Last season a new theater company, B-Side Productions, emerged on the New York scene putting their own twist on the "Staged Reading": A type of performance that allows theater companies to mount uniquely engaging theatrical experiences featuring members of New York's exceptional talent pool with with the blessing of Actor's Equity Association. Staged readings are a treat for audience members who get to see Broadway caliber talent, up close and personal, performing script-in-hand, without the sets, lights or costumes, just raw talent at a tiny fraction of the price of a Broadway ticket!
I had an opportunity to talk to B-Side's Artistic Director, Jasper Grant, in advance of their upcoming presentation of Little Fish, starring Broadway’s Christina DeCicco (Spiderman, Sister Act, Evita), in anticipation of their September 24th opening.
Karen Elliott: Jasper, you are known for being a passionate advocate for the artist. How is that passion reflected in B-Sides' mission?
Jasper Grant: By re-imagining new as well as established works of musical theater, we empower artists by providing opportunity, education, as well as support within the time frame given for each piece presented. We aim for high achievement while embracing the full journey of the creative process, hoping to provide inspiration for artists along the way. We are a community of artists who believe in truly helping the artist down his or her respective path. In fact, we believe in it so much that our motto is #artistsforartists.
KE: B-Side is almost two years old. How many productions have you mounted so far?
JG: We are coming up on our 8th production! Wowza!! Our first show was an educational reading of Mack & Mabel which starred B-Side Advisory board member Josie Roberts and current "Little Fish" cast member, Will Erat!
KE: What inspired you to start B-side Productions?
JG: I was playing a class for Jen Waldman (Teacher and "Little Fish" - Director) and Josie (Roberts) was singing a song from Mack & Mabel. Jen said aloud that the role was perfect for Josie and that she feels there needs to be emphasis on allowing actors to study a role in a safe space. I immediately filed that in my brain and thought it would be a great idea to expand on.
KE: I love the name, B-Side; it makes me think about the old 45’s my family had in a box in the basement. How did you come up with the name?
JG: Drinking wine with Jen (one of my favorite pastimes) we thought of the B-Side of records - often the song that (record) producers put on the other side of a hit record. Often the song is forgotten about, but sometimes there are some gems...hence, why we began our journey with choosing shows that didn't have a long shelf life in Manhattan.
KE: There are several companies, such as The York Theater and Musicals Tonight and the highly produced Encores Series that also produce lesser-known or produced works. What makes B-Side unique in the field?
JG: We really put emphasis on the process rather than the product. We believe that the actors /writers/directors are the most important part of our journey. We honor their exploration and allow the path of the show to emerge from a true origin of "safe space."
KE: "Little Fish" had a brief run at Second Stage Theater (February 13, 2003 – March, 09, 2003) and then another brief run in Hollywood (2007) but it hasn’t seen a major production since that time. What is it about "Little Fish" that enticed you to mount it?
JG: I'm a huge fan of Michael John LaChiusa. "Little Fish" was written as a valentine to community- a reaction to 9/11 and fellow New Yorkers dealing with the tragedy of that day. It is a simple fable that tells us that, like fish, sometimes it's safer to swim in schools. I love the piece. And knew that Jen Waldman was the perfect person to direct it. She introduced me to the show and am so happy that we get to collaborate on it.
KE: What’s up next for B-Side?
Jasper: Next up is a new piece we are creating. It is entitled "Raise Hell" and is a Theatrical Dance piece using the stories of the Civil War and celebrating the music of Brandi Carlile. Donald Byrd, whom I had the pleasure of working on The Color Purple with, is helming it. We are SO excited. He is a visionary and we are so lucky to have him. And a piece dedicated to the Dancers of our community!
"Little Fish", by Michael John LaChiusa tracks the story of Charlotte, a young writer of short stories, as she confronts her past, present and future in a post 9/11 Manhattan. The cast: Christina DeCicco, Alli Foss, Michael di Liberto, Will Erat, Ashley Campana, Gil Perez-Abraham, Ashley Klanac, John D Haggerty, and Jeanne Ticker perform under the direction of Jen Waldman.
“Little Fish” performs September 24 – 27th at the June Havoc Theater, 321 West 36th Street. For more information and tickets go to www.b-sideproductions.org
