Harken – A Game of Phones Lets Audiences Decide on the Action

Have you ever been to a play and wished you could determine what the characters do next? That’s exactly what audiences can do in Harken -- A Game of Phones. This original fantasy adventure, written and directed by Ryan Long, of Riddlesbrood Theatre runs November 3rd through 5th at Dennis Flyer Theatre, Camden County College. It is based on the story in The Greatest Brochure in the World. Mainstage Center for the Arts presents the production.

In Harken, a group of ordinary people attend a street fair where they’re transported into Harken, fantasy world where they must fight their way out. The audience helps guide them through by interacting with their smart phones! They download a software app and vote to determine the course of live action. Those who prefer to watch the production as they would a normal show are welcome to do that, too.

The set is a 3D world created with technology normally used to make video games instead of a traditional set.

"Each time you see the show it will be different," said Long. "The action will be different, different characters will win and make their way home. My brother and I were always Dungeons and Dragons fans and wanted to make a realistic show where characters don't know what direction they're taking. It took a while to develop and we've made a lot of improvements. It’s going to be exciting and fun!"

The group of characters attending the fair are: Carter (Frank Breitweiser), Ivy (Ami Reader), Trevor (Colin Crest of South Harrison), Crystal (Alyssa Forney), and Shane (Tom Foye of Voorhees). After entering the world of Harken, along their adventures, they run into a cast of characters including Clyde, Caladron, Moppler (all Jeff Cleve of Marlton), Kharlost (Frank Testa of Blackwood), Wren (Jillian Dougherty), Ringscythall (Desiree Bounds), Brulontain (Armand Marino, Jr.), Werguil, Uglan (both Brian Albert), Priestess (Jennifer Gordon of Franklinville).

Some of these characters speak their own language, called Brooding.

“Game of Throne fans will be intrigued by the fact that we reached out to the Long Creation Society, which created the Dothraki’s language in the popular series, to create Brooding language for some of the characters living in Harken,” said Long.

Benjamin Paul Johnson, of Philadelphia, is the Fantasy Language Conlanger, or instructor of the foreign words in the show.

Another interesting aspect about the characters in Harken is that a few of them are puppets. This includes two giants that are nine feet tall and each have a person inside operating them. There is also a large turtle that several characters ride. Jeff Cleve serves as puppeteer and assistant director.

Although not a traditional musical, there are four musical numbers in the production: Gimmie Gimmie, Riddlesbrood Theme, Another World, and Awaken. The numbers are choreographed by Jennifer Gordon, while the fight choreographer is Tom Zadoyko of Philadelphia. Beth Tinnon of Atlantic City is the musical director. Much of the ensemble is featured in the musical numbers. Those actors include: Madison Jones of Sicklerville, Josh Pfliegler, Victoria White of Runnemede, Jennifer Gordon of Franklinville, Austen Puglise, Alexa Wright, Mya Dianco, Aubrey Romaine of Blackwood, Colin Gordon, Frank Testa of Blackwood, Brian Albert, Madeline Levins of Laurel Springs, Shea O’Donnell of Blackwood, Destiny Robinson of Gloucester Township, Madeline Levins, and Mya Dianco.

With cell phones allowed, action-packed fight scenes, and the Game of Throne’s connections, Harken – A Game of Phones is a must see! Due to the nature of the fight scenes, writer/director Ryan Long notes that the show is more of a PG-13 than a G rated performance.The production runs November 3rd, 7 pm; 4th, 1 and 7 pm; and 5th, 1 pm. Tickets range from $14 - $21. To purchase tickets, visit www.mainstage.org.