Talk about site specific – Satori Group’s production of musical “Hello Again” (about a cycle of sexual encounters) is landing in a soundstage at 125 City Center Drive in Hartwell (just off I-75’s Paddock Road exit), an address known locally as an early home for Hustler magazine.
Director Andrew Lazarow reports that the location “adds an invaluable level of depth and complexity to the show” which plays Aug. 16-26.
Yeah, yeah – but is it air-conditioned? Well, it will be, says Lazarow. “We’re buying a portable air conditioner.” As for seats, Lazarow figures there will be about 30 (“we’re pulling chairs from all over”) and not only are you welcome to bring your own seat, “We’d be grateful if you would.”
“Hello Again” was originally being produced by New Stage Collective, but the troupe exited over artistic and economic differences, to self-produce, while New Stage opted for a concert production of Jason Robert Brown song cycle “The Last Five Years” opening Thursday.
Lazarow said that the lighting and sound design for the show, which were among the bones of contention with New Stage, have indeed been resolved and will play an important role. Lazarow says there’s a green screen built into the space, making projection design possible.
Back to the high concept for the sound stage: the theme is the movies, from Fred & Ginger to “The Titanic.” Based on Arthur Schnitzler’s “La Ronde,” “Hello Again” is a series of 10 vignettes, each featuring a couple with one partner always moving forward.
Jersey Productions, which is opening its own production of “Grease” next week at The Carnegie in Covington, has come aboard as co-producer. The Jersey contribution is opening up its set and costume storage, and acting as not-for-profit umbrella for donations.
All information can be found at www.cincihelloagain.com.
Jackie Demaline
