Cast Set for Brooklyn Golden Boy, Benefiting Parkinson’s Disease Treatment Organization

BY ANDREW GANS  NOV 06, 2017

Performances will begin November 9 at the GK Arts Center.

Clifford Odets

Room 15 Theater Group will present a limited engagement of Clifford Odets’ Golden Boy November 9–19 at The GK Arts Center, 29 Jay Street, Brooklyn. All proceeds will benefit stoPD, a bicoastal non-profit dedicated to support and training to overcome Parkinson’s Disease.

The production will be helmed by co-directors Aaron Latham, author of Urban Cowboy and a participant in stoPD’s boxing program to help combat his own Parkinson’s, and Graydon Gund. The company will also feature several actors who are participants in stoPD’s unique boxing-based program—designed for people with Parkinson’s.

"Parkinson’s Disease is a life-altering condition, but it’s by no means a death sentence,” said Dr. Roberta Marongiu, co-founderof stoPD, in a statement. “We know that intense exercise is key in the treatment of this neurological disorder. Boxing happens to be the quintessential intense workout, that improves all the motor skills affected by Parkinson’s: balance, strength, eye-hand coordination, and flexibility.

Alex Montaldo, a stoPD co-founder who will star as conflicted protagonist Joe Bonaparte, added, “Boxing training is also extremely helpful on a psychological and emotional level. Through exercise we trigger a shift in perspective toward positivity and pro-activity, showing participants that they can do much more than they ever imagined and how they can greatly improve their quality of life by taking charge.”

The cast will also feature Gregg Prosser as Tom Moody, Ron Shetler as Mr. Bonaparte, Kathleen Simmonds as Lorna Moon, Jon Spano as Eddie Fuselli, Mia Christo as Anna Bonaparte, Fady Kerko as Siggie, professional boxer John Duddy as Tokio, Montgomery Mauro as Frank Bonaparte, David Cohen as Mr. Carp, James Rich as Roxy Gottlieb, Jeffrey Alkins as Pepper White, Miah Kane, and Patrick Faerber.

Golden Boy focuses on Joe Bonaparte, an accomplished violinist who longs to be top man in the boxing ring. When prizefight promoter Roxy Gottlieb offers to sponsor him as a boxer, he finds himself torn between the lure of big money and the distinct possibility of injuring his hands, thereby destroying his musical career.

The production will also feature scenic and costume design by Anna Driftmeir, fight choreography by Michael Olajide, and live music performed by Filip Pogady.

To purchase tickets, visit GKArtsCenter.org. To learn more about stoPD, including how to make a donation, visit Stop-PD.org.

http://www.playbill.com/article/cast-set-for-brooklyn-golden-boy-benefiting-parkinsons-disease-treatment-organization