In the Dutchess County Spotlight

This fall Trinity Players continues its tradition of introducing the less prevalent musicals to the Hudson Valley with the production of "Weird Romance." The music is written by award-winning composer Alan Menken and has lyrics by David Spencer. This quirky, offbeat musical from the composer of "Little Shop of Horrors", "Beauty and the Beast", "The Little Mermaid", and "Sister Act" is really two complete one-act musicals.

The first, The Girl Who Was Plugged In, shows life in a world without advertising, where celebrities are manufactured, which leads to the weird romance of the title. These celebrities are set up and used for product placement. The two main protagonists are a girl named P. Burke that is chosen to become a "Remote", and Paul, the rebel son of a network executive. Together, they form an interesting romance in which P. Burke's brain links to the body of Dephi, a girl that was born without a functioning brain.

The second, Her Pilgrim Soul, is about a scientist that creates a holographic imaging system. The result of his experimentation brings an image of a woman named Nola that once lived in the early twentieth century. This changes the scientist's life forever as he begins to fall in love with Nola.  

In his directorial debut with Trinity Players, director Joseph Gayton is thrilled to bring this futuristic musical to the Hudson Valley region. The cast includes 10 talented performers that play a leading role in one act, but a supporting role in the other.  The play brings forth love stories like no other, as it combines the effects of technology and emotional entanglement. It is an interesting mix of science fiction, love triangles and the struggle between powers.

The performances are held at Cunneen-Hackett Arts Center, 12 Vassar Street, Poughkeepsie. "Weird Romance" runs from September 21-23 and 28-30; Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm, and Sundays at 2pm. Adult tickets are $18.95/reserved, and $19.95/ at door; seniors/students/children's tickets are $15.95/reserved, $16.95 /at door. Tickets can be purchased by calling the box office at 845-227-7855 or by visiting www.TrinityPlayersNY.org