The Pittsburgh Playhouse at Point Park will present the first ever “Fall Fest,” consisting of various seasonal activities and entertainment. The festivities go on from Oct. 17-27.
“Boos Halloween House Party,” a Halloween-themed musical written and directed by Point Park Alum Ahmad Simmons and co-written by Lazlo Graves, is the main event of the fall fest.
This show is jam-packed with not only an interesting plot, but visually appealing choreography and staging. The special touch to this production is director Ahmad Simmons. Simmons graduated from Point Park’s Conservatory of Performing Arts in 2010 and has since gone on to pursue a successful theater career.
Simmons has performed in the casts of various Broadway shows. These include “Hadestown,” “Carousel” and “Cats.” Most recently, he starred in the original cast of the Tony Award-winning musical, “Illinois.” Aside from Broadway shows, he has performed in many off-broadway productions. Simmons also has a large film and TV resume, including “Maestro,” “Better Nate Than Ever” and playing Ben Vereen in “Fosse/Verdon.” Additionally, Simmons has worked with Parsons Dance Company, River North Dance Chicago and Eisenhower Dance.
While Simmons continues to work as an active artist in the industry, he is also passionate about pursuing “theater making” and producing. The process of working on “Boos Halloween House Party” has been experimental for both the cast and Simmons. By directing and writing the show, Simmons has created an ever-adapting story subject to change.
“The piece is so heavily affected by what the cast, the designers, and the crew bring to the room,” Simmons said. “I wanna give [the cast] my best because they’re meeting me at such a high standard.”
Point Park students involved in this production of “Boos Halloween House Party” are honored to work with director Simmons. Jackie Trinh-Juarez, a sophomore musical theater major, is grateful to be a part of Simmon’s creative process. She is working closely with him by playing “Vera,” the lead character in the show.
“It has been extremely collaborative, fast-paced, and supportive, as the show is constantly changing,” Trinh-Juarez said. “The energy of the room is electric because everyone brings different things to the table, and everyone is larger than life, including the brilliant director.”
Since the running time of “Boos Halloween House Party” is about 45 minutes, director Simmons wanted two casts to perform the show and maximize the amount of performances. Throughout the festival, the casts will alternate for the shows running throughout each day. These are separated through the identification of a “ghouls cast” and “goblins cast.”
“Boos Halloween House Party,” has a family-friendly feel. It follows the story of a Halloween house party hosted by Girl Vera. The party is attended by her dear friend Boo, who can’t scare, as they have lost their ability to “BOO.” Vera and her vampire husband Vald bring in all their creepy friends in an attempt to get Boo’s “BOO” back. Each spooky friend is explored through characterizing songs, accompanied by fast-paced choreography. Despite the scare factor, this show is full of laughter and excitement. The show eventually wraps up with a feel-good lesson on acceptance and friendship.
With many moving set pieces, decorative props and exciting costumes, this show will keep the audience engaged in visual effects alone. Aubrey Gleason, a freshman theater production and stage management major, is enjoying her time working on “Boos Halloween House Party.”
“I think people should come see the show because it’s only 45 minutes, is interactive, and why not watch some impressive singing and dancing,” Gleason said. “The acting and singing speaks for itself aside from the stage design.”
The quick performances are full of Halloween-themed magic meant for audiences of all ages. Opportunities to see this show will be during the Fall Fest, Oct. 17-27.
