Artistic Director Shares His Thoughts On Upcoming Production
I had the pleasure to get to know Todd Wagner, Artistic Director of the Ray Evans Seneca Theater in Salamanca, as we discussed their upcoming production of the rock musical “Hair,” which opens Friday. Wagner explained that he recommended this show to the board of directors who felt the show had a current appeal because “we are facing the same political issues of the day (when this show debuted Off-Broadway) in 1967.”
“Hair,” tells the story of a group of long-haired hippies living in New York City where its songs depict the anti-Vietnam War peace movement, the use of illegal drugs, sexuality and the lack of respect for the American flag. This is the 50th anniversary of this Broadway reflects Wagner, “the music from beginning to end puts you in a great fun mood with known songs: “Aquarius, Hair, and Good Morning Starshine, which is great in the winter we all need to let the sun shine in more.”
The Ray Evans Seneca Theater seems steeped in Native American history and community commitment evidenced by the acquisition and detailed renovation of the stage and production spaces. Wagner recalls “Ragtime,” was his first show with the theater in 2010.
“That was a very big direction undertaking with a cast/orchestra of over 50,” Wagner said. “My love of this theatre has grown over the last seven years. I have a soft spot for this building because there aren’t many left like this in the country and it’s a gem that we have to cherish and mold almost like a child. I just want to use my talents to show the community that this place is not going to die and we are slowly but surely doing (what it takes).”
This community-based theater holds open auditions that even pulls from surrounding areas.
“I think (were getting more Jamestown talent) because through word of mouth they realize how high the production levels are here,” Wagner said. “It’s only 30 minutes from the exit to exit.”
I asked the Artistic Director to described some of the cast challenges with this production.
“I would say keeping up stamina for the entire show is difficult as there are over 20 full out dance numbers in this show choreographed by Rudi Andalora,” Wagner said. “It’s also been hard for the cast to dig deep and find their inner spirit that’s necessary to connect with that hippie style of free love. More than half of the cast agreed to participate in the short nude scene that will be tasteful lit.”
Discretion is indicated because of the nudity and profanity that mostly likely falls within the R-rated classification for the mature audience.
Wagner’s passion for theatre started at age six with a role in “Annie Get Your Gun,” and has expanded to over 120 different shows from having lead roles, to ensemble work and revues. This trained vocalist reports he started directing in 2009 after doing many show where he saw a lack of realism in many productions.
“I thought I would like to try that and I’m glad that I did because I believe I have a natural eye for most aspects of theatre that I want to pass to my casts and give them the best chance for success,” Wagner said. “I love straight plays, comedies and have directed them but where my heart lies is with musicals being that is my forte. But I love all aspects of theatre. My dream would build to a repertory company and start doing summer stock with professional actors.”
The Ray Evans Seneca Theater is a stage theater located in the city of Salamanca at the corner of Broad and Main streets in the center of the city. The theater is named after Ray Evans, a songwriter who was born and raised in Salamanca. Tickets are $15 secured online at www.showclix.com or by contacting the box office at 945-1003. The show opens Friday at 7 p.m. and continues Saturday, also at 7 p.m. There is one matinee, 2 p.m. on Sunday. The show repeats the following weekend March 3-4, both shows at 7 p.m. This theater is a proud member of the Cattaraugus County Living Arts Association.
My personal thanks to Todd Wagner, Artistic Director, of the Ray Evans Seneca Theater for his contribution to this story. I highly recommend hopping on I-86 and heading to Salamanca for this production. I’m sure the short 35 minute travel will leave you singing and smiling on the way home. Thank you for supporting the Arts and supporting live theater in our neighboring communities.
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