CONSIDER YOURSELF……REINVENTED
Leave it to the arts to lead the way in showing that a collective impact is more powerful than a selective one. In a political and world climate that seems to be struggling with separating people, The New Paradigm Theatre (NPT) leads the way with a very multiethnic, multigendered and multigenerational production of the classic musical Oliver!
“I love the colors of this production! ” says Ajibola Hakeem Tajudeen aka “Keeme” playing the title role.
“He’s a Star!” says Broadway and film musical producer, Paul Bogaev, about an 11-year old boy from Bridgeport, CT., who is being given the opportunity to work with Bogaev to make his dreams come true in the lead role of “Oliver” this summer! Grammy and Tony award winner, Bogaev, is the music director/arranger for New Paradigm Theatre’s (NPT) production of OLIVER! debuting in the Warehouse Theater at Fairfield Theatre Company in August. With the help of Emmy-nominated director, Scott Bryce and other Broadway performers they are “reinventing” the look of this classic Broadway musical.
“Riding on the heels of Hamilton and the movement to make shows look more like our local audiences and world, we created the concept of tying in all the themes of the show, Oliver, (hunger, poverty and “homeless to hope”) into the work of the local Council of Churches of Greater Bridgeport, which focuses on the soup kitchen, pantry and their Project Youth for children who are underserved. This focus will shine a huge spotlight on the wonderful and necessary work this non-profit does for the community!” says Kristin Huffman, Artistic Director of NPT.
Scott Bryce and Paul Bogaev (who will also play the role of “Fagin”) have worked to create the “reinvented” feel and look of the show. In addition to Bridgeport underserved youth from organizations such as Project Youth and Turn Around Arts Schools, young people from lower Fairfield County were invited to audition and will have the opportunity to work with adult Broadway professionals and local actors onstage. Everyone will be a part of a contemporary movement that ties theater to helping to serve our community in areas such as a soup kitchen, serving the homeless and developing our youths in the arts. These concepts are a part of the actual musical, “Oliver”, and there will be discussions between shows led by the Bridgeport Council’s Executive Director, Cass Shaw, to garner volunteers and more in-depth knowledge about the work they do. “Homelessness and hunger were not just issues during Charles Dicken’s time, they are happening right in our own backyards” says Huffman, “and we want to highlight this through our artistic work on this show.
”What better way to use the arts, which are so powerful in teaching young people, that if they have a talent, they can use it for the greater good” says Bogaev about working with some of the youth who have been given the chance to be a part of this workshop and production.
“Far more than just “putting on a show” this theatre company brings in a swat team of professionals from Broadway, Film and TV to accomplish, in a highly visible way, work that is so necessary in a community. Shining a hot spotlight on these non-profit causes through the vehicle of theater. Part of the reason we cast Gina Naomi Baez, who can be seen on the fourth season of Orange is the New Black in the role of “Nancy”, is that she too is committed to this concept of Art and collective impact.” says Huffman.
Oliver will hit the boards Aug 20 (2pm and 7pm) and Aug 21 (3pm) with each show opening the doors an hour early in a “Prologue Bazaar” that will feature local artists, singers, street performers who will have “tip jars” that collected money that will go to the Bridgeport Council and their work. Part of the admission fee includes bringing a healthy and non perishable food item. “We want people to leave thinking not, ‘What did I just see?’ but instead, ‘What was I just a part of?’. This experiential art will work so well in the FTC Warehouse and will be very high impact for our audiences.” says Huffman.
Keeme, in the meantime, is practicing his songs and working on memorizing his lines for his big debut. One of his goals is to be a professional singer and this resume-builder is a big step in that direction. His work ethic and positive attitude are a wonderful example to the other children in the show. Huffman says, “It’s not just theatre. It’s an opportunity to develop leaders of all colors who can move forward in the community in a powerful and positive way.”
For tickets: www.nptheatre.org
New Paradigm Theatre Company is non profit 501(c)3 professional theatre fostering creative problem solvers, leaders, and global citizens through theatre arts education and productions.
Oliver is presented by New Paradigm Theatre with MUSIC, LYRICS AND BOOK BY LIONEL BART LICENSED BY ARRANGEMENT WITH OLIVER PRODUCTIONS, LTD. AND OLIVER PROMOTIONS, LTD.
