Point Park University’s THE BENCH Announces International Productions

Point Park University's Associate Professor and innovative choreographer Kiesha Lalama is taking her contemporary jazz-dance musical, The Bench: Journey Into Love, global. Work is under way to prepare the production for the international stage.

The Bench debuted in 2009 and was restaged for a holiday presentation at the Pittsburgh Playhouse in 2010. Even in The Bench's Early Stages, Lalama's work drew glowing reviews from critics and patrons.

The Bench is a fusion of innovative dance and contemporary jazz music chronicling the dynamics of modern family relationships. Two vocalists -- one woman and one man, represent the mystical spirit and guides us into each "chapter of love" expressing the secret thoughts of the characters with song.

It is fitting that a production relating to universal themes of love and family be conveyed through the boundless language-performing arts. To optimize the global impact of The Bench's core message, Lalama reaches across two continents to unite her creative team.

The Bench creative team has been rounded out with the addition of accomplished lyricist Joel Mason of Edinburgh, Scotland. Mason joined the team in 2011. His lyrics add depth and eloquence to the dramatic and comedic themes of The Bench, complementing Lalama's signature movement and accenting the original jazz score crafted by Kiesha's cousin, David Lalama an accomplished composer.

To develop and produce The Bench for its inaugural tour, Lalama forged a partnership with Titus Theatricals LLC. Titus Theatricals' founder and CEO, Eric McCree, focuses on creating and developing new dynamic works within all major and minor forms of the performing arts; to entertain, to stimulate, and to promote change within communities around the world. McCree projects that The Bench be ready for global tour by 2015.