Official 'Roomies' Press Release
For Immediate Release
Hubcity Theatre brings award winning original play ROOMIES to Moncton
MONCTON NB — Hubcity Theatre breaks new ground on a few fronts this month with their production of ROOMIES, playing at the Empress Theatre Nov 26 - 28 in Moncton.
Not only is ROOMIES one of the few original works by a local playwright to hit stages this year in the region - the play also delves into themes about what it’s like to live with a physical disability.
“I believe this is a pretty unique and an important theatrical offering for Moncton audiences and Hubcity Theatre is really excited to bring it to life,” says Hubcity Theatre Board Chair and Roomies Producer, Mark McPhee. “
The friendship between an emotionally detached college student and his physically disabled roommate provides the plot for ROOMIES which is set at a fictitious college during the tumultuous 1960s.
“This is a play I call integrated theatre - and we need more of it,” says writer and lead actor Paul David Power. “So many times we have seen a work delving into the world of the physically disabled - and these projects are a good thing. But often these works are seen as just “disabled plays” focused on one issue and facet - disability. As theatre artists it’s important we always strive to foster opportunities for disabled characters to have a stronger presence by ensuring they are an integrated part of the plot - not the plot.That was my goal in writing ROOMIES.
ROOMIES focuses on the friendship of 'David' (played by Paul David Power) and ‘Nick' (played by Steve Ryan), two students with opposing personalities forced to share a dorm room during the late 1960s. The plot follows the development of the two young men’s friendship through one academic year, addressing the issues raised by David's disability, Nick's selfish nature and other stresses put on a friendship.
“It’s been fascinating leading the vision with Paul on this play,” says Roomies Director, Cody Bolton. “There’s great humour that will leave audiences crying with laughter - but there’s also real heart when it comes to sharing in the triumphs and failures of this fragile and sometimes volatile friendship.”
Hubcity Theatre’s ROOMIES plays at the Empress Theatre, Robinson Court, November 26, 27 and 28. Tickets are available at the Capitol Box office (Main Street) in person, by phone (506-856-4379) and online at capitol.nb.ca
MEDIA CONTACT:
Mitch Mealey, Marketing Manager - Roomies
Hubcity Theatre
Email: mealeym@gmail.com / Phone: (506) 378-3486
ABOUT ROOMIES
Hubcity Theatre is proud to present the award winning "Roomies" by local playwright Paul David Power. "Roomies" is about the unlikely friendship between an emotionally detached college student and his physically disabled roommate.
Set in the 1960s, this comedy-drama was produced twice in St. John`s NL and captured an award from the Nova Scotia Federation of Writers for outstanding dramatic script. Moncton marks the plays debut in NB.
ABOUT HUBCITY THEATRE
Hubcity Theatre is a nonprofit professional theatre company located in Moncton, New Brunswick. We are committed to enriching New Brunswick’s cultural landscape through the performance of classic and contemporary theatre while fostering the creation and exploration of original works.
For more information visit us online at www.hubcitytheatre.com of follow us on Facebook at facebook/hubcitytheatre
Auditions for Roomies are Coming!
It's almost that time yet again! Hubcity Theatre will be holding auditions for their production of the award-winning "Roomies".
The auditions will take place at the Crossman Community Centre, 99 Wynwood Drive in Moncton on September 13 @ 2-5 PM and September 14 @ 6-9 PM.
Please email info@hubcitytheatre.com to book your audition time. All levels of experience are welcome! Also, please book an appointment if you are interested in working behind the scenes (Stage Management, Props, Costumes, etc.).
Actors will be expected to rehearse 3-4 times a week on weeknight evenings and days or evenings on weekends.
Performance dates are November 26, 27, and 28th at the Capitol Theatre Empress.
About the story:
The play tells the story of two college roommates. David, a clean cut scholarly student living with a disability and Nick, a 'James Dean' type with a chip on his shoulder to go along with his manipulative nature.
Taking place in the late 1960s, the story follows the development of this friendship through the course of one school year. Dorm monitor, Diane, and house mother, Miss Cracker, add comedy to the play.
Roles available:
Male roles:
Nick Carlson - A rebel with only one cause - himself. Arrogant, believes he is god's gift to women and self serving. But it all stems from a hidden vulnerability growing up without a mother and an abusive father. Actor age range - 20-40 to play a college student near graduation.
Dr. Shepherd
Nick's English lit professor - Dr. Shepherd is well educated, well spoken, authoritive and comes across upright towards his students. A character actor role - open ended actor age to play a college professor. Age can be tailored to suit the character.
Female Roles:
Diane - the new dorm monitor majoring in philosophy. She is the epitome of the women's movement of the time and is more likely to lead a protest rather than be a follower. An intellectual young lady she's up to challenging any male - while has a soft spot for those she genuinely cares for. Actor range 20-40 to play a college student.
Ms. Cracker - the dorm house mother - Ms. Cracker enjoys looking after her kids of the dorm - especially the boys. A fading beauty, usually on the prowl rather than fulfilling her duties as house mother. An over the top character she's suggestive, sexually starved, nosy and oblivious to her annoyance to the other characters. Though her intentions are never malicious. Think of her as a cross between Mrs. Robinson and Mrs Roper - it's important this role be played by someone who enjoys being the comic relief for a story. Actor age range - 30-60 to play a late forties vital over the top seductress.