LOCAL TEEN TAKES THEATER WORLD BY STORM Alex Baron brings back “Vote For Me” to an Off-Broadway stage this summer. While most high school students are spending their summer at the beach, Byram Hills rising senior Alex Baron will use the summer months making his passion project come alive. Baron, who credits his school’s theater department with allowing him to take his love of theater to the next level, will serve as the executive producer for a musical debate “Vote For Me,” which opens for eight shows on August 7 at the Roy Arias Studios and Theater on West 43rd Street in Manhattan. “The theater community is defi nitely more interested in creativity and productivity rather than age,” Baron has said. Creativity most certainly came into play in the production of “Vote For Me,” which will offer audience members a very unique viewing experience. The script comes to life as a musical spin on a mock presidential debate. In keeping with the theme, audience members will be able to vote for their choice candidate via text message at the conclusion of the performance. “I’m from a family of attorneys who are always jostling for their argument,” explains Baron. “With ‘Vote For Me,’ the exceptional writing, the unique concept of a live debate, and the ‘jostling for their argument’ all caught my eye. I knew I had to be a part of it.” As the show’s executive producer, Baron is taking on the task of not only keeping auditions, casting, and rehearsals on track, but also of funding the expense of the entire production. In order to raise the necessary funds of $20,000 to cover the theater rental, the rights to the show, and the salaries of the actors and staff members , Baron launched a kickstarter campaign that has raised over $14,000 thus far. The opportunity to work on “Vote For Me” came only a year after Baron’s debut play, “Love Behind Bars,” which he wrote and produced. “Love Behind Bars” ran at the Manhattan Repertory Theatre last September, which he calls a rewarding experience. “Although I love acting, it was my fi rst glimpse into the entire creative process and seeing an idea morph into an actual production,” notes Baron. “Since Love Behind Bars I’ve had some incredibly talented people seek me out as a possible producer.” Baron also formed Baron Brothers Productions, which ovesees all of his theater projects. As Baron looks down the road at what’s ahead after “Vote For Me” wraps up the end of August, he says that he’s focusing on fi nding a balance between his academics and his theater work. Over the next year, he will decide where to attend college while focusing in on studying theater and business. “In the immediate future I’m applying to schools with production majors,” he says. “Although many of these schools are outside of New York, I want to come back to NYC, where I want to continue produce great productions.” To contribute to Baron’s fundraising efforts in support of “Vote For Me,” visit www.kickstarter.com/projects/990771770/vote-for-me-a-musical-debate-summer-2014-nyc To purchase tickets to a performance of the show, visit our website, www.voteforme2014.tk ADVERTORIAL FREE DENTAL GIFT BAG WITH YOUR VISIT WE ALSO SPEAK SPANISH New Patient Special $125 20% off SERVING THE COMMUNITY FOR OVER 14 YEARS limited time New Patient Special S F D C S F D C Keep it Simple 20% off 1st Dental Implant Valid with coupon only Dental Implants Includes Comprehensive Exam, X-Rays, Plus FREE Oral Cancer Screening And a Professional Healthy Mouth Cleaning. Free Fluoride Treatment too! www.queenscourier.com | JULY 2014 | lehavre Courier 9 Alex Baron S F D C $99 for Kids Only Includes Comprehensive, Exam, X-Rays, Plus FREE Fluoride Treatment and a Professional Healthy Mouth Cleaning. 17 years old and younger 32-50 Steinway Street, Astoria N.Y.11103 • 718.728.3314 • www.alldentalneeds.com
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