Liza Mitchell
The Toxic Avenger opens Friday October 25 on the Studio Stage at Players by the Sea and runs through November 10. In partnership with the St. Johns Riverkeeper, the story follows an unlikely superhero who sets off on a mission to save New Jersey, end global warming and charm the town’s blind librarian.
If it sounds like an unconventional musical, it is. But the show’s message, clever one-liners and interesting character choices all point to the effects of pollution on the environment. It’s also the perfect show for Halloween.
Melvin Ferd The Third is an Earth Science enthusiast, setting out to rescue New Jersey from the toxic waste that has infested the town. When he’s tossed him into a vat of toxic sludge by the town bullies, he emerges as a seven-foot mutant with superhuman strength and a heart as big as Newark.
St. Johns Riverkeeper is a nonprofit environmental advocacy organization dedicated to promoting a clean and healthy river. Outreach Director Kelly Thompson notes the importance of partnering with local theaters and artist groups to promote environmental causes.
“It’s critical to talk about environmental issues through different community platforms and lenses. Now more than ever, we must be reaching different audiences to engage and help share their own stories of environmental justice, pollution, and ultimately, take action,” says Thompson. “St. Johns Riverkeeper is proud to participate in the showing of The Toxic Avenger as it sheds light on environmental concerns that are relevant to our St. Johns River and each one of us.”
A special Halloween event and costume party is offered will be held Saturday, October 26. The $50 admission includes free beer, food and 8 pm performance. Guests are encouraged to dress in costume for a chance to win a cool prize and enjoy dessert and music in the gallery after the show. This is a fundraiser for PBTS. Must be 21 or older to participate.
The Toxic Avenger is for mature audiences only. Tickets are available at www.playersbythesea.org or by calling the Box Office at 904.249.0289.
http://folioweekly.com/2019/10/29/the-toxic-avenger-at-players-by-the-sea/
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