Stand Up For…Theatre Presents “A Few Good Men”

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Most people are familiar with the 1992 film “A Few Good Men” starring Jack Nicholson and Tom Cruise, but the story was a Broadway production first. The show originally debuted in 1989 at the Music Box Theatre in New York, and now Stand Up For…Theatre is bringing its adaptation of Aaron Sorkin’s “A Few Good Men” to the Chesapeake Arts Center (CAC) in Brooklyn Park from May 31 to June 15.

The play tells the story of military lawyers who, while defending two United States Marines accused of murder, expose a high-level conspiracy involving institutionalized bullying at Guantanamo Bay Naval Base. Stand Up For…Theatre’s founders, Grant Myers and Ed Higgins, are excited to bring “A Few Good Men” to audiences at the CAC because it highlights both their organization’s anti-bullying mission as well as their shared passion for theater.

Myers and Higgins created the production company because they wanted to promote acceptance and equality with theatrical performances that focus on the harmful effects of hate-crime and bullying. Consequently, through musical theater, they provide the community with art and entertainment while starting that conversation about bullying.

Myers, Higgins, and the entire cast and crew of “A Few Good Men” have been rehearsing and preparing the production since early April. They have encountered a few challenges, specifically with costuming. While Myers has never served in the U.S. Armed Forces, he and the entire cast have the highest respect for those who do, and according to Higgins, they are “trying to be as authentic and respectful as possible with costuming, actions and presentation.” For that reason, the play features historically accurate uniforms, accouterments and military regulation haircuts for all cast members. Myers said that out of respect for the uniform, cast members “will not be photographed in the uniform unless [they have] the right haircut,” and once the show closes, all uniforms will get donated to Fort George G. Meade’s used uniform store.

The production team consulted two current and former U.S. Marines, as well as military veterans from across the services cast, to perform in the play to ensure the characters and military culture is portrayed accurately.

Nicole Caracia, the artistic director at the CAC, is also looking forward to the opening of “A Few Good Men.” Stand Up For…Theatre is one of CAC’s resident theater companies, and according to Caracia, CAC loves having the company perform because “not only do they put on phenomenal shows, but their mission is really important. … They have a professional crew and actors, and we’re really excited to see this performance.”

Stand Up For…Theatre’s “A Few Good Men” is sure to be a top-notch show with a valuable message. The show opens May 31 and performances will run on June 1, 7, 8, 14 and 15 at 8:00pm, and June 2 and 9 at 2:00pm. Tickets are available at www.hdylmn.org. The cost is $20 for adults and $18 for students, seniors and military members.

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