Purpose
Anything But Goodbye is a new original musical written to aid in the fight against the teen suicide epidemic.
Packed with intense scenes and a powerful contemporary score, this one-act musical provides an authentic and accessible window into the world of young adults, ultimately offering a vision of light in the midst of darkness.
For many of the 500 students who attended the production’s first mounting, it was their first ever experience with theatre. Fostering an accessibility to and an ongoing relationship with, the arts is another important initiative for Anything But Goodbye.
Synopsis
The shocking suicide of a student has sent a shockwave through Dumont High School. The heartbreak and confusion is only compounded by buried secrets, break-ups, college pressure, and broken home lives.
While the school prepares for an anti-suicide rally, the students are forced to face the harsh truth of their realities head on. Some choose love and compassion. Others hate and self-harm. Ultimately, they must decide who it is they want to be and what part they play in making their world a place they want to live in.
Anything But Goodbye made its world premiere at Hamilton Stage at the Union County Performing Arts Center in Rahway, NJ on March 22 & 23, 2018.
Audience Feedback
“The play was absolutely incredible. The play was well written, the actors were phenomenal, the storyline strikes a cord with a serious issue and how it affects our young people.” — Derek Armstead, Mayor of Linden, NJ
“Touches on real issues that are pertinent to today’s society. This production is relevant to all socioeconomic backgrounds and races. Thank you for your vision, and I commend you for the boldness to address these issues. It is much needed.” — Charlene Hatcher, Educator, Jersey City, NJ
“A powerful story! The music was outstanding, and the actors were very talented. I also appreciated the Q&A at the end. It was sweet to hear from the kids in the audience, as they had some very thoughtful questions and excellent insights! Clearly, the messages you were trying to convey were successfully delivered through music and theater. “ — Janet Sarkos, Executive Director of Caring Contact
“Loved the performance! The students were fully engaged [because the show used] both spoken words and musical numbers. I appreciated the interactive question and answer period since many of my students had not been to a live performance before. Can’t wait to see it again!” — Laura Ferguson, 6th Grade Teacher, Plainfield, NJ
“Must see for all middle school and high school students. Thought provoking! Brings the taboo topic of suicide into the open through music and acting.” — Renee Davis, Spec. Ed. Teacher, Plainfield, NJ
“The boys’ book club truly thoroughly enjoyed themselves. The script is refreshing and brilliant. I look forward to what conversations it opens doors to.” — Beatrice Adewole, BA, M.Ed, MSW, School Social Worker
“The play was phenomenal and the message was clear. Congratulations to you and the cast. I’m excited to see how far this project will go. There is a need for it!” — Betty Jean, MA, LPC, Mental Health Association of NJ
Student Responses
The Director
Erik Bloomquist is a two-time New England Emmy® Award winner, eight-time nominee, and former Top 200 Director on HBO’s Project Greenlight. His nationally syndicated television series, The Cobblestone Corridor (for which Erik serves as showrunner and lead actor) is the winner of three New England Emmy® Awards and recipient of nine nominations.
Erik has directed at prominent regional theaters and educational institutions across the country including Ivoryton Playhouse, Priscilla Beach Theatre, Ozark Actors Theatre, Union County Performing Arts Center, Trinity College, and Clark University. Erik’s debut feature film, Long Lost, is currently in post production, while his new short, She Came from the Woods, plays festivals worldwide. Theatre acting includes the U.S. premiere of Calendar Girls and the world premiere of Rear Window (starring Kevin Bacon and directed by Tony-winner Darko Tresnjak).
Erik has served as adjunct faculty at Trinity College, Artist-in-Residence at Avon Old Farms School, and Visiting Artist at Miss Porter’s School and St. Andrew’s School (where he also gave his TEDx talk). He graduated cum laude from Trinity College and is an alumnus of the London Dramatic Academy in London, England.
The Writer / Lyricist
Wayne N. Bullock is the Founder, President, and CEO of both WNB Productions, LLC and WNB (Whole Not Broken), a nonprofit organization. These entities represent the culmination of several of Wayne’s visions to inspire and encourage people through theater, music, and spoken word.
The WNB entities may be relatively young, but Wayne has served thousands of people from all walks of life in various capacities for the past 12 years. As a pastor, teacher, songwriter, playwright, and producer, he has traveled throughout the country sharing positive messages of Hope, Inspiration and Love for all human beings.
Professionally, Wayne is currently the Senior Pastor of Guiding Star, United Holy Church of America in Roselle, NJ He is also a certified educator in the Plainfield NJ School System. Wayne has received two Bachelor of Arts degrees from Kean University, one in Criminal Justice and the other in Sociology.
Wayne is blessed to share life with his wife of 15 years, Kendra, and their 3 children, Kayla, Kaitlyn and Wayne Jr.
Photos
You must be logged in to post a comment.