OLD SAYBROOK, Conn. — The esteemed Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center in Old Saybrook will soon host a locally made musical meant to shine a bright spotlight on the darkness of bullying.
The show is called “Stand Up and Speak Out” and it’s a project that producer and composer Jill Nesi began seven years ago.
The show, which has run in various smaller incarnations, will hit the big stage at “The Kate” on November 1.
"It’s a bully prevention, kindness, empathy and connection musical," Nesi said.
The cast of Stand Up and Speak Out features a varied spectrum of players – teens and adults – together on stage all hitting their marks, with a mission to make their mark.
Brayden Esler, a Trinity College freshman, plays one of the lead characters “Ace King."
“I think about all the people in the audience who are going to be influenced by this, maybe see the world a little bit different and maybe think more about their actions," said Esler.
"I really enjoy the message, especially as someone who was bullied in my past. I feel like this is something that students and adults need to see," said cast member Karrington Trice, from Tolland.“
The show, for starters, is also scheduled to run at the Bijou Theatre in Bridgeport and The Seven Angles Theatre in Waterbury is currently making the final preps for the big performance in Old Saybrook.
"If it helps one kid or one adult realize that they’re not alone, then it’s worth every minute we put in," said Nesi.
Stand Up and Speak Out runs on November 1 at “The Kate” in Old Saybrook For ticket information and to learn about future performances and ticket prices click here.
Jimmy Altman is a reporter at FOX61 News. He can be reached at jaltman@fox61.com. Follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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