TCU Theatre Announces BARE, A Pop-Rock Musical Facing Sexual Identity And Conformity

The TCU College of Fine Arts is proud to commence their fall season with bare, a pop-rock musical with lyrics by Jon Hartmere Jr. and music by Damon Intrabartolo, running Sept. 25-28 and 30, 2018. The acclaimed theatre department at TCU will challenge its audience through the cautionary narrative that explores stigmatizations and imposed guilt surrounding the exploration of sexuality and young love. bare provokes a heavy range of emotions from exhilaration to poignancy, while confronting issues and influences experienced in the LGBTQ+ community.

When asked about the production, Director Penny Maas said, "bare's popularity and power stems from its honesty. It resonates with young audiences as it provides truthful accounts of the common complexities that teenagers face. It can also serve as an inspiration to youth by showcasing one character's ability to break past the institutions of religion, education and family - all elements that the character felt were forcing him to conform and hide behind a mask rather than living an honest, fulfilled life."

The theatre department is using their stage as a platform to diversify programming brought to the community and student audiences. The department is committed to providing a blended selection of contemporary and classic repertoire that entertains audiences with professionally-produced work, while providing career-advancing opportunities for their soon-to-be career actors. This season's repertoire includes The Interminable Life of Perennial Peonies, Pericles - Prince of Tyre, The Diviners, Black Comedy and 42nd Street.

The production is based on the book written by Jon Hartmere, who also wrote the lyrics in collaboration with composer Damon Intrabartolo for the contemporary piece. Written more than a decade ago, the lyrics address relevant themes of anti-bullying, self-acceptance and LGBTQ+ awareness. Set in a Catholic boarding school in the early 2000s, bare connects audiences and cast members with an insight into the lives of two gay teenage boys - star-crossed lovers fighting with societal expectations. The story follows the relationship of Peter (a young student preparing to come out to his mother) and Jason (a popular athlete who wants their love to remain a secret for fear of losing his status).

The modern musicality of this production enhances the resumes of seniors who are selected to perform in front of top industry professionals at the annual Senior Showcase in New York City. TCU strives to augment education and learning opportunities through programming like bare.

Audiences can purchase tickets starting Sept. 17 to experience the emotionally- charged lyrics that pulsate through the electrifying pop-rock score of bare. The show will open at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 25 at The Jerita Foley Buschman Theatre and will run through Sept. 30.

 

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