The Schumo Theater presents “Head Over Heels: The Musical”. The production, in partnership with the LGBT Center of Greater Reading is one of the Center’s Pride month events. The performance runs June 9 – June 11 and features a cast of 17 ranging in ages from 15 – 70.
Featuring Juanita Renay as Pamela and Aaron Rineer as Pithio the Oracle, this hilarious, exuberant celebration of love, Head Over Heels follows the escapades of a royal family on an outrageous journey to save their beloved kingdom from extinction – only to discover the key to their realm’s survival lies within each of their own hearts.
“Arcadia is defined by the piece of ourselves that we identify as the truth,” says Cat Kenderdine, Queen Gynecia. “Being in touch with that piece of ourselves creates utopia.”
Music and lyrics by The Go-Go’s accompany the kingdom of Arcadia on their journey to protect their precious beat from being lost forever. A prophecy that disrupts the status quo springs them into action, and Arcadians are led by their headstrong – and rather resistant – King Basilius in this effort.
“Basilius represents all those who refuse to see change, and assume change is for the worse when in reality, the beat will remain but evolve as we all must,” says Jon Schultz, playing King Basilius.
From changing identities, secret meetings and singing sheep, the Arcadians go through a whirlwind of this evolution.
“The audience can look forward to lots of laughter and the experience of witnessing positive change and growth through potentially devastating change,” says Kenderdine. The journey will end with “more loving acceptance and joy.”
The musical will run from Friday, June 9 to Sunday, June 11 with showtimes beginning at 7 p.m. An additional two matinee showings on Saturday and Sunday will start at 2 p.m. Tickets are $20-$25 and are available to purchase online at YocumInstitute.org.
Creative Team:
- Beverly Houck, Director
- Charles Troxel, Music Director
- Nicole Genest, Stage Manager
- Kristina Dennis, Choreographer
- Jordan Eck, Dance Captain
- Jeff Cusano, Lighting and Sound Design
- Martha VanKouwenberg, Costume Design
- Nessie Houck, Set Design
Musicians:
- Kat Lansang, Keyboard
- Clem Mirto, Guitar
- Bass, Wolfie Lee
Cast:
- Juanita Renay, Pamela
- Aaron Rineer, Pythio
- Jon Schultz, Basilius
- Caitlin Kenderdine, Gynecia
- DJ Jean, Philoclea
- Connor McLaughlin, Dametas
- Sofia Arana-Lyon, Mospsa
- Orion Felding, Musidorus
Ensemble:
- Jade Butler
- Jordan Eck
- Emilee Lawson
- Oliver Houck
- AJ Hunter
- Austen Kennedy
- Alexandra Mathieu
- Jo’e Simons
- Sandi Trait
The production is supported by The Stabler Foundation, Berks County Community Foundation, PA Council on the Arts, and Yocum Perpetual Charitable Trust.
