Where and When
NextStop Theatre presents “Amour” performing at 269 Sunset Park Drive, (Inside the Sunset Business Park), Herndon. Performances: Aug. 3-26, 2018. Friday at 8 p.m.; Saturdays Aug. 4, 11, and 25 at 8 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 18 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.; Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets: General Admission: $30. Call 866-811-4111 or visit http://www.nextstop…">www.nextstoptheatre…
With its 30th anniversary as a Herndon performing arts organization approaching, NextStop Theatre will be producing the area premiere of the multi-Tony Award nominated musical fantasy “Amour.”
The music of “Amour” was composed by Michael Legrand, the widely praised French creator of innovative music such as pop hits like “The Windmills of Your Mind,” and “What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life.” The production is sung through with about 20 musical numbers; there is no spoken dialogue.
The “Amour” theatrical production is part of NextStop’s month of August celebration of its 1988 founding as the community-based Elden Street Players, noted Evan Hoffmann, NextStop producing artistic director. “Amour” will be a very special all-volunteer event with cast and creative team composed of many Elden Street Players alum. In 2013, the then Elden Street Players moved into the professional ranks of D.C. area theatre troupes becoming NextStop Theatre Company.
“Amour” is based upon a French fable about a lovelorn man. The production will welcome some of the Elden Street Players artistic collaborators; actors and creative team members. Helming the production and its thirteen member cast is veteran director Gloria DuGan, who Hoffmann calls a “powerhouse.” The music director is Blake Brophy with choreography by Jeannie Torress.
“Amour” is set in Paris shortly after World War II. The featured character is a shy, unassuming clerk who mysteriously develops the ability to walk through walls. He challenges himself to be a decent, moral person with his new powers. He also decides to help others better their lives including the less fortunate around him. As a result his own life changes for the better too.
The character Dusoleil is played by veteran Northern Virginia actor Ryan Khatcheressian. Dusoleil thinks himself almost invisible saying to no one in particular, “I don't deserve your attention.” His new ability to walk through walk through walls can cause havoc to those who have been mean to him such as his boss. Then Dusoleil also falls in love with Isabelle, a woman in an unhappy marriage. Will their lives be fulfilled for the better? Isabelle is portrayed by Teresa Danskey
In an interview, DuGan described “Amour” as a “sweet love story about a man who finally finds love. It is whimsical show; a light happy fun show though it does have some sad moments. It is great summertime entertainment.” DuGan added, “’Amour’ is a perfect fit for NextStop.”