Bare follows a group of teenagers who are exposed to and deal with issues of identity, sexuality, and religion at a co-ed Catholic boarding school, and examines the consequences of self exposure through Bare-ing one's feelings, but also hiding parts of one's self from others.
The plot focuses on a secret love affair between two boys, Jason and Peter, who are played Jason Hite (making his Off-Broadway debut) and Taylor Trensch (Wicked, Spring Awakening), playing the respective roles. The musical originally first opened over a decade ago in Los Angeles and 2004 in New York as Bare: A Pop Opera, but this all new production provides a modern take on the story and boasts an extraordinary creative team.
I enjoyed a special press preview today and was especially taken with the cast and the set: the design took a very 21st century approach by asking all its fans via Instagram and email to sumbit photos that now cover the part of the set, with thousands of 4-by-4 images. For more information about the show and its schedule visit its website.
Check out a musical clip below.
The team behind BARE includes internationally acclaimed director Stafford Arima (Carrie, Altar Boyz), Emmy-nominated choreographer Travis Wall ("So You Think You Can Dance"), Tony award-winning set designer Donyale Werle (Peter and the Starcatcher, Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson), music by Damon Intrabartolo, and book and lyrics by Jon Hartmere.
Previews for BARE will begin on November 19, and officially open on December 9. Tickets are available online or by calling 212-239-6200, and in person at the New World Stages box office (340 West 50th Street, between 8th and 9th Avenues). At select performances audiences will also be invited to stay after the show to participate in a discussion with some of the foremost leaders in the fight for LGBT equality and members from the show and its production. Among them are Judy Shepard (The Matthew Shepard Foundation, November 19), Jane Clementi (The Tyler Clementi Foundation, November 21), Hudson Taylor (Athlete Ally, November 28), Travis Wall (December 6), and the cast of BARE (December 19); other guests and dates can be found online.
