By Kenny Walter
Staff Writer
MONMOUTH BEACH- A father/daughter duo has collaborated to bring the true story of The Hallmarks, a band popular along the Jersey Shore in the 1960’s and 1970’s, to the stage.
From April 28 to May 1, Running Through the Fire, a musical revival based on the true story of The Hallmarks, will appear at the Church of the Precious Blood Parish Center on 72 Riverdale Ave.,Monmouth Beach.
The show was written by local father/daughter team of Russ Scalzo, Oceanport, and Rachel Ryan, Tinton Falls, and first took the stage in 2010. Since then, Scalzo and Ryan have reworked the script, added new songs, and are looking forward to the revised musical that will be held at Church of the Precious Blood Parish Center.
Running Through the Fire follows Rich, a character based on long-time Oceanport resident James Bova, as he celebrates the prospect of fame, struggles with drug abuse, and eventually finds himself faced with a life or death decision.
Christian Potterton, whose credits include Bad Theatre Fest in NYC, Totem Pole Playhouse in PA, Count Basie Theater in NJ, and Berklee College of Music and Harvard University in MA, portrays Rich.
The main character is portrayed by Christian Potterton, whose credits include Bad Theatre Fest in New York City, Totem Pole Playhouse in Pennsylvania, Count Basie Theater in Red Bank, and Berklee College of Music and Harvard University, both located in Massachusetts.
Daniel Gualtieri of Keansburg and Greyson Riley of Aberdeen will play real life brothers Russ and Joe Scalzo. The Scalzo brothers grew up in Oceanport with Bova and formed The Hallmarks with their cousin Anthony Scalzo of Long Branch and the late Ricky Gager of Oceanport.
Russ’s girlfriend, now his wife of 45 years, Gail Scalzo, will be played by Middletown resident Kimberly O’Leary.
This musical takes the audience on a ride full of highs and lows with a vivid snapshots of the 60’s and 70’s, lasting friendships, romances and a message of hope.
For more information, visit www.LighthouseStageProductions.com or call (732) 397-3640. Tickets can be purchased online or over the phone for $10 or at the door for $12. Seating is general admission and patrons will be seated on a first come, first serve basis. Shows are April 28 through April 30 at 7:30 p.m. and May 1 at 2:30 p.m.