Cockroach Theatre Company to Present Staged Reading of BRIGHT SIDE, A New Musical About Male Breast Cancer

Cockroach Theatre Company and the Nevada Conservatory Theatre (NCT) are presenting a staged reading of "Bright Side", a new musical about the impacts of male breast cancer on a tenacious military family, April 9 and 10 at the Paul Harris Theatre on the UNLV campus.

The playwrights plan to use the reading to gather feedback from the audience so they can make adjustments before presenting the fully-staged production in May.

Written by prolific Las Vegas playwright Ernie Curcio, "Bright Side" explores the impact the rare diagnosis has on an Air Force fighter jet mechanic whose wife is deployed in a war zone. He balances secret treatments administered by an odd but brilliant doctor while raising a teen son who is struggling to meet his father's expectations.

Martin Kaye and Jolana Sampson composed the music. Sampson also wrote the lyrics.

Less than one percent of breast cancer cases occur in men each year. Because breast cancer is not associated with men, the average time between the first symptom and diagnosis averages 19 months, delaying life-saving treatment and reducing survival.

"We were intrigued by this story. We wanted to explore how such a devastating and shocking diagnosis would impact a family who had dedicated their lives to military service and physical strength," said Curcio at a recent read-through with the cast and creative team. "There is humor in the story, but also the struggle to beat a disease that impacts so many families in our country every year."

Because most people know someone who has had cancer, "We believe this story will resonate with our audience, and we want their feedback on whether or not we are presenting characters and a story that is 'real' to them," said Kaye, who spends most evenings pounding the ivory as Jerry Lee Lewis in "Million Dollar Quartet" at Harrah's.

Co-composer Sampson likes to compare the development of "Bright Side" to building the car while driving it down the road.

"Through feedback we have received from other read-throughs and presentations at venues like the Smith Center's Composer Showcase, we have refocused the story and fine-tuned the musical selections to get to the heart of the story, and we are trying to ensure that we are looking for the bright side of the characters' journey," Sampson said.

"Bright Side" is directed by Will Adamson and produced by Mindy Woodhead. The fully-staged version of the play will appear at the Art Square Theatre in May.

Tickets are $10. Call the UNLV Performing Arts Center Box Office at (702) 895-ARTS (2787) for tickets or visit pacboxoffice@unlv.edu .