Whiz Kids Set Stage For Teen Production

Ryan Hurley and Eric Gelb

School:

Accomplishment: Eric and Ryan are co-directing their original production, Project X, which will open at the on Nov. 10. Another show is planned for Nov. 12 and more may follow, Eric said.

Setting the stage

Ryan Hurley, 13, said he and his best friend Eric Gelb, also 13, would imagine play plots as young children and dreamed of taking them to the stage.

"I remember how, at age 8, Eric and I would always be making up ideas for shows that we would put on," Ryan said. "Unfortunately, none of these shows ever came to be, but I think that played a big part in our show."

In November, the duo will put on their first production. Their dream become a reality thanks to some good ideas and their mutual experience becoming teenagers.

Eric said he and Ryan have grown up in the theater, and it is a passion for both of them. In December, Ryan came up with an idea for a play that would tackle teen subjects.

"So it made perfect sense to combine the passion for theater with the difficulty of middle school," Eric said. "... Ryan brought up his idea and, of course, it went from there. We sat down and we looked at each other and said 'What is this show going to be about?' "

They came up with the concept for Project X, a musical centering on four teenagers who realize that middle school isn't just about what it appears to be.

"This show tackles difficult subjects such as popularity, peer pressure, betrayal and staying true to yourself," Eric said, adding that the show has been funded, produced and created by teens younger than 18.

For more information, visit Project X the Musical on Facebook or e-mail ProjectXTheMusical@Gmail.com to sponsor, book, audition or volunteer.