Photo: Brooke McCarthy / WBZ NewsRadio
LYNN, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — The late Brickyard neighborhood of Lynn is being memorialized in an interactive blues musical to bring back the old days of the 1980's, with all proceeds benefitting a local food pantry in the process.
The musical "Beyond the Blues" hits the stage at the Washington Street Baptist Church on November 11 for its opening show, which will feature characters that are entrenched in an annual Singer/Songwriter Blues Competition. According to the event's synopsis, four finalists will be 'competing' within the setting of the Urban Legend Bar & Grill with two song performances, along with monologues to describe the inspiration behind their lyrics.
At the end the musical acts, it's up to audience members to decide who wins the competition.
WBZ's Brooke McCarthy spoke to Playwright and Songwriter Ralph Tufo about what the audience can expect from "Beyond the Blues," which takes place in the now-destroyed neighborhood he grew up in.
"The idea behind the play is that once you step into the hall, you are in the Urban Legend Bar & Grill. I tried to incorporate all this Lynn history— I think there's a lot there for people to come away with," Tufo said.
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Tufo went on to say that the musical will touch on topics of racism, poverty, and relationships, serving as a sort of time machine back to when the city's Brickyard neighborhood existed, before its demolition.
"That area was an area that I grew up and I have very fond memories of it— but it's gone. For me it's a little bit of a trip back in time, and I think people will have a good time. It's for a good cause, it's a god time, and it's community theater," Tufo said.
All ticket profits from "Beyond the Blues" will go towards the food pantry at the Washington Street Baptist Church.
WBZ's Brooke McCarthy (@BrookeWBZ) reports.
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