BANG, BANG, YOU'RE DEAD

Powerful Performances Examine School Violence as The Barley Sheaf Players Present “Bang, Bang, You’re Dead” 

The Barley Sheaf Players (810 N. Whitford Road, Lionville, PA 19353, www.barleysheaf.org) present Bang, Bang, You’re Dead, opening January 18, 2013. 

The Barley Sheaf Players have chosen William Mastrosimone’s powerful play, Bang, Bang, You’re Dead, as their 2013 Benefit Show to support the Crime Victims’ Center of Chester County. Written in 1999 to raise awareness of school violence and its causes, the play’s purpose, according to Mastrosimone, is to help people “see tragedy before it happens.”

In this touching drama, a high school student lies in a jail cell for having committed unspeakable crimes. Five fellow students he murdered earlier that day—figments of his imagination, not ghosts—enter his cell demanding answers. When Josh evades their questions, they become akin to a chorus of Greek Furies who torment him, make him re-live events, and drive him toward the threshold of remorse.

This year's show will benefit the Crime Victims' Center of Chester County, which provides free and confidential services to victims and their family members and significant others who reside in or were victimized in Chester County, Pennsylvania. All proceeds raised during the show will be focused on prevention/education programs to promote community awareness and reduce victimization.

Director Ron Quirk of Phoenixville, describes his production as a moving, powerful show exploring what can happen when a student is teased and feels lost and alone.  Sadly, as shown by recent events, shows like this are still necessary to raise awareness, and the money raised for the Crime Victims’ Center will help bring much needed education to local schools.

Quirk, along with co-producers Tim Long (also of Phoenixville) and Lindsay Franklin of King of Prussia, is proud to be working with a cast of local, young actors, including: Marcus Barainyak of West Chester; Seth Bullock of Malvern; Jaime Connors of Phoenixville; Joseph Casiano of Phoenixville; Rachel Buoni of West Chester; Emily Gurtizen of West Chester; Kelsey Young of Downingtown; Thomas Calder of Downingtown; Hannah Pautler of West Chester; Kaylie Siano of Downingtown; Laney Pleasanton of Chester Springs; Sam Wolf of Downingtown; Kat Flanagan of Exton; and Sarah Bedwell of West Chester. The Costume Coordinator is Debbie Young of Downingtown, and Stephanie Kupski of Downingtown is the Production Assistant.

Bang, Bang, You’re Dead runs Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m. on January 18-19 and January 25-26. Show guidance: Bang, Bang, You're Dead is not recommended for children under the age of 13.

Seating for the benefit show is general admission, and payment is by donation payable at the door by cash, check, or credit card (Visa, MasterCard or Discover accepted). Seats will be available on a walk-in basis or reservations can be made by calling 610-363-7075 to ensure a seat.

After Bang, Bang, You’re Dead, the Barley Sheaf Players' season continues with the 2013 One-Act Festival on Saturday, February 2.

For more information about these shows and The Barley Sheaf Players, please visit www.barleysheaf.org.