Farmington Hills Students Unveil Exciting New Musical “Charlie Hu$tle”
Farmington Hills is buzzing with excitement as local theater students from Oakland Community College (OCC) prepare to unveil a brand new musical, “Charlie Hu$tle.” This is no ordinary show; it’s the stunning debut of a musical based on the life of baseball legend Pete Rose. The performances kicked off on November 14, a date that holds special significance as it matches Rose’s iconic jersey number.
The Creative Team Behind the Magic
This dynamic musical is the brainchild of talented screenwriter and lyricist Ryan Noggle, best known for his work on “Saturday Night Live.” The musical scores are by the renowned Neil Berg, who has made his mark with productions like “Grumpy Old Men: The Musical.” With the directorial touch of Broadway actress Jennifer Little, known for her role in “The Phantom of the Opera,” this show has all the right ingredients to become a hit. The narrative explores not only the highs and lows of Rose’s remarkable career but also the darker side of gambling addiction.
Noggle shares, “The story of Pete Rose is rich in plot and characters, and touches on controversial themes. It checked every box I was looking for in a story, and I thought it could be a sensational musical.” Meanwhile, Berg admits that although people might initially think of baseball, the real focus of the musical is much deeper: “To me, this is about gambling. There hasn’t been a serious musical tackling gambling addiction since ‘Guys and Dolls,’ which was somewhat comedic.”
A Personal Connection to the Story
Noggle’s connection to Pete Rose runs deep. He reminices, “I grew up in a family of Cincinnati Reds fans, and Rose was the superstar of our team. I idolized him as a kid, trying to emulate his work ethic while playing baseball in Little League.” This personal journey adds layers of meaning to the show, especially as Noggle recalls the shocking 1989 scandal that tarnished Rose’s legacy: “Seeing my childhood idol fall from grace was heartbreaking.”
Why a College Premiere?
Traditionally, Broadway theaters look for new productions to showcase two to three years in advance. That’s why the creative team decided to let college students take the lead in showcasing “Charlie Hu$tle.” Berg explains, “Performing it in a college setting allows us to gauge how the show works and get valuable feedback.” This approach gives aspiring actors the rare chance to develop a brand-new piece of theater without any preconceived constraints.
Challenges and Excitement for Student Actors
For the student actors, this is both a thrilling and nerve-wracking experience. Tessa Gibson, who plays Carol, Rose’s wife, mentions, “The workload definitely increases when it’s the first-time performance. There’s a lot of pressure, but also excitement since we’re paving the way.”
Inclusion of American Sign Language
This production also stands out for its incorporation of shadow actors who translate spoken words into American Sign Language. These talented performers are not only advanced ASL students but also faculty and deaf mentors. “Partnering with the ASL department was a no-brainer,” says Little. “We aim to ensure accessibility for everyone, including the large deaf audience that attends our shows.”
Over the past three years, Little has worked diligently to make every performance inclusive. They use videos and additional visual aids to create a richer experience for those who may struggle with fast-paced scenes.
Last Chance to See “Charlie Hu$tle”
As we eagerly await the final two performances on November 21 and 22, the community is invited to be part of this incredible journey. Tickets are affordably priced between $5 and $10, making it accessible for families and friends who want to witness the magic of “Charlie Hu$tle” firsthand.
Don’t miss out on this chance to support local talent and enjoy a brand-new musical that’s sure to stir emotions and offer a thought-provoking look at the life of a sports icon.
