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When is the last time you saw a musical and left the theater feeling that the performers were literally quoting material and pulling experiences directly from your own life? That's exactly what this scintillating new production of Edges at the White Plains Performing Arts Center manages to deliver. This production is helmed by an extremely able trifecta; it's produced and overseen by Terence Osborne, directed and conceptualized by the visionary Jeremy Quinn (Artistic Director of the Conservatory Theater), and musically directed by piano virtuoso and talented multi-instrumentalist, Stephen Ferri.
The original version of Edges was composed in 2007 as a song cycle by Jonathan Larson award winners Benj Pasek and Justin Paul. The brilliantly vivid lyricism, soaring melodies and relatable subject matter of their music addressed real life situations of young adults with a searing intuition and unmatched mastery. This revitalized production of Edges takes things several notches higher by interjecting original and poignant story lines, as well as interweaving themes within the inspired music. One of the newly invented plots charts the emotional trajectory of an engaged couple slowly drifting apart upon coming to the realization that they might not be soul mates after all. Another narrative explores the complex dynamics of a gay couple in which the two involved gentlemen have widely differing ages. And yet another story centers around a young couple learning to fall in love only to have their burgeoning union shook to the core by an issue of infidelity.
Director Jeremy Quinn describes this revived interpretation of Edges as a musical about "humanity in general, and more specifically, about young adults on the precipice of the next chapter of their lives." He beamed with excitement as he explained how invigorating it was to have no blueprint to follow in constructing eight unique characters for this rousing updated version. "This production is absolutely original with no template or ground plan," Quinn informs, "and we were able to go in and purely create out of thin air - for a director like myself, that's a dream come true." For his part, musical director Stephen Ferri emphasized the fact that "the lyrics and melodies were so strong and piercing that we had to find performers with near-perfect vocal instruments - that was the only way we could ensure and preserve the quality of the incredible music." Show producer Terence Osborne sums up the musical perfectly by describing this new Edges experience as an "intimate emotional journey that runs the full gamut of emotions - the characters start out being initially afraid to embrace their true selves and by the end of the show, they find resolution by dominating their fears and accepting the individuals they've become."
The White Plains Performing Arts Center serves as the perfect backdrop for this exciting theatrical event. Located in downtown White Plains, it's a pleasant 25-minute train ride from Grand Central Station, and the easily accessible venue provides plentiful stress-free parking and is nestled between several fine local restaurants. The theater itself boasts excellent acoustics, expertly-designed tiered seating and a sleek interior décor ensuring the audience a first-class viewing experience. This is undoubtedly one of the important artistic engagements of the summer, and a must-see event for all theater lovers in the Greater New York area. In addition, a portion of the proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to the WPPAC Conservatory Theater to provide scholarships to children & teens who can't otherwise afford the tuition-based programs. To usher in this production the right way, a press event will be held on the 24th of June for members of the media and press to meet and mingle with the show's stellar cast, crew and directors.
Lastly, the names of the dazzling Edges cast in alphabetical order are: Gina Gentile, Travis McClung, Gina Noto, Michael Scott Ross, Matt Savoca, Emily Tarpey, Joe Venice and Alison Zaret.
The White Plains Performing Arts Center is located on the 3rd Floor at 11 City Place, White Plains, NY.
Ticket Prices are $20 general admission, $15 for students with ID. For groups of 15 or more, call the box office for pricing. To reserve tickets online, please visit www.wppac.com.
