John Bisceglie’s ‘Totally Rockin’ Temple of Boom-erang!,’
opening today, is a sequel to the wildly popular original
by Jessica Thy Nguyen Special to South Valley Newspapers
“Out of all the Bisceglie shows any of us have ever done, this is gonna be by far the biggest and the best,” said returning cast member Ken Christopher of John Bisceglie’s new musical.
Chasing lights, a spectacular set design and the famously glamorous costumes of a John Bisceglie Presents production are back in the sequel to last year’s musical hit “Totally Rockin’ Temple of Boom!”
This year’s “Totally Rockin’ Temple of Boom-erang … It’s Back!” consists of many of the same faces from last year’s cast, a completely revamped set and a stunning story line. Most of the cast members are from the Gilroy, Hollister and Morgan Hill area.
Bisceglie agreed to direct a sequel to the musical after he was approached by many people who asked about his plans for the elaborate set of “Temple of Boom!” Everyone thought it was such a shame to tear down the 24 towering gold columns, giant snakes and sphinx head created by hundreds of production hours, so Bisceglie decided to direct another.
The production also takes place in Egypt, but last year’s pyramid set has been turned into a Las Vegas-style hotel and casino with gold pillars that surround the entire warehouse, a giant mummy more than 15 feet tall and other large props. Although much of the set design was retained from last year’s show, Lou Fargher and his team of father-carpenters have been working on the set for the last 12 weeks.
Expectations are high for the success of this year’s production. Teaming up with playwright Larry Hayes, the show is Bisceglie’s first sequel production ever. The storyline is a continuation of the adventures of Iggy Bana Bones and his archaeological crew in the “Temple of Boom!” but adds new twists and turns, including an underwater scene.
Mony is a returning character who is surrounded by her current husband Henry VIII, her previous dead husbands, Keebler elves and an evil specter – all who are there to help with her evil plans.
“It’s always fun when you have these recurring characters,” Bisceglie said. “It’s almost like writing for a sitcom because you know everyone’s personality, and you know everyone’s motives.”
With the success of last year’s show, Bill Christopher has again provided his 10,000-square-foot Christopher Ranch warehouse for the location of the musical. Ken, 21, returns as lead character Iggy Bana Bones, and Jennifer Lazarus plays Carrie, Gabi Welch plays Annie and Ryan McBrearty plays Zilch. For those who attended the original “Temple of Boom!,” the majority of the cast members will be familiar. A total of 49 cast members are in the current show.
Production started in May and has been going full throttle since school ended in June. For returning cast members, the sequel was met with enthusiasm.
“We had a blast last time,” Ken said. “We had a really great show, and we’re expecting to repeat the same this time.”
Nick Gluhaich, who plays a dead husband and dances in the ensemble, said he has enjoyed being a part of the play because of the fantastic costumes and elaborate dance numbers. Costumes include Egyptians with gold-glittered head dresses, gothic girls wearing long-haired wigs streaked with neon colors and characters swathed in animal prints.
Roy Harrison, who plays Henry VIII, said working with Bisceglie has opened a door of opportunity for him and many other members of the cast whose dream it is to act. Cast members are also confident that the show will be a huge hit.
“You won’t find anything else like this in Gilroy,” Ken said.
Jessican Thy Nguyen is a staff intern for South Valley Newspapers.
