Running since September of 2013, Bayside! The Musical! has now increased its weekly schedule from three to five shows, all of which will feature Dustin Diamond, the original Screech from the TV series "Saved by the Bell."
The current cast also features Sam Harvey as Zack Morris, Katie Mebane, John Duff, April Kidwell, Justin Cimino, Shamira Clark, Amanda Nicholas and former New York City mayoral candidate Seth Blum as Mr. Belding.
Bayside! The Musical! features book, music and lyrics by Bob and Tobly McSmith and is also co-directed by the pair. Jason Wise choreographs, and Susan O'Dea serves as music director.
Bayside!, according to press notes, "tackles all the tough questions: Will Zack and Kelly break up? Will Slater quit wrestling forever? Screech die? This show has it all: brick-sized cell phones, homoerotic wrestling, abject feminism, sexy ducks covered in oil, Trapper Keepers, and the perils of caffeine addiction."
For more information and tickets, visit BaysideTheMusical.com.
John Duff (Slater): The "America's Next Top Model" theme song is arguably the greatest of all time. Other than "You wanna be on top," the lyrics are indecipherable and can be interpreted however you'd like. I like to sing, "Oh, you’re not a model"; some people think it's just, "Na na na's"... All I can say for sure is Tyra Banks is brilliant (and I pray that it's her singing).
John Duff (Slater): On a more musical note, I've always had a soft spot for "Making Our Dreams Come True," the theme song to "Laverne & Shirley." So climactic and exciting – "Schlemeel, schlemazel, Hasenfeffer Incorporated." It's great to see these two ladies so excited to go to work at the brewery. Plus, Cyndi is a vocalist, and the song has spun off into some awesome rock covers and remixes. It's a musical theatre piece waiting to happen.
Adriana Spencer (Jessie Spano): The first time I went to Philadelphia, I took a tour bus. When we started heading west, the guide asked the tour group what West Philly was famous for. I sprang to my feet and sang: "IIIIIn West Philadelphia born and raised, on the playground is where I spend most of my days." Growing up, my brothers and I would watch "The Fresh Prince of Bel Air" every day after school and, of course, sing along with Will!
Sam Harvey (Zack): OF COURSE I have to go with "Saved By The Bell." It's such an iconic song, and I have some great sense memory with it. As Dennis Haskins' once told our cast, "When I wake up in the morning and the alarm gives out a warning… WHO WAKES UP BEFORE THE ALARM?"
Katie Mebane (Kelly): My favorite TV theme song would without a doubt be "I Love Lucy." With only 17 seconds, a colorless screen and a heart, it introduces one of most iconic shows of all time. It's short, simple and classic, just like the show itself.
Justin Cimino (Screech): For me there’s just no question. "The Sopranos" had the best TV theme ever: "Woke Up This Morning" by Alabama 3. I can't think of many things cooler than Tony Soprano cruising through New Jersey, smoking a cigar, as the theme blared, "Woke up this morning/Got yourself a gun." Let's just say when I try to recreate it all in my own car, it's not nearly as cool.
Shamira Clark (Lisa Turtle): I am a huge TV junkie. There are so many songs that remind me of my childhood. All of the ringtones that I use are TV show theme songs. This is such a tough decision... I guess I'd have to choose the theme song from "X-Men" the animated series. It gets me so amped. Maybe because I associate the song with the image of the X-Men kicking butt. Hearing that song makes me feel like I can do anything! It's actually in my workout playlist!
Amanda Nicholas (Ensemble): My favorite TV theme was the "Animaniacs" theme song. It's so meta. Plus the "bologna in their slacks" line always made me chuckle; I always loved a good meaty pants euphemism.
Seth Blum (Mr. Belding): I grew up watching "Dallas" and "Knots Landing." When I was in the 8th grade, I actually attempted to blackmail a fellow classmate before the class president elections. More recently, I totally cried at JR Ewing's funeral. That nasty John Ross will never drill on Southfork! Never!
Jason Wise (choreographer/associate director): "Family Guy" because it sounds like a martini glass filled with panache. Ball change, ball change (grabs top hat).
Bob and Tobly McSmith (writers and directors): The theme song from "Blossom." Every night before bed, no matter where we are or what we are doing, we call each other on the telephone and say these deeply profound words, in unison: "Don't know about the future, that's anybody's guess, ain't no good a reason for getting all depressed."
