An unlikely configuration of University students and alumni will bring the New York subway system to life in the musical “The Seven,” running Jan. 24 to 26 at Baton Rouge Little Theater’s 2nd Stage.
“The Seven,” written and produced for the third time by pre-pharmacy junior Michael Braud, is named for the subway train where the main character, Scott, has lived on his whole life.
After producing “The Seven” twice in his hometown of Slidell with friends, Braud and the musical’s director, Lance Bordelon, teamed up for the third production, which features a cast entirely comprised of University students.
“We wanted it to be something for the University to be proud of,” Bordelon, a University alumnus, said.
Braud said he is humbled by the support the project has received.
Bordelon, who also plays Patrick, the antagonist, has a degree in public relations and is working toward a master’s degree in visual communication. Five of the 13 cast members, including Bordelon, are not music or theater majors.
Marketing senior Kyle Moffatt plays Scott, the main character. Moffatt said he considers the project and ones like it as outlets for his passion in musical theater.
Braud added Kelsey Bopp, an environmental engineering junior, to the show as one of the guardians at the last minute. Bopp was in show choir at Archbishop Chapelle High School in Metairie, but she has no experience in theater.
The production’s faculty sponsor, Terry Patrick-Harris, teaches the musical theater class in which Braud, Bordelon and many of the cast members met. Patrick-Harris said she enjoys helping Braud and Bordelon because they are talented in many fields, not just the one she teaches.
“The School of Music in general supports non-music majors doing things like that,” she said.
Premiering at 7:30 p.m. on Jan. 24, “The Seven” will be running again in Lafayette at Cite Des Arts from Feb. 22 to 23. Braud and Bordelon are looking for a location for a third run.
Tickets are on sale online at Baton Rouge Little Theater’s website and will be sold at the door. Tickets are $18 for non-students and $15 for students.
