Wednesday, November 24, 2010
The first collaboration between the Oakland Center for the Arts and the Rust Belt Theater Company, musical fantasia “We R Just Men” will be performed twice this weekend as a joint fundraising event. Rust Belt major domo — and “Men” director — Robert Dennick Joki sat down recently for an informal chat to discuss his latest project.
Q. “We R Just Men” has an interesting backstory. Can you tell us a little about its creation?
A. The show is an experimental piece, written by local musician Harold Davis. It was first performed about five years ago at the Oakland Center for the Arts. I remember going because I wanted to support the efforts of Youngstown artists, and wound up having a really great time. It was refreshing to see a musical written from a completely different perspective than I’m used to. “Blue Collar Musical Theater”?! Who knew (laughs)?
Q. What’s the show about?
A. Bill Saunders is dead, and has to present his life in song so the audience can vote (during intermission) if he should go to heaven or hell. Their decision gets increasingly complicated when they learn that Bill murdered his wife. There are nine original songs, and they’re accompanied by unique videos that will make you “die laughing.” The show is set up as a rock concert with a loose storyline tying the songs together. The band frontman tells the story of how Bill ended up in his current situation — in a sort of purgatory where he’s about to be judged for shooting his nagging wife. It’s kind of a straight man’s “Hedwig and the Angry Inch” mixed with a little bit of “It’s a Wonderful Life.” A dark musical comedy featuring everything from rock-and-roll and novelty tunes to beautiful ballads.
Q. Who came up with the idea of a fundraiser benefiting both Rust Belt and the Oakland? And did you have a coin toss to decide which venue it would be held at?
A. Originally we were going to perform the show in the Calvin Center chapel, and it was going to be a Rust Belt production (as well as a much smaller production). But as we got into the planning stages, I started talking to Brooke (Slanina) at the Oakland. We were looking for a project that the Oakland and Rust Belt could do together. A lot of people assumed that when I started The Rust Belt Theater Company it meant I was leaving the Oakland. But that’s not the case at all. I’m still very active with the Oakland, and will continue to be. I hope this is just the first in a long line of joint ventures between the two theaters.
Q. Who’s appearing in the show?
A. The cast includes Harold Davis, Bernadette Lim, Jaye Mills, Aleisa Drivere, Kristina Terlecki, Molly Makselan, Sonny Hopcheck, Jeff Bremmer and Bill Bacha.
Q. You’re also in rehearsals for the latest rendition of your annual “Drag Queen” holiday fundraiser. How difficult is it to juggle two rehearsal schedules at the same time?
A. A lot of people have been asking me that question lately because of the amount of work I’ve been doing. Theater is a full-time job for me. It gets pretty hectic at times, but I can’t complain. I’m just glad to be working. Luckily, both shows are pretty lighthearted. I don’t think I could do, say, “Closer” and “Wit” at the same time. I’d be an emotional wreck (laughs).
Q. Will you be taking a much-needed sabbatical come January and hibernating until “Kiss of the Spider Woman” goes into rehearsals next spring?
A. I’ve got “We R Just Men,” then next month “How The Drag Queen Stole Christmas” at the Oakland and “The Ugly Christmas Sweater Revue” at Rust Belt. Then I hope to have a nice long Christmas break. I can’t rest too long, though, since I’m directing “Rapunzel” at the Youngstown Playhouse starting in January.