Patrick Riviere Joins Gilbert Theater's THE FANTASTICKS

Since being founded in 1994 by Lynn Pryer, the Gilbert Theater has provided quality contemporary and classical theatrical productions for a diverse community in Fayetteville, North Carolina including: children, the elderly, minorities, and the economically disadvantaged while at the same time giving local artists another venue for displaying and producing their unique talents.

The theater was founded in the basement of Lynn Pryer’s home in 1994. The theater was also located above the Arts Council building on Hay Street in Downtown Fayetteville before settling into its’ current home on the corner of Green and Bow Streets located near the Market House. The Gilbert Theater is named in honor of the Marquis de Lafayette.

With the recent arrival of Robyne Parrish as Artistic Director this year, in collaboration with Pryer and The Board of Directors, the theater is very proud to be evolving in such a way that hiring a professional Equity (AEA) Guest Artist seemed like the next step in raising the stature of the theatre – a theater that prides itself on quality presentations. In addition, an education program has been created including a Conservatory, the Gilbert Ensemble and Gilbert Glee.

The Gilbert’s first guest artist will be AEA member Patrick Riviere playing the role of El Gallo in the much beloved musical, THE FANTASTICKS. “When Robyne contacted me about the possibility I was really thrilled,” Riviere mentioned. “And I wasn’t sure I could work it into my schedule as I am now living in Los Angeles but grateful that all the stars aligned. I also think it is amazing that The Gilbert is moving toward working with an AEA Guest Artist on occasion.” Riviere will also be teaching some classes and hopes to guest-lecture at the near-by University.

Patrick is no stranger to regional theatre having performed at The Waterville Opera House, Surflight Theatre, Merry-Go-Round Playhouse, Candlewood Playhouse, East Carolina Summer Theatre, ArtPark and in the highly acclaimed Broadway on the Boardwalk production of ANYTHING GOES in Atlantic City. He has been seen Off-Broadway in numerous plays and musicals including the American Premiere of WELCOME TO OUR CITY where he met Parrish. He was nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Musical for his turn as Manos in the World Premiere of OPA! , a role he revived at Queens Theatre in the Park. Most recently he played the White Baron in the American Premiere of THE IMAGINARY LIFE OF THE STREET SWEEPER AUGUST G at Casa 0101 Theatre in Los Angeles and has just finished filming several indie films and a pilot for a new web series. He was honored to play forensic expert Robert Johnson opposite the late Bruno Kirby in the short lived Fox TV series The Jury.

Rounding out the cast of THE FANTASTICKS is: Matt Lamb as Matt, Tracey Hinton as Luisa, Dale Kalinowski as Hucklebee, Randy Rime as Bellomy, James Dean as Henry, Jonathan Flom as Mortimer and Lindsay Myers as The Mute. The Production will be directed by Parrish. http://www.robyneparrish.com/

THE FANTASTICKS will run from September 20^th thru October 7^th and more details can be found on The Gilbert Theater Website. http://www.gilberttheater.com/

Click Here to Visit the Raleigh Home Page for More Stories!