Photo Flash: The Curiouser Group Presents THE GUILDED

The Curiouser Group is proud to present The Gilded, an original musical written and directed by Reynaldi Lolong, as part of the 2010 Thick House Presenting Series. The Gilded marks the first show at the Thick House under its new management by John Wong of the Goodman 2 building/ArtsDeco. The Gilded previews February 18, and runs through March 7.  

Set in a steampunk-inspired world, The Gilded is the story of a disillusioned soldier, a runaway princess, and a troupe of actors who arrive in the cold, industrial city of Commodore and perform stories of fantasy and adventure - all the while living one of their own. A new, original musical, it is a celebration of theatre: from the moment it captivates you to the times when it is all that you have.

The Gilded performs Thursday at 7pm, Friday and Saturday at 8pm, Sunday at 2pm. Performances take place at the Thick House, 1695 18th Street (Portrero Hill between DeHaro and Arkansas). Tickets are $30 ($20 for 2/18 preview) and can be purchased at www.thegilded.com or by calling 1-800-838-3006.

The Gilded cast includes Lisa Auchterlonie, Jamie Cunanan, Ben Euphrat, Molly Gazay, Ivan Hardin, Jesus Martinez Jr., Jonathan Reisfeld, and Alexis P. Wong. Musical direction is by Robby Greengold, and choreography is by Bay Area favorite and Shellie award-winner Brandy Collazo. The Gilded also features scenic design by Tanya Orellana, costume design by Adam Lee Brodner, lighting design by Stephanie Buchner, and production stage manager is Stephen Chun. Writer/director Reynaldi Lolong has studied Dramatic Writing at NYU's Tisch School of the Arts with Cassandra Medley, and at SFSU with Bill Peters and Anne Galjour.

THE GILDED GIVES BACK: When buying tickets online, audiences are encourage to use either code "Bowditch" (Foster City's Bowditch Middle School) or "SMHS" (San Mateo High School), and $5.00 of the ticket price will be donated to that respective school's Drama Department (valid for all performances except preview). "Getting to participate in theatre at Bowditch and San Mateo High was a life-changing experience for me," says writer-director Reynaldi Lolong. "Doing theatre in middle school and high school isn't just about performing - it's about learning confidence, and collaboration, and respect for others. These are essential educational programs and they need the funding to preserve them." Reynaldi Lolong, choreographer Brandy Collazo, and lighting designer Stephanie Buchner are all alumni of both Bowditch Middle School and San Mateo High School.