Haylofters’ rock and roll fantasy opens July 29, runs for 10 shows
By Ed Nadolski
Editor in Chief
Like Broadway did with Bruce Springsteen’s one-man show last month, the Burlington Haylofters are returning to live theater next week with a production that seems appropriate for the times.
“We Will Rock You,” a musical fantasy based on the library of songs by the British rock group Queen, will take the stage at the Malt House Theater, 109 Main St., July 29 through Aug. 1 and Aug. 5 through 8.
The 10-show run features 7:30 p.m. curtain times on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. shows on Saturdays and Sundays.
“I really have a feeling that when people leave the theater they’ll say, ‘What did I just watch’ – in a ‘holy crap’ kind of way,” Director Don Fresen. “It’s like nothing they’ve seen at the Hayloft before. It’s ridiculous yet incredible.”
The show is a weird and wild ride that offers some parallels with the pandemic-plagued past year that kept the locks on the doors of the Malt House Theater, according to Fresen, who directed his first production for the Haylofters 30 years ago.
“(The Haylofters Board) told me this is our big comeback after COVID,” Fresen said. “So, no pressure.”
“We Will Rock You,” written by Queen and Ben Elton, had an 11-year run on England’s West End beginning in 2003 and had moderate success as a touring company in the United States, according to Fresen, but never reached Broadway.
“It’s essentially a rock concert with a dialog and a story,” Fresen said.
Twenty-four songs by Queen are woven through a futuristic story about a group of Bohemians struggling to create an environment of free exchange of thought, fashion and live music, according to the Fresen. Their struggle to obtain freedom and individuality against a controlled society where everyone thinks and acts the same – and rock music has been banned – includes many comedic moments as this group of individuals work to obtain freedom, individuality, and the rebirth of music.
The cast features a mix of Haylofters veterans and newcomers, Fresen said.
The role of hero Galileo – who hears the lyrics of songs in his head – is played by Connor Torpy, a recent Burlington High School graduate in his first leading role.
The show’s other primary actors include Noelle Voegeli, of Waterford, as Scaramouch (understudy Stacey Machuca), Carlie Sims as Teacher, David Habrat as Kashogai, Sheri Warren as Killer Queen, Matt Hoye as Brit, Megan Hobson as Oz, Peter Punzi as Buddy and Rob King a Pop.
Ensemble and supporting cast members are: Tyler Adam, Cindy Bruno, Owen Haase, Grace Hauser, Vickie Lancour, Maureen Lavin, Rose Pinter, Carlie Sims, Madalyn Sims, David Smitz, Erin Torpy, Jalisa Wainwright, and Kristyk Warren.
“It’s an amazing cast – a lot of new people,” Fresen said.
Because this is the first show in more than a year, the Haylofters have had ample time to work on the musical and technical aspects of the production.
“We normally have six weeks of rehearsal, but for this show we had nine weeks,” Fresen said.
That is welcome, he added, because the show is a “technical nightmare.”
The sound, lighting and video aspects that make up the show are the most challenging the Haylofters have ever faced, according to Fresen.
He praised the work of the technical staff working on the show. That group includes: James Hauser, assistant director; Michelle Morrell, stage manager; Randy Tritz, lighting and sound; Rick Morrell and Rob King, set design/construction; Jenny King, costumes; and Anthony Mackie, wig master.
With the music the most critical aspect of the production, Fresen has turned to a five-piece band, led by Eli King, to set the pace.
The band – normally positioned in a pit or off stage – plays from a mezzanine constructed above the relatively small stage at the Malt House Theater.
“They are phenomenal,” Fresen said.
If you go:
What: “We Will Rock You,” presented by the Haylofters
Where: Malt House Theater, 109 Main St., Burlington.
When: July 29-Aug. 1; Aug. 5-8. 7:30 p.m. curtain times on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. shows on Saturdays and Sundays.
Tickets: $18 at the door or through link at thehaylofters.com.
Lowdown: Futuristic rock and roll fantasy featuring 24 songs from the library of British band Queen.
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