Teens at The Acting Loft perform rarely staged political comedy, "RHINOCEROS"

February 25, 2008 - MANCHESTER, NH - Teenage actors at The Acting Loft Academy of Performing Arts, Manchester's Education Theater, are gearing up for their March production of "Rhinoceros".  The comedy, written by French master of the absurd Eugene Ionesco, will take over the Acting Loft stage March 7th through the 16th.  The show is being created in partnership with Manchester's Franco American Society, and is co-sponsored by the D.J.L.Goodman Family.

 "Rhinoceros" tells the tale of Bergeron - a young man, not very adept at life - who receives a wake-up call one morning when, without warning, his neighbors and friends begin to change into Rhinoceroses!  Berenger is forced to take a stand against this ramped Rhinoceritus and stand up for principles he had never given much thought to. Ionesco wrote this intelligent comedy of the absurd after he observed the lack of opposition to the *** in his beloved Paris.

  "I really wanted to present this play with our teen actors," said John Sefel, Producing Artistic Director of the Acting Loft.  "Who understands dealing with peer pressure and being self-conscious better than teenagers?  It was a great way to introduce an important piece of dramatic literature and history in a way that modern teens could easily relate to."

 Phillip Allen, the play's director, chimed in. "Why do I love this play?  A bunch of local teens using elements of puppetry and early 20th century technique to tell an abstract story of individuality, all the while creating an atmosphere of Picasso-meets-Pink Floyd ...  what's NOT to love?"

 The show is being presented as part of the Manchester Franco-American's year-long celebration of the 400th Anniversary of the founding of Quebec, and is sponsored in part by David Goodman and the D.J.L.Goodman Family.   The play goes up March 7th, 8th, 14th, and 15th at 7:30 pm, with matinees on March 9th and 16th at 2pm.  All performances will be held at the Acting Loft, 516 Pine Street, Manchester, NH.  Tickets are only $10 for adults, $5 for students, and are available at the door or in advance at http://www.actingloft.org.