Capital Repertory Theatre to host world premiere of ‘Thunder’
ALBANY, N.Y. >> A powerful musical love story called Some People Hear Thunder is celebrating its world premiere at a local theater.
Some People Hear Thunder is an uplifting tale of a young reporter, his true love in America, and Armenians fighting for dignity and survival in the face of brutality.
Set between 1914 and 1915, in New York and southern Turkey, in the midst of shocking historical events, Some People Hear Thunder comes to life through song, dance and storytelling.
The world premiere of Some People Hear Thunder — written by Gerson Smoger and Jeffrey Sorkin — is being brought to Albany by longtime Capital Region and Broadway performer Kevin McGuire, a Hoosick Falls native. McGuire directs and stars in the production as Zoravar Der Kaloustian.
Aside from the music and dance, McGuire said he was drawn to Some People Hear Thunder because it’s a compelling story that needs to be told. “No one tells the story of the Armenians. It is a forgotten tale,” he said, noting that many people don’t even realize that an Armenian Genocide occurred.
However, genocide isn’t the focus of the play, McGuire explained. It’s the backdrop. “It’s as much about the Armenian Genocide as The Sound of Music is about Nazis.”
Some People Hear Thunder goes between New York City street scenes and Armenian folk dance numbers, weaving a fun and up- lifting tale of love and survival.
When part- Armenian actress Grace Experience heard there was a musical about the Armenian Genocide, she packed her bags for Albany because she knew she wanted to work on this show.
Grace Experience is the great-granddaughter of Armenian genocide survivors. Her father, Chris Bohjalian, is also a famous ArmenianAmerican novelist.
“I took a train that morning and I just told them how much this show mattered to me and how excited I was that they were telling the story, because this story is never told,” she said.
After expressing how much she desired to be a part of Some People Hear Thunder, the actress was given the opportunity, cast as Anoush Andreasian.
In working on this play, McGuire has enjoyed getting to know some of the local Armenians within the Capital Region.
“The Armenians are quite remarkable people,” McGuire said. “The Armenians like to have a good time, in spite of everything. I like that about them.”
He continued, “I think that in order to understand what people lose, with something like this, you have to understand how they experience their joy.”
Some People Hear Thunder has already gained some national attention, McGuire said, because “the Armenians are very anxious to get their story out.”
As an artist, McGuire said this play is a way he believes he can help.
McGuire’s ultimate goal is for as many people as possible to see the play, and that they will learn while being both entertained and moved.
This independently produced show will be at Capital Repertory Theatre through May 21.
Preview performances for Some People Hear Thunder take place April 28 through May 4. Opening night is Friday, May 5.
Performance times are 7:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday; and 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, with matinees 3 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday at Capital Repertory Theatre, 111 N. Pearl St. in downtown Albany.
Tickets range from $25 to $55. Children 17 and under are $15 for all shows.
For tickets and information, call Tickets By Proctors, (518) 445- SHOW (7469) or visit capitalrep. org or somepeoplehearthunder.com.