OPERA HOUSE ARTS’ production of Annie Baker’s drama “The Aliens” began rehearsals in New York City on Jan. 9. From left, director Peter Richards with actors Josh Bywater as K.J., Chris Bellant as Evan and Danny Jones as Jasper.
“‘The Aliens’ is a sweetly humorous, gentle, and extraordinarily beautiful new play about three young men who find community hanging out in the back alley behind a rural coffee shop, where it is difficult to imagine anything of great consequence happening,” a release from the theater company states.
The play is directed by Peter Richards.
Here’s how the theater company describes the production:
The small cast is comprised of Jasper, a selfdefined, 30-something yearold, guitar playing “street urchin” who’s writing a novel; his best friend K.J., a college dropout and songwriter; and the 17-year-old garbage-toting Evan, whom they befriend. Sometimes called “slackers,” the three are classic “misfits,” alienated from mainstream expectations, guys who can’t quite find the right thing to do despite — or in spite of — their unique, individual creative geniuses.
Chris Bellant, who plays Evan, has been actively working in New York and Los Angeles for the last six years. He was most recently seen as Macduff in a production of “Macbeth.” He trained at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts.
Josh Bywater, who portrays K.J., is making his Opera House Arts debut. Regional and other credits include: “The Crucible” (Ozark Actors Theatre); “All My Son” (Hubbard Hall); “Tennessee WIlliams’ One Arm” (Steppenwolf Theatre/ Tectonic Theater/ About Face); “As the World Turns” and “Grey’s Anatomy.”
Danny Jones plays Jasper. Born and raised in Alaska, he recently moved to New York City. In addition to being a freelance actor he is also a celebrated performance poet and seasonal commercial fisherman.
Scenic design for the show is by Wayne Merritt, with lighting by Michael Reidy of Bates College and costumes by Rebecca Lasky, whose work has been seen previously at the Opera House in “ Taming of the Shrew” and “Dying City.”
The full production schedule and tickets are available at www.operahousearts.org or by calling the Stonington Opera House at 367-2788. Regular tickets cost $20, with fixed income, student and group discounts available.
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