Tony-nominated writer returns to childhood playhouse to direct at Genesius Theatre in Reading.
From Genesius Theatre
Pictured above, from left to right: Jonathan Erkert, Becka-Anne Malanios, James Haggerty, Sarah Althen-Haggerty, Alvin Green-Lewis, Abby Hannis, and Daphnee McMaster.
Douglas Carter Beane kicks off his run as artistic director of Genesius Theatre with a new work he wrote and is directing: a heartwarming play about art and Pennsylvania entitled The Behavior of Light.
This show – packed with ultra-local cultural references and imbued with a cozy nostalgia – is both perfect for Berks County audiences and fitting for the occasion: it’s with this production that the Tony-nominated writer is returning to his childhood playhouse. It was on the Genesius stage that a young Beane first discovered his lifelong passion for theatre in the 1970s.
Beane described The Behavior of Light as a “battle cry for art” that reminds audiences that “learning to take the frustrations of life and turn them into a creative expression is one of the joys of life.” More simply, he said, “It reminds us of the power of kindness.”
The story, set in West Reading in 1972, follows the staff and adult students of a night school’s art class. The students are mostly mill workers trying to avoid imminent layoffs by earning their GEDs. Their effervescent but inexperienced teacher, Caroline, is determined to convince them of the value of art, despite the skeptical beliefs of their cynical and overly analytical principal, Robert.
But it’s an apparent background character who brings the most color to the canvas: Teddy, a shy young janitor with schizoid personality disorder, is inspired by the classes he observes from the shadows. Soon, two parallel stories unfold – grey reality and technicolor fantasy – as Teddy uses art to make sense of the world around him.
A cast of seven local performers, whom Beane described as “tremendous and inspiring,” play a cornucopia of characters, including the mother and aunt of Teddy, fellow janitorial staff, art patrons, and an art dealer, as well as the fantastical royal protagonists, evil villains, and delightfully silly sidekicks – including a frog prepared for dissection, a reanimated skeleton, and a dragon with the voice of Joan Rivers — of Teddy’s art.
“We are trying to tell this as freely and simply as possible,” Beane shared. “There is no New York City production of this play yet. There is nothing for us to emulate. We only have our heart, our experiences, and our instincts to guide us.”
Beane was inspired by his fascination with “outsider artists:” artists who create outside of the mainstream. Like many real-life outsider artists, Teddy has no desire for attention or accolades, just a love of creation for creation’s sake.
“I hope the community sees that art can happen anywhere, even here, and to look around for it, and to find it in themselves, too,” Beane offered. “I want them to stop and look with kindness at the people they usually pass by.”
Joining Beane to bring this sensational celebration of art, community, and theatre to life is fellow Pennsylvania-native, Tony-nominated, Broadway professional, Allen Moyer (set design). Moyer, who recently joined the Board of Directors at Genesius Theatre, is teaming up with longtime Genesius set builder, Brent Beckner, to transform the intimate 10th and Walnut stage into the perfect canvas.
The creative team also includes James Haggerty, Assistant Director, Bill Eschbach, Stage Manager, and Ellen Dash Walter, Dramaturg.
The full cast is James Haggerty as Teddy; Sarah Althen-Haggerty as Caroline; Jonathan Erkert as Robert Norton; Becka-Anne Malanios as Helen; Daphnee McMaster as Rowena; Alvin Green-Lewis as T.; and Abby Hannis as Gina.
Performances will take place Friday to Sunday, 12/12, 12/13, and 12/14; Thursday to Saturday, 12/18, 12/19, and 12/20; and Friday and Saturday, 12/26 and 12/27. All performances begin at 7:30 p.m. with the exception of Sunday, 12/14, which performs at 3 p.m.
Genesius Theatre is located at 135 N. 10th St. in Reading. Free parking is available in a lot adjacent to the building. An overflow lot is also available – simply ask the parking attendant for a pass upon your arrival. For tickets and additional information, visit genesiusdifference.org.
Genesius is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Enjoy dinner, a show, and a shuttle! Genesius Theatre is grateful for its partnership with the DoubleTree by Hilton Reading! Make a reservation at Cheers American Bistro at the DoubleTree (two hours prior to show time is recommended) and inform your host that you will be using the shuttle service to Genesius Theatre. Then, enjoy free parking in their garage, a delicious dinner, and a complimentary shuttle to and from the theatre.
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