Narrows Community Theater (NCT), most known for its summertime kids’ theater performances, has been staging musicals in Bay Ridge for nearly 50 years. In that time, it’s offered opportunities for the public to learn stagecraft, acting techniques, dance, teamwork and the business of show business.
Having produced popular titles like Mamma Mia! and Into the Woods within the last year alone, it’s no wonder the volunteer-run NCT has continued to draw in an audience.
“Our audience members seem to lean toward the classics and love musicals that include expert dancing,” said Steve Jacobs, NCT’s president. “However, through our youth program, we are attempting to add more modern classics that appeal to a broad range of audience members.”
After just completing a summertime run of Peter Pan the Musical, Jacobs spared some time to talk about NCT’s next fully staged production and how company markets itself to the local community.
RHSR: How and why did you come to the decision to do Elf as the holiday show this year?
SJ: We haven’t done a holiday show in a couple of years and we had a couple of members express an interest in Elf, as they loved it from when it was at Madison Square Garden. The board votes from the members’ nominations and Elf was the overwhelming choice. Its combination of classic themes and dance are a winning combination for Narrows Community Theater.
RHSR: What are you most excited about for audience members to see or hear with this production?
SJ: I’m excited to have a popular show that is extremely well written and funny, written by the team that wrote The Prom, which just closed on Broadway. I think some audience members will come for the classic holiday feeling and leave with an appreciation for the most recent of Broadway musical writing.
RHSR: What’s the importance of having staged productions with children in the cast, when perhaps they might not have the opportunity to participate in theater programs or clubs through school?
SJ: In our recent production of Peter Pan, parents loved having a summer outlet where the area’s serious theater kids (8-18 years of age) could participate in a production with a tremendous amount of professionalism. Additionally, all of our frontline tech staff were students guided by experienced tech designers.
RHSR: In this day and age, when people tend to be more glued to technology, how do you appeal to audience members to get them in seats?
SJ: Figuring out what’s appealing to audience members could be a full-time job. What we attempt to do is combine popular shows with artistic integrity, and find what works for our audience. Additionally, we look for exposure in all types of media outlets, from church bulletins to Instagram and everything in between.
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Elf the Musical will be performed on November 15, 16, 17, 22, 23 and 24. For more details, including audition dates and how to purchase tickets, visit narrowscommunitytheater.com.
Author
George Fiala has worked in radio, newspapers and direct marketing his whole life, except for when he was a vendor at Shea Stadium, pizza and cheesesteak maker in Lancaster, PA, and an occasional comic book dealer. He studied English and drinking in college, international relations at the New School, and in his spare time plays drums and fixes pinball machines.
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