Newton and Brighton Residents to Star, Music Direct Homemade Fusion: A Musical, Opening June 10

The Opposite of People (TOP) presents the Boston Premiere of Homemade Fusion opening June 10-12 at UFORGE Gallery in Jamaica Plain and touring to the StoveFactory Gallery in Charlestown June 16-18.

From the imaginations of Michael Kooman (music) and Christopher Dimond (lyrics), comes a series of musical snapshots that tell distinct stories - being true to oneself, misinterpreting signals, how we connect with others. At once dangerously cynical, desperately romantic, and alarmingly humorous - it is a tale of love, loss, and candy bars.

A production conceived to adapt to the venue and audience - TOP is partnering with two local art galleries to bring an intimate and interactive evening of theater. Audiences are invited to join in the fun early or stay late, mingle with the cast, and enjoy an open bar.

Homemade Fusion features eleven local performers from the Boston area including Brighton’s Todd Sandstrom Tobin and Newton's David Rodrigues. The show is Music Directed by Newton Educator, David Wright. Sandstrom Tobin performs the hilarious "To Excess" while Rodrigues takes on the titular "Homemade Fusion" and "Walking Without You".

Homemade Fusion is a cycle musical without a direct, linear plotline. "The song cycle format is interesting to me as a music director in that there is more interpretation, style and originality," says Wright.

Sandstrom Tobin was drawn to the show for other reasons. " I love working on new and/or rarely produced pieces," he explains, "and the music is beautiful and really inspires me.

For Rodrigues, it was the relatability of the songs, "I can relate too many if not all of the songs," he says.

All three men agree that the talent it sure to draw an audience, "Also, the open bar!" exclaims Rodrigues.

No strangers to the theatre, each man has an accomplished list of roles they've performed. Wright has been seen as Seymour in Little Shop of Horrors, Pippin in Pippin, and Finch in How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.

Sandstrom Tobin's favorite roles include Malcolm in The Full Monty, Greg in Reasons To Be Pretty, Jason in Bare, while Rodrigues favors Ted Hinton in Bonnie & Clyde, Jamie Wellenstein in The Last Five Years and Link Larkin in Hairspray.

Outside the theatre, Wright teaches students with severe needs in the Newton Public Schools. Sandstrom Todd works in insurance sales design, but his passions include meditating, raising African rift lake cichlids, and collecting and selling rare candles. Rodrigues works in finance and enjoys yoga, running; and spending time with his dogs.

The Opposite of People (TOP) is a newly established theater company that is dedicated to bringing accessible, unconventional theater and little known shows to the Boston-area community.

Tickets are $12-18 and are available for all performances through Event Brite: http://tinyurl.com/hfmusical.