A Message from L J Fecho – Producing Artistic Director of Genesius Theatre
Hello Friends of Genesius Theatre.
As we find ourselves living through these difficult times, I am reminded of the day when I was just 14 years old and the late Jane Simmon Miller, the co-founder of Genesius, said to me as we watched in horror as our first theater at 711 Penn Street was being pummeled by the wrecking ball, that Genesius was never an address, or a building, but it was, and will always be, a group of resilient and very special talented people. That theater, in general, often referred to as the “fabulous invalid”, does, and always will, exist in many forms and in any place as long as there’s… people.
Way back in 1974, Jane couldn’t have ever imagined that there would be something invisible that could remove all the people, while the building remains vertical… and empty. To me there is nothing sadder than a stage that is not filled with the excitement and love of a live theatrical performance and conversely a set of seats, as old and crusty as they might be, not filled with an audience that’s fully engaged… laughing, crying, cheering… feeling… connecting.
The theater is all about discipline, and this new discipline of not being able to do what we so love to do, is surely a bitter pill to swallow. But, as in every discipline, there are many good things that arise from the challenges offered within that limiting experience. I know this has shown me how much I really love what I do here at Genesius. It has shown me how much I miss all the craziness that goes into what we do 24/7, 365 days of the year. It has made me really appreciate what Jane used to call, “the organized confusion” of the theater, and made me see again, the worth in the work and the glory of all the people who make it happen. And, the glory of presenting it to you, our loyal audience, as you flock to our doors to see it happen.
Jane was so right. Genesius is not a building… it’s PEOPLE! That’s the main ingredient required. I look so forward to the day that we will all come together and celebrate the joy of it again. I promise you that “the little theater that could, and does”, will be back cranking out the sweetest theatrical love we can possibly offer and I have been powerfully reminded that all we really need is YOU… and that YOU becomes US.
Stay safe… stay at home… and we will see you all real soon, once again. And that, Genesius friends, will be a truly joyous day indeed.
L J Fecho
Producing Artistic Director
Genesius Theatre
"Dogfight"
April 24th thru May 3rd, 2020
Directed by L J Fecho
From the Tony, Oscar and Grammy winning team of Pasek and Paul (Dear Evan Hanson, La La Land), this hauntingly beautiful musical was praised by critics and won the Lucille Lortel Award for Best Musical. Based on the acclaimed film, Dogfight takes audiences on a romantic and heartbreaking theatrical journey that stays with you long after the performance.
"Shrek" The Musical
June 19th thru the 28th, 2020
Directed by Becka Malanios
Based on the Oscar winning film, this Tony Award winning musical features a brand new score from Tony winner Jeanine Tesori (Fun Home) and a sidesplitting book by Pulitzer Prize winner David Lindsay-Abaire. Shrek brings all the beloved characters to the stage and proves there’s more to the story than meets the ears.
"Evita"
August 7th thru the 16th, 2020
Directed by Christopher Sperat
Evita charts the young and ambitious Eva Peron’s meteoric rise to sainthood. Set in Argentine between 1934-1952, the musical follows Eva Duarte on her journey from poor illegitimate child to ambitious actress to, as wife of military leader-turned-president Juan Peron, the most powerful woman in Latin America, before her death from cancer at age 33.
"Bright Star"
October 9th thru the 18th, 2020
Directed by L J Fecho
Inspired by a true story and featuring the Tony-nominated score by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell, Bright Star tells a sweeping tale of love and redemption set against the rich backdrop of American South in the 1920s and 1940s.
"Jekyll & Hyde" The Musical
December 11th thru the 20th, 2020
Directed by Christopher Sperat
The epic struggle between good and evil comes to life on stage in this musical phenomenon! Based on the classic story by Robert Louis Stevenson and featuring a thrilling score of pop rock hits from multi Grammy and Tony nominee Frank Wildhorn and double Oscar and Grammy winner Leslie Bricusse, Jekyll and Hyde has mesmerized audiences the world over.