music, The Boy Who Could Sing Pictures has been called “a lavish ode against foolish battles, set in times when miracles were marveled over, rather than explained.” The play advocates such virtues as charity, humility and basic human kindness, all intrinsic to the spirit of the Christmas season. The production’s jewel-bright satiny costumes add color and pageantry to this mythical story about a boy who chooses, at great personal risk, to speak the truth from his heart.
The Boy Who Could Sing Pictures is on stage on the NU campus in the Leary Theatre within the Elizabeth Ann Clune Center for Theatre, Clet Hall, at 7 p.m. on Dec. 8 and at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 9, 10, 16 and 17. Matinees will be held at 2 p.m. on Dec. 10, 11 (with post-show discussion), 17 and 18.
This production is directed by adjunct physical theatre professors Robin Patterson and Terry Judd of Ontario’s Theatre Beyond Words. Light design is by David Dwyer, assistant professor and scenic designer/production manager. Costume design is by associate professor and costume designer Maureen T. Stevens. Sound design is by Glenn Bernardis. Assistant light designer is theatre design/technology student Tony Rajewski of Roscoe, N.Y. Additional production design of the set, costumes, masks, puppets, props and multimedia images is by Tricksters: Jerrard Smith, Diana M. Smith and Karen Rodd.
Cast members include the following Niagara University theatre studies performance majors: Patrick J. Tighe of Hamburg, N.Y. (Zoomac); Mary Boatman of Williamsville, N.Y. (Meliasande); MacKenzie Gildemeyer of Liverpool, N.Y. (Ben); Richard Cole of Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada (Bellecanto); Dan Urtz of Verona, N.Y. (Lightfoot); Annise N. Celano of Amherst, N.Y. and Leanne Troutman of Kenmore, N.Y. (Lute Sisters); and Fabio H. Del Carlo of Harrison, N.J., Kathleen Denecke of Hamburg, N.Y., Greggory Gansworth of Niagara Falls, N.Y., Billy Leonard of Ransomville, N.Y., Kendyl Litwiller of Naples, N.Y., and Steph Wattie of Derby, N.Y. (Puppeteers). Stage manager is Steph Schmidt of Rochester, N.Y. Assistant stage managers are Amy Mings of Buffalo, N.Y., and Stephanie Valiere of Fairport, N.Y.
For more information and tickets, please visit the Niagara University Theatre Box Office.
