The October Night of Johnny Zero at Tenth Avenue Arts Center

Backyard Renaissance presents a World Premiere THE OCTOBER NIGHT OF JOHNNY ZERO by Francis Gercke directed by Richard Baird

Cast: Marcel Ferrin, Geoffrey Geissinger and Jessica John

at Tenth Avenue Arts Center 930 Tenth Avenue. Where the 163 turns into 10th Avenue

On a dark and stormy night, all Johnny wants to do is get home. But when his mom doesn't arrive at his usual pick-up time and her work phone number refuses to connect, Johnny ends up somewhere he never imagined... At the Pinnolini's.

In the early 1980s of a late October afternoon, local legend and high school superstar Johnny Grimes is on a mission — to get back to his house, finish his book report, and compete in the Conference Basketball Finals the following day. Schoolmate Franky Pinnolini has a similar ambition — to make it all happen. Armed with a relentless adoration for Johnny and a BMX bike with a basket, Franky takes Johnny on a journey through the strange and peculiar backdrop of a place called home.

Set in the wilds of Delaware Valley in the mid-Atlantic region of the eastern seaboard, The October Night of Johnny Zero is a world premiere based on events — both real and imaginary. Part true crime, part science fiction, the play slips down the rabbit hole of small-town suburban life and comes face to face with the myths and monsters that might lurk just below the surface.