Algonquin Theater Productions is Building Bridges With THE PAPARAZZI

With all the talk of building walls between Mexico and the U.S., it's encouraging to know there's also talk of creating bridges between the two countries, at least in the world of theater. Since 2010 Algonquin Theater Productions in New York has been working with acclaimed Mexican director Mauricio Cedeno in Guadalajara to create new works which transcends politics or national interests. Productions of the Algonquin musicals Sessions and National Pastime have been produced in Guadalajara, with National Pastime being the 'most awarded musical work in the history of Western Mexico.' The companies are now trying something revolutionary: they are creating a new musical simultaneously in both New York and Guadalajara. They feel that now more than ever artists across the world must reach out and embrace the craft in a way which shows we all have a common core of humanity.

"At heart the artists in New York are no different from the artists in Guadalajara, who are no different from the artists in London, who are no different from the artists in Tokyo," explains Tony Sportiello, book writer for National Pastime and The Paparazzi. "We all have our doubts, our fears, our hopes and dreams. No matter what country you originate from."

The Paparazzi tells the story of the headline obsessed industry dominating the media in 2018. It follows a young, ambitious writer who comes to New York with the hopes of winning Pulitzer Prizes but who instead becomes caught up in the flash and sizzle of celebrity gossip.

"I knew we were going to have to do a bit of adjusting when Mexican director Mauricio Cedeno told me he didn't know who Kim Kardashian was," laughed Sportiello. "Fortunately, they have their own celebrities in Mexico and part of the fun is learning of the different cultures. The paparazzi is DEFINITELY a thing in Mexico!"

"The challenge is to make each show better than the previous one," adds composer/lyricist Al Tapper, who also wrote the scores for Sessions and National Pastime. "The only way to do it is to learn from mistakes and successes. Paparazzi has a very current theme. Our president believes that all the media in the country give false news, so we try to Take That false premise and exaggerate it, for the sake of truth and humor."

So far Algonquin Productions has held two public readings of the new show, which is currently being rehearsed in Mexico. There are plans for the two companies to meet in New York over the summer for a read through of the piece as it develops.

For more information, please contact Jack Butler at jbutler345@aol.com. Visit the official website at www.paparazzimusical.com