The DeSisto Theatre Ensemble musical, Inappropriate, which explores teen life through music, dance, poetry and drama, will close Feb. 27 after receiving a final notice from the production's Theatre Row landlord.
Running since Nov. 23, Inappropriate has been extended three times, but the show must close so that development plans can move ahead on West 42nd Street. A high-rise residential tower with commercial space and a 499-seat theatre will eventually replace this section of Theatre Row, and many area tenants are relocating prior to demolition.
As reported earlier, the revival is dedicated to director-creator choreographer Lonnie McNeil, who, after bringing the show to Off Broadway March 4-21, 1999, died of complications from AIDS.
Written by graduates of DeSisto School, a fine and performing arts organization, Inappropriate explores the existence of today's teens and the issues that shape and twist their lives. Michael Sottile wrote the original songs and composed the score. McNeil adapted, directed and choreographed the piece, which was co-conceived by DeSisto founder, A. Michael DeSisto.
The DeSisto Theatre Ensemble, comprising DeSisto School students, regularly performs at Dinner Theatre at the Mansion, the longest-running supper club in the Berkshires. Past productions have included West Side Story, A Chorus Line, Camelot, As You Like It and Hair, which later toured for eight weeks in the former USSR. Inappropriate features Ensemble members and original cast Averie Boyer, Josh Geyer, Liz Irwin, Jamie Ourisman, Adam Schiffman and Diane Schwartz. New to the cast are Mia Benanati and Sarah Seckinger.
Playing the original tunes are the New York City-based rock band, House of Red.
The design team includes Shane Ballard (set and costumes) and S. Ryan Schmidt (lighting).
Tickets range $40 - $30 and are available through TicketCentral at (212) 279 4200. The Theatre Row Theatre is located at 424 West 42nd Street between 9th and 10th Aves.
-- By Murdoch McBride
and Christine Ehren
