As we inch closer to the opening of The Big Bad Musical, let’s meet the artist behind the production, Director Matthew Fralley!
In addition to his work as The Growing Stage’s Production Manager, Matthew made his directorial debut last season with our All-Youth Studio Series production of The Giver. Throughout the years, he has stage managed and performed in over 60 productions here at the Palace Theater. Matthew obtained his B.A. in Theatre from Kean University and his A.A. in Musical Theatre from County College of Morris. As a performer, Matthew has appeared in many productions including Mark Cohen in Rent, The Cowardly Lion in The Wizard of Oz, Nicely Nicely in Guys and Dolls, Jean Valjean in Les Miserables, Jack in Into the Woods, and Archibald Craven in The Secret Garden. Matthew has most recently been stage managing numerous productions throughout New Jersey. His most recent stage management credits include Ella Enchanted, Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus, The Lightning Thief, and Land of Forgotten Toys.
We recently sat down with Matthew to learn more about his journey and this production.
Tell us a little bit about your career!
I am the Production Manager at The Growing Stage and the director of The Big Bad Musical! My career in theater actually began at TGS when I was just 10 years old in a production of Babes in Toyland. Since then, I have performed and stage managed over 60 productions at The Growing Stage and have directed, choreographed, music directed, and lighting and scenic designed many productions throughout the NJ/NY area.
What is your job in Big Bad Musical?
I am the director of The Big Bad Musical. My job as the director is to take this script and bring it to the stage. That process began with casting these wonderfully talented youth actors in our production and working with them to bring the story to life.
What has it been like working on this production?
This show has been a blast to be a part of. These kids are so wonderful to work with and bring so much joy to rehearsals and talent to the stage! I love getting to watch youth performers excel so well in their performances and this show is nothing short of that.
Why should audiences see the Big Bad Musical?
The Big Bad Musical is about the infamous Big Bad Wolf on Trial in the Enchanted Forest where a lot of fairytale creatures like Little Red, the 3 Little Pigs, and The Boy Who Cried Wolf have A LOT to say. With our audience acting as the jury, you may get to see a different ending each night based on whether or not the Big Bad Wolf is proven guilty or innocent and leave questioning Mr. Wolf was born a criminal or made into one.
As someone who grew up at TGS, what are some of your favorite TGS memories?
My fondest childhood memories were at The Growing Stage. Growing up, I spent most of my time here in rehearsals and watching shows. Getting to work with our professional actors we cast in our Main Stage shows was a highlight of mine. Getting to work with so many talented artists inspired me to become one in my adult life now. I’m forever grateful of the memories and experiences I had here at TGS!
What advice do you have for a young TGS performer who wants to pursue a career in the arts?
Always find things that you are passionate about and work towards those goals. Along the way, you’ll have so many incredible experiences and gain many friends and colleagues in the same fields you are. Also, don’t be afraid to try our different aspects of the arts, even if it’s something you never really saw yourself doing. It may be the one thing in theater that turns out to be the best decision of your life!
Fill in the blank: The Big Bad Musical is...a wild and hilarious show which makes you think of these fairytales in a whole new light!
Don’t miss our All Youth Production of THE BIG BAD MUSICAL, playing January 18-21. For tickets, visit www.growingstage.com
