BLT to stage 'Rise and Rise of Daniel Rocket'
The process is under way for “The Rise and Rise of Daniel Rocket,” a drama by Peter Parnell, to run starting March 9 at the Butler Little Theatre.
This is the story of a man who can fly.
The first half of the play visits a handful of 12-year-old sixth-grade students and the unique Daniel. The second act takes place 20 years later as Daniel is a celebrity.
Themes include isolation, simple joys and how people respond to things they don't understand.
“The show just has a simple beauty about it,” said Rik Medic, the producer. “It's a very simple story about a group of children and their relationship when they become adults.
“In a way, the story is complex, but it's told in such a simple way. It has a lot of levels of meaning,” he said.
Montana Simpson of Butler portrays Richard in the play.
“He's a kind guy who has a soft spot for his best friend, Daniel, who lives a rough childhood with a secret. He struggles with bullies and himself,” said Simpson, who loves acting with the BLT and portrayed Hennessy in “Biloxi Blues” earlier this season.
“There are sudden mood and tempo changes throughout this production, and timing is a challenge I'm working to master,” he said.
“One of my favorite things about the role of Richard is the transition in age from Act 1 to Act 2,” he added.
“This is a great show and a wonderful story, and the chemistry of the cast is incredible,” Simpson said.
Under the direction of Stefan Lingenfelter, the large cast includes Grant Allen Clark, Cody Nagle, Allison Marie Torres, Molly Miller, Samantha Roth, Laila Tyler, Michelle Steiner, John Carlsson and Justin Anderson.
WHO: Butler Little TheatreWHAT: “The Rise and Rise of Daniel Rocket” by Peter ParnellWHEN: March 9 to 17, at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2:30 p.m. Sunday, and 7:30 Tuesday, Wednesday and ThursdayWHERE: BLT, One Howard St.TICKETS: $13, call 724-287-6781 or visit www.bltgroup.org
