Original B'Way Company Member Jim Stanek to Star in 4th Wall Theatre's STORY OF MY LIFE, 2/9 -11

4TH WALL THEATRE continues its 15th anniversary season with THE STORY OF MY LIFE. This endearing show boasts music and lyrics by Neil Bartram and a book by Brian Hill. The show received four Drama Desk Award nominations in 2009, including Outstanding Musical. New Jersey theatre critic Peter Filichia called the show "A tender, yet strong musical. For everyone who has ever shared with a friend a movie, a secret, or a hurt -- and isn't that indeed everyone? -- The Story of My Life might well change the story of your life."

This two-person musical features Jim Stanek, a member of the original Broadway company, in the role of Alvin Kelby. He is joined by 4th Wall favorite Matt Burns of Basking Ridge. Stanek was part of the Broadway casts for Indiscretions, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, The Rivals, Little Women, Lestat and The Story of My Life. His Off Broadway credits include: Desperate Writers, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, Night Sky, Frankenstein, Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris, and I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change. In addition, Stanek has made numerous regional theatre appearances along with his work on television. Matt Burns appeared in Starlight Express, EFX, Enter the Night in Las Vegas, Tokyo Disneyland, and Merv Griffin’s Resorts in Atlantic City. Most recently he has worked with 4th Wall Theatre, Chatham Playhouse, Studio Players, and Ridge Light Opera.

4th Wall Executive Director, Gwen Ricks-Spencer, formerly of Montclair, directs. She is joined by Markus Hauck, of New York City, who serves as the musical director. Kate Swan of Teaneck is the Production Manager and Martha Thalheimer of Glen Ridge serves as the Stage Manager.

This modern day musical unfolds as a “memory” play. The Story of My Life tells the story of two childhood friends and how their friendship profoundly defined their lives. Thomas Weaver is a best-selling, award-winning author, and Alvin Kelby was his best friend for thirty years. Time tests the bonds of their friendship, and when it does, Thomas calls on the only resource he has - his stories of Alvin - to learn where things went wrong. The show is a rich and melodic musical and provides a soaring tribute to the power of friendship and the people who change our lives forever.

“The story is 90 minutes of laughter, tears and everything in between,” says Ricks-Spencer. “It celebrates the significant moments of our lives – not necessarily the big ones, like graduation, marriage, etc., but rather the small things that help shape who we are, how we view the world, and who we lean on. The Story of My Life encourages us all to remember the special people in our lives. In addition, we get to enjoy some really wonderful music along the way.”

The writers of the musical met while performing in a show together. Bartram and Hill were interested in creating a piece which explored the idea of a long-time friendship of two men. They called upon their own personal friendships growing up and the idea that meeting one person can have a profound effect on what you do and become. The Story of My Life had a brief run in New York but is finding new audiences around the country. The two writers also collaborated in writing Somewhere in the World and The Nightingale and the Rose.

THE STORY OF MY LIFE will play at the Westminster Center for the Arts on the campus of Bloomfield College in Bloomfield and runs for three nights only, February 9, 10 at 11 at 8:00 p.m. Tickets are only $24 with discount tickets available for students and seniors. Tickets may be purchased by calling 973-748-9008 ext. 279. Visa, MasterCard and Discover are accepted. Tickets may also be purchased on-line and additional information is available at www.4thwalltheatre.org

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