Photo Coverage: POOL BOY Plays at Barrington Stage Musical Theatre Lab Thru 8/8

Barrington Stage Company's Musical Theatre Lab, under the mentorship of Tony Award-winning composer/lyricist William Finn, kicks off its fifth season with the world premiere of Pool Boy, a splashy new musical with music and lyrics by Nikos Tsakalakos and book and lyrics by Janet Allard.

Directed by Daniella Topol, Pool Boy begins performances on Wednesday, July 13 at 7:30pm and has an Opening Night set for Wednesday, July 21 at 7:30pm at BSC's Stage 2 space, 36 Linden Street, Pittsfield. The premiere engagement is scheduled to run through Sunday, August 8.

What happens when an aspiring songwriter spends his summer serving cocktails to the rich and famous? In hopes of catching a break, he hobnobs with the big shots and is seduced by L.A.'s glitz and a sexy older woman. Love and chaos ensue in this rocking new musical set poolside at the Hotel Bel-Air, based on Nikos Tsakalakos's experience as a pool boy there.

The cast features Jay Armstrong Johnson (Broadway: HAIR) as Nick, Sara Gettelfinger (most recently seen on tour as Cruella DeVille in 101 Dalmations; Broadway: Dirty Rotten Scoundrels) as Mrs. Duval, Sorab Wadia (London: Jihad! The Musical) as the Sultan, Cortney Wolfson (Broadway: Les Miserables revival) as April, Cliff Bemis (Original Cast: Irving Berlin's White Christmas) as Mr. Lopes, John Hickok (Broadway: Little Women, AIDA, Parade) as Mr. Duval and Jon Norman Schneider (Off-Broadway: Pan Asian Rep, Public Theater: Durango) as Jack.

Pool Boy marks the first show collaboration between Allard and Tsakalakos, who previously penned the song "I Have a Lion," which has been performed in Songs by Ridiculously Talented..., Late Nite with Niko and Songs of A Night Owl.

The production features music direction by Matt Castle and choreography by Shonn Wiley; also scenic design by Brian Prather, costume design by Holly Cain, lighting design by Nicole Pearce, and sound design by Brad Berridge. Production Stage Manager is Michael Andrew Rodgers. Assistant Director/Dance Captain is Nick Potenzieri.

Performances of Pool Boy are Tuesday through Friday at 7:30pm, Saturdays at 4pm and 8pm, and Sunday at 7:30pm at BSC Stage 2, 36 Linden St., Pittsfield. Opening Night: Wed., July 21 at 7:30pm. Tickets: $15-$45. Seniors: $20 all matinees. Pay What You Can Night for 35 year olds and younger: Fri., July 16 at 7:30pm. Post-show discussions with the cast will be held following the Thursday, July 15 and Thursday, August 5 performances. For ticket information call 413-236-8888, stop by the BSC Box Office at 30 Union Street or visit www.barringtonstageco.org. Please note that Pool Boy contains adult situations and strong language.

 Photo Credit: Barrington Stage Company