Exposing It All – New Musical “Bare” is a Coming-Of-Age Story We All Can Relate To
For those who can’t resist a teen drama and catchy pop music, “Bare” will be just your thing. A new musical at Broward Center, “Bare” is a coming-of-age story about a group of teens at a private Catholic boarding school struggling with issues of sexual identity, fitting in, teen pregnancy, insecurity and love.
For those who can’t resist a teen drama and catchy pop music, “Bare” will be just your thing. A new musical at Broward Center, “Bare” is a coming-of-age story about a group of teens at a private Catholic boarding school struggling with issues of sexual identity, fitting in, teen pregnancy, insecurity and love.
Compared to rock musicals “Rent” and “Spring Awakening,” the show centers on the love story between Jason and Peter, who have been in a closeted relationship for four years. Jason is the school jock and Peter is a more studious student and the two have known each other all their lives. Peter wants to come out, but Jason isn’t ready and problems ensue.
“It’s very “Glee”-esque, but darker,” said Andy Fiacco. “It’s about kids in high school who are dealing with relationships and are about to graduate.”
Fiacco is well-known around town as one half of Ric and Andy – Two Guys on a Mic. His partner, Ric Ducosin, is co-producing “Bare.” Fiacco is the Executive Artistic Director/CEO of Dream Child Productions, which is an award winning professional children’s theatre production company in residence at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. He has written over 17 children’s musicals. He has worked in all areas of entertainment.
“Bare” was written in 2004 and was first shown in L.A., where it won many awards. It has been shown in Orlando and will be in New York this year. Fiacco had been following the show, hoping to bring it to South Florida the past few years.
“This is really three years in the making,” Fiacco said.
Fiacco was passionate about bringing the show here because he thinks it’s so relatable to everyone. “I believe this speaks to everyone young and old. The message, music and story are so relevant to today’s society. I know once you see and hear this amazing cast, you will agree,” he explained.
Seventeen actors round out the cast – many local and a few from New York and Orlando.
There is also a four-piece band handling the music, which, Fiacco said, is really great.
Fiacco is playing Jason in the show and local actor Christopher McCabe is playing Peter. Local singer/songwriter Richard Cortez is also in the show as party boy Lucas. Nadeen Holloway is playing the sassy Sister Chantelle, West Palm-native Marjorie Thomas plays school hottie Ivy, and Marissa Rosen makes her Broward Center debut with the role of awkward Nadia.
“All of us have been through this,” Fiacco said. “All of us can identify with at least one character in the show.”
Fiacco said that “Bare” isn’t just another gay musical. “It’s so well written, the music is so great,” he continued. “It’s a feel good show. In the end, you want to change the world.”
“Bare” will take place in the New Abdo River Room, where Laughing Matters takes place. Performances are on
Thursday, September 9th at 8 pm
Friday, September 10th at 8:30 pm
Saturday, September 11th at 5 and 9 pm
Sunday, September 12th at 7 pm
Monday, September 13th at 8 pm
Friday, September 17th at 8:30 pm
and Saturday, September 18th at 5 and 9 pm.
Tickets are $30 and are available by calling 954-462-0222 or BrowardCenter.org. The Broward Center for the Performing Arts is located at 201 SW Fifth Avenue in Fort Lauderdale.
