JULIA FEIN OF NEWTON
IN
BOSTON CHILDREN’S THEATRE’S
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ACCLAIMED PRODUCTION OF
‘REFLECTIONS OF A ROCK LOBSTER’
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Anti-Bullying, Growing Up Gay and Civil Rights Themes at Heart of Ground-Breaking Production
--Public Performances March 9 – 17 at the Wimberly Theatre,
Boston Center for the Arts--
Boston Children’s Theatre (BCT) is proud to announce the return of the critically acclaimed play REFLECTIONS OF A ROCK LOBSTER. Based on the autobiography by Aaron Fricke, and adapted by BCT Executive Artistic Director Burgess Clark for the stage, REFLECTIONS OF A ROCK LOBSTER is the true story of a gay teenager and his fight to defend his life and preserve his civil rights in the wake of bullying, prejudice and intolerance.
REFLECTIONS OF A ROCK LOBSTER features the talents of 16-year old Julia Fein of Newton in the role of a ‘High School Student.’ No stranger to the stage, Julia has performed with Walnut Hill School for the Arts in Shut Up and with Wheelock Family Theatre in Xernona the Dragon Slayer and Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp. She also appeared in Big, the Musical with Turtle Lane Playhouse and Dreyfus with Oberon/Harvard Carr Center. A Junior at Beaver Country Day School, Julia has performed in school productions of Urinetown and Chicago. She has also narrated several books for the Perkins School for the Blind and Weston Woods/Scholastic. On film, she has appeared in Great Meadows and 3 Weeks to Daytona.
About REFLECTIONS OF A ROCK LOBSTER
The year is 1980 and Aaron is gay. Being gay makes Aaron different. With that stigma, he is subjected daily to violence and rejection--leaving him feeling dejected and with thoughts of suicide. Rising from his despair, Aaron strikes back by suing his Rhode Island high school for the right to escort his boyfriend to the prom. By standing up for his personal and civil rights and for refusing to apologize for who he is, Aaron not only wins in court, but he also wins in the hearts and minds of his peers and his community. His strength and ultimate victory help pave the way for legions of gay and lesbian students.
In March 2012, BCT became the first children’s theater in the country to address the issues of bullying and growing up gay in a mainstage production. “We knew it was a risk to produce a new work that focused on these sensitive themes, but it was a risk we were willing to take because of the importance of the message,” revealed Clark, who is also directing the production. “The play has had a tremendous impact on our audiences and the community. The ground swell of support was so strong that we felt a responsibility to produce the show again for an even broader audience.”
Currently residing in San Francisco, Fricke has continued to work closely with BCT since the World Premiere last season. “I was overwhelmed by the reaction to the piece from the public and from school groups. This production has sparked incredible and insightful discussions and I’m extremely proud of the impact the play has had on the community,” said Fricke. “I think everyone is able to relate to what I experienced. The fact that bullying and prejudice still exist today in our society, makes this play even more relevant and powerful.”
Nominated for a 2012 Elliot Norton Award for Outstanding New Script, REFLECTIONS OF A ROCK LOBSTER has been gaining national attention since its premiere. In support of this powerful production, Academy Award winning actress Susan Sarandon said, "The largest challenge one can face is to lead an authentic life when to do so is to be isolated from our "tribe", your peers, especially at a time when that "tribe" seems to be everything. To stand up takes great courage and it is important to celebrate such courage." Broadway aficionado Seth Rudetsky admits he was “obsessed” with the play and has encouraged his fans to “come see the show in Boston.”
Locally, BCT was named Best of Boston® by Boston Magazine for producing a work that “defines what a children’s theater company ought to be.” Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino also recognized the importance of bringing this production to the public. “I applaud Boston Children’s Theatre for producing a play that addresses issues that have such a profound impact on our community,” said Mayor Menino. “Bullying, prejudice and anti-gay sentiments cannot be tolerated in our schools or in our society. ‘Reflections of a Rock Lobster’ teaches us all the importance of acceptance and tolerance in an entertaining, creative and powerful way. I congratulate their efforts and I encourage everyone to experience this ground-breaking production.”
In addition to a student cast of 25 actors from 18 area communities, the production also features several veteran Boston stage actors, including Richard Snee, Doug Bowen-Flynn and Kippy Goldfarb.
Performances will be in the Wimberly Theatre at the Boston Center for the Arts, 527 Tremont Street, Boston, MA on March 9, 10, 15, 16 and 17. Tickets are $35.00 and $25.00 and can be purchased by visiting the BCT website at www.bostonchildrenstheatre.org or calling the BCT Box Office at 617-424-6634, x222. REFLECTIONS OF A ROCK LOBSTER is supported in part by BNY Mellon.
High School groups can also reserve tickets for weekday performances by contacting the BCT Box Office. REFLECTIONS OF A ROCK LOBSTER contains mature subject matter and content. BCT recommends parental discretion.
About Boston Children’s Theatre
For over 60 years, Boston Children's Theatre has served as one of the regions premier not-for-profit theaters. Named Best of Boston® 2012 by Boston Magazine for Best Children’s Theatre, BCT’s mission is to provide access to exceptional theatrical experiences dedicated to fostering the artistic and personal development of diverse youth, with a focus on professional training and the development of new works. Programs at Boston Children’s Theatre provide a unique chance for self-discovery and individual expression in a supportive, and productive environment. At BCT, talented and motivated students gather from across traditional boundaries and nationalities to learn about themselves, each other and the world as they create some of the finest theatrical productions in New England.
