We would like to bring your attention to a wonderful new theater project.
Portland’s own Oscar-winning Will Vinton and friends are developing an original musical comedy stage play called THE KISS, with a goal of taking the show to Broadway.
Their first public showing is the upcoming “Staged Event” held at the Lakewood Theatre Company on March 24-25.
CLICK HERE for info on the Staged Event at Lakewood and how to order tickets.
Vinton Entertainment and host Lakewood Theatre are proud to present the very first public viewing of THE KISS – an outrageously fun musical comedy for theater audiences of all ages. Created by our own Academy Award-winning Will Vinton (author) and multi-platinum songwriter David Pomeranz, this is a tale based loosely on the beloved “Frog Prince” lore.
This modern-day fairytale turns the story on its ear and comes up with a semi-adult, battle-of-the-sexes-turned-love-story. In addition to the delightful story, great characters, extraordinary music, and magic envisioned by Vinton and Pomeranz, THE KISS Staged Event features an outstanding Portland cast including Kira Batcheller, Mike Borgstrom, Alexis Etyinge , Courtney Freed, Jennifer Goldsmith, Matt Hayward, Stephanie Heuston, Juliet Prosser , David Sargent, Tony Stroh , Danielle Valentine, Norman Wilson and Brandon Woolley. Respected composer and conductor Rick Lewis music directs, with choreography by BodyVox artistic directors Jamey Hampton and Ashley Roland.
The story: Arro is an arrogant prince with a problem, and he’s on a quest to solve it. His odyssey is helped by a motherly beaver, but he’s hunted by a malevolent witch and her depraved rat henchman along the way. And the only person who can save Arro is a very picky princess. Who despises him. Really despises him.
Vinton is thrilled to be bringing his unique brand of magic to the stage. “I really love this project,” he says. “It’s is an outrageous musical comedy, with larger-than-life characters, stunning magic effects and amazing songs. I can’t wait to bring our story to the stage at Lakewood Center for the Arts.”
Pomeranz is equally delighted at the opportunity to meld his music with Vinton’s vision. “Being involved with The Kiss has been a unique and creative experience,” he says. “It’s a dream because I get to work with the wildly imaginative Will Vinton – someone I’ve been a fan of for many years. The show is entertaining, moving, and absolutely hilarious.” Pomeranz loves the marriage of his catchy music with Vinton’s eye for effects, saying “You’ve got all these incredible animated effects that you would expect from a feature. But no one’s ever seen these things on a stage before.”
THE KISS will see its first public production at Lakewood Center for the Arts. Andrew Edwards, Lakewood Executive Director says “It is a distinct honor for Lakewood Theatre Company to work with Will Vinton and company to be part of The Kiss’ creative process, and to help Oregon artists present their work.” Edwards says his organization has “a long tradition of supporting original work,” and describes this locally-grown project as “clever, well written” with “fabulous music, and a unique twist on a favorite story.”
For background information on Vinton Entertainiment and how to support this event and its quest to Broadway, please take a moment and click this link: