New Leading Men Pack a ‘Powerful Punch’ For Theatre Du Jour

by Contributor | September 14, 2017 8:15 am

OSWEGO – TDJ welcomes two more all-star local faces to their talented family of thespians! Jim Byrne and Derek Potocki join the cast of The Hilarious Hillbilly Massacre – an interactive, touring (dinner theatre) murder mystery coming to Central New York this October.

“When these two local actors showed up for auditions, I knew I had found my hillbillies! “Huck” and “Jethro” could only be played by these two incredibly talented men,” said director Jennifer Snow. “They come to rehearsal in character when they walk through the door and keep me laughing until the very end. I am so excited to share their talent with our audiences, who I just know will have a ‘hog-slappin’ good time’ as they bring these hilarious characters to life for them.”

An Auburn native and heavy hitter in the CNY theatre scene, Byrne is a recipient of a TANYS Merit Award (Theater Association of New York State) for Excellence in Acting as The Doctor/Notary/Servant in the Harlequin production of Gianni Schicchi.

He earned film credits as the character of Sonny in the Robert Lieberman film Nothing But green lights.

Byrne has a BS degree in Recreation from SUNY Cortland and studied Theater Arts at SUNY Cortland and The University of North London.

His credits also include Bob Ewell (To Kill a Mockingbird), Peter Quince (A Midsummer Night’s Dream), Cinderella’s Father (Into the Woods), Grandfather (Ragtime) and The Father (Eurydice).

Other roles include Herr Schultz (Cabaret, Redhouse), Harvey (Breaking Up is Hard to Do, Auburn Players), Wilbur Turnblad (Hairspray, Redhouse), Rooster (Anne, Auburn Players).

Another CNY rockstar in every sense of the word, Potocki is a SALT and SAMMY nominated performer.

He is a veteran of the entertainment scene, having done short films, television and theater for several years.

Potocki is the lead vocalist in the ’80s supergroup Pop Rox and has toured the world as a sports entertainer.

He does fight/stunt choreography for many productions in Central New York. He was last seen as the lead in 12 Angry Men, Melvin/Toxic in The Toxic Avenger Musical, and Darth Vader in Star Wars The Musical.

Don’t miss them or their shennanigans in this fantastic fall offering.

Caution: adult language and themes. 18+ recommended.

The Hilarious Hillbilly Massacre by Peter DePietro is part of the Quality Inn / GS Steamers Dinner Theatre Series, (October 6) the Eis House Dinner Theatre Series, (October 12) and the Barnes Hiscock Mansion Dinner Theatre Series (October 17).

For more information and to secure your dinner theatre experience, which includes photo booth, music and cocktail hour, dinner and another murderous interactive production – visit dujourcny.com

Source URL: https://oswegocountytoday.com/community/new-leading-men-pack-a-powerful-punch-for-theatre-du-jour/

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