Playhouse goes medieval in world premiere

World premieres are common occurrences at professional theaters such

as South Coast Repertory. On the community theater level, however,

they’re few and far between.

That is why the upcoming production of “The Golden Dream” by the

Huntington Beach Playhouse -- opening next weekend and playing

through Oct. 9 -- qualifies as a major event. It’s not only a

first-ever staging, it’s an ambitious musical drama set in medieval

times.

Playwright Joe Syiek has fashioned his story around a young

peasant lad, Alec, whose father is killed by the king’s son. After

avenging his father’s death by leading a peasants’ revolt on the

castle, Alec becomes king -- but this is only the beginning.

As the new ruler, Alec must do battle with the Dark Knight, who is

burning villages. How it all turns out is something playgoers must

find out for themselves.

“The story is much more than a simple tale of revenge, love and

glory,” Syiek said. “Though set in a medieval kingdom, it is a

parable for our modern times, and the fictional land of Cockagne

could be as close as any city today.”

Stephen Reifenstein, who’s directing the production, voiced his

enthusiasm for the project.

“As a director, I like to bring strong acting and much detail to

the piece,” Reifenstein said. “This show, because it was new, gave me

a clean slate to work from. I was able to work with the actors and

develop their characters as a collaborative effort.”

Reifenstein worked with Syiek for seven months prior to auditions.

“He has given me his vision and allowed me to run with it,” the

director said.

Syiek wrote the show’s lyrics as well as the script, with Erik

Przytulski adding his talents as composer and musical director.

They’re presiding over an enormous cast headed by Dan Wozniak,

Nickie Gentry, Adriana Sanchez, Nathan Hieger and Paul Hanegan.

Major supporting roles will be taken by Michael Keeney, Brian

Sipkovich, Alex Syiek, Mike Bower, Ryan Marks, Trevor Gardner, Ryan

Coon, Kyle McFarlan, Shane Cervantes, Rachel Buffet and Deidre Doyle.

Rounding out the company are Brittany Beaudry, Marisa Saggiani,

Arroya Karian, Joanne Syiek, Tracey Slonim, Samantha Burbidge,

Kristin Schlick, and Perry and Marlena Mattfield.

“We all are so excited by this and by the prospect of introducing

an absolutely fantastic new show to area theater lovers,” Syiek said.

“All of the cast and crew are working amazingly well together and

with a lot of energy to make this production a truly memorable one.”

“The Golden Dream” will be performed at the playhouse’s Library

Theater at the Huntington Beach Library, 7111 Talbert Ave., Huntington Beach. Additional information may be obtained by calling

the playhouse at (714) 375-0696.

* TOM TITUS reviews local theater for the Independent.