With professional cast and directors from New York, the Royal Palm Players will present "Stained Glass," an original new musical written by island resident Reyn Guyer and his writing partner, Jeff Harrington, as its centerpiece production next season.
"This is an exciting addition to Royal Palm Players' upcoming season - an original musical by Reyn Guyer," said Michele Strauss, RPP managing artistic director.
The story revolves around about four people whose lives are linked by a mystery they must work together to solve. With a melodic and driving pop/folk-infused score, it celebrates the power of love and the freedom that only truth can bring.
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Reyn Guyer
It will be Guyer's second appearance on Boca Grande's biggest stage in 16 months. "An Evening With Reyn Guyer," in which he performed a medley of his favorite songs, sold out the Boce Grande Community Center auditorium Nov. 6, 2010. After that smash performance, Strauss made it her mission to bring him back.
"I was telling him everybody loved his show so much they wanted to know when he would do another one," she said. "He said no, it's a one-time thing."
Guyer apparently changed his mind as he prepared the musical track for "Stained Glass" so the production could be done either by track or live orchestra.
Fact Box
To go
What: "Stained Glass," an original new musical written by island resident Reyn Guyer and his writing partner, Jeff Harrington
When: March 9-10
Where: Boca Grande Community Center Auditorium
Contact: Royal Palm Players?, (941) 964-2670?, e-mail royalpalmplayers@embarqmail.com? or go to www.royalpalmplayers.com
"He told me: 'Maybe we'll bring it down there,' " Strauss said. "Then he called me back and said we would like to do it as a great testing ground for our track. It's a special event for us. They wanted to do two nights because last time it was a mob scene."
Guyer is a multi-talented man whose musical career is run through Wrensong Music of Nashville, which he founded with his daughter, Ree, has produced numerous No. 1 hits, a Grammy and two country music Song of the Year awards. He and his wife, Mary, moved to the island in 1982.
Strauss had already released an ambitious 12-event schedule, which opens with two November productions. The following schedule is subject to change:
RPP THEATER PRESENTATIONS
Nov. 17-20: 'Vincent'
"Vincent" is based on Van Gogh's life. Visually stunning slide show of his work accompanies a dazzling script. Shows start at 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday with a 2 p.m. Sunday matinee. Call 964-2670.
Dec. 1-4: 'You've Got Hate Mail'
When your wide receives an e-mail meant for your mistress and she receives one meant for your wife, the results can be unforgettably funny in this black comedy. Shows start at 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday with a 2 p.m. Sunday matinee. Call 964-2670.
Jan. 5-8: 'Rounding Third'
The tumultuous journey of two Little League coaches and their charges builds to an exhilarating climax. Shows start at 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday with a 2 p.m. Sunday matinee. Call 964-2670.
Feb. 9-12: Secrets of a Soccer Mom'
A sons-versus-moms soccer game starts out as friendly fun but soon competitive fires are stoked as the engaging ladies become intent on scoring. Family fun. Shows start at 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday with a 2 p.m. Sunday matinee. Call 964-2670.
March 1-4: 'Night Mother'
This 1983 Pulitzer Prize winning-play shows an unusual mother-daughter relationship with everything at risk. Shows start at 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday with a 2 p.m. Sunday matinee. Call 964-2670.
March 29-April 1: 'The Sunshine Boys'
Neil Simon's hilarious look at two longtime vaudevillian partners thrown back together late in life and full of laughter. Shows start at 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday with a 2 p.m. Sunday matinee. Call 964-2670.
RPP SPECIAL EVENTS
Nov. 13: Sarasota Ballet
A repeat appearance from a popular island attraction. Call 964-2670.
Jan. 13: Blues Brothers
The Blues Brothers Soul Band Rhythm and Blues tribute. A live show with master bluesmen. Call 964-2670.
Feb. 3: Gala
The premier Royal Palm Players fundraiser. Call 964-2670.
Feb. 20-24: Shakespeare Workshop
A low-key, fast-paced workshop first presented on-island in 2000. Four days of classwork followed by a special reading. Call 964-2670.
March 17: The Nowhere Band
Beatles tribute on St. Patrick's Day. Call 964-2670.
