Originally published in The LA Stage Times

For Topher Rhys, producing the first Los Angeles revival of the rock musical bare since its premiere in 2000 at LA.’s Hudson Theatre has been a project nine years in the making.

He first heard a cast recording of the musical, which is set in a Catholic high school and explores the romance between roommates Jason and Peter, in 2004 when he was 16 years old. The story’s dark examination of religion intrigued him, and he has been “circling it” ever since.

“It’s interesting how this show has stuck with me for so long, to the point where we’re opening tonight,” Rhys says, sitting in the Hayworth Theatre just three hours before opening night on Friday. “And I succeeded in our goal of bringing the show back to LA.”

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