If you’re looking for a sampling of America, NYSTI’s American Soup, is a homegrown production with musical variety that promises to be as full of flavor as it sounds.
Saratoga resident Mary Jane Hansen, who also stars in the hour-and-a-half production, wrote the story, which covers a broad slice of Americana. Interestingly, the play came from a request prepare a lunchtime theater piece for a Swedish company. This Swedish custom is called `theatre soppa` or theater soup, leading to the title of the play.
New York State Theater Institute Artistic Director Patricia DiBenedetto Snyder worked with Hansen to develop the internationally acclaimed play that uses pop music classics and a live band to enhance its charm.
`American Soup` brings to life the Queens neighborhood in which Hansen grew up, mixed with the story of artist Andy Warhol’s quest for fame. The story tells the tale of the Marcello family as they live through the dramatic and varied events of the 20th century, including Elvis’ rise to fame, the assassinations of John and Bobby Kennedy, the Vietnam War, the first walk on the moon and the women’s rights movement.
`While researching decades of music history, the team and I put together a list of favorites that I knew would represent the idea of ‘American Soup,’` said Hansen.
Hansen said while researching the `Rolling Stone Encyclopedia of Rock and Roll,` she was astonished by the endless references to the famous pop artist Warhol. Hansen then decided to tell the artist’s story in tandem with a mix of favorite song titles.
Just as many people have a soundtrack to their lives, Hansen brings the family’s story to life through music.
`The music makes this production fun and real. It pulls people into the experiences of these times,` said Hansen.
John McGuire, who is a veteran NYSTI performer, plays Warhol. McGuire said the most challenging part of the role was making it believable to the audience. With all of the complex facets of Warhol’s personality, he said he had to dig deep within himself to properly portray him.
`He was a genius and was a great artist. Taking all of his different characteristics and making them work within one role was an exciting part of playing the role,` said McGuire.
Hansen weaves the story of Warhol’s live with those of the Marcellos in alternating scenes. The two stories come together by the end of the show.
A live band on stage helps establish the mood of each era.
The music alone is worth the visit to NYSTI. The lineup includes pop classics such as `Johnny B. Goode,` `What a Wonderful World,` `I Got You (I Feel Good),` `Born to be Wild,` `Big Yellow Taxi,` `American Woman,` `White Rabbit` and `Blue Suede Shoes.`
Hansen also includes an original song, `Peculiar,` which she co-wrote with her husband and music director, Will Severin. Severin also wrote two additional original songs: `I Don’t Wanna Give Up` and `Move On.`
`This whole experience has been so exciting for us. I am in love with the entire cast who truly show their enthusiasm and love for the show,` said Hansen.
McGuire agreed that part of the show’s magic is the harmonious the cast and production crews work together.
`The cast is so supportive. It was a privilege and truly gratifying experience,` said McGuire.
Director Bill Fortune has worked in television and radio in the Capital District for his entire career. Hansen said Fortune worked `tirelessly` to help make the show the success it has been. Hansen said she felt apprehensive about overstepping her boundaries since she wrote the script, but that Fortune’s support made the production what she had envisioned.
`Bill’s perfect collaboration and superb artistry helped this process work as well as I had hoped,` said Hansen,
Other members of the cast include NYSTI regulars David Bunce, Joel Aroeste, John Russo, several interns and local residents. who all worked together on the production.
The show is recommended for ages 11 and up.
The show will be performed at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, March 16 and 17 at the Russell Sage Schacht Fine Arts Center at 37 First St. in Troy.
The show costs $20 for adults, $16 for senior citizens and students, and $10 for children under 12. Call 274-3286 or visit the Web site at www.nysti.org for information.“