PRESS/REVIEWS:

LOCAL NON-PROFIT CHARITY THE WYATT FOUNDATION PRESENTS AN ORIGINAL THEATRICAL WORK,

WAITING ON THE SUN

 (NEW FAIRFIELD, CT) -- May 15, 2009 -- A MUSICIAN WITH MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY. A WHEELCHAIR-PHOBIC DANCER. UNIVERSES COLLIDE.

The Wyatt Foundation, a local 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation presents Waiting On The Sun, an original, full-length theatrical work written by two-time Emmy Award-winner Wayne J. Keeley of New Fairfield, Conn. 

This funny, heart-warming story is a very real window into the life of a college student who is afflicted with Becker Muscular Dystrophy, a progressive, terminal, muscle-wasting disease. The play was inspired by an actual young man and its purpose is threefold: 1) to entertain; 2) to educate the public about individuals with chronic or terminal illness and/or disability; and 3) to raise awareness of this tragic disease.

In addition to having written the work, Keeley is directing Waiting On The Sun. Stephanie C. Lyons of Danbury is producing and assistant directing. This is a four-character two-act play, with roles performed by Scott Kegler of Willimantic, Mike Ripollone (who plays two supporting characters) of Danbury, and Stefanie Jordan of Syosset, New York.

Music is woven throughout the production; the song "Waiting On The Sun" as well as "Broken" were written and sung by the Doug Wahlberg Band of Conn.

"It is nice to see disability being portrayed on the stage in a way that brings issues to light that we all share: fear, (an occasional) lack of self-esteem, and just the general grind of life," said Patrick Moeschen, 36, who has Becker Muscular Dystrophy. "As someone afflicted with MD, I applaud Waiting On The Sun as a work that takes a look at the facts that we are all human and we all are more the same than we are different."

The Wyatt Foundation was established in 2008, created to raise awareness about Duchenne and Becker Muscular Dystrophies, two of the over 40 forms of MD (Duchenne and Becker share many symptoms and characteristics); and also to provide support and services to individuals and their loved ones who are affected by these and other chronic and terminal illnesses.

Waiting On The Sun is set to open locally at the Danbury Music Centre, 256 Main Street, May 30 at 8 p.m. and May 31 at 2 p.m.

The play, which was designed to be a mobile project, will follow with more venues in Conn. including the Center for New Media and the Arts (the old Bethel Opera House), June 20 at 2 and 8 p.m. and July 21 at 2 p.m.; and the Ridgefield Playhouse July 12 at 4 and 7:30 p.m. There will be a wine tasting/fundraiser at the Ridgefield performances.

Waiting On The Sun will move on to reach audiences in New York City, Westchester, Boston, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania as well as further across the country, expected to reach Chicago and L.A. in the coming year.

Deborah Robins of Australia is mother to 21-year-old Douglas, afflicted with Duchenne. "My own affected son is a young man now. He's a university student and affable enough for most people in the community to know him. As I listened to the banter between the two college roommates Justin and Zack, which dominates the first half of the play, I could be overhearing Doug and Michael, or Doug and Fraser. The author has nailed the goading and camaraderie between modern adolescent males, one of whom has a severe physical disability."

"I hope that people who see the play will have a better understanding that people with disabilities are really not as different as they seem," said Lauren Ferrari of Danvers, Mass., whose son, Nick, 16, is also afflicted with Duchenne. "As (Nick's) mother I see the look of pity in the faces of strangers because they are ignorant. Those who know my son don't see the wheelchair anymore. They see a normal teenager who loves video games and sports and has the same feelings about girls, finishing high school and going on to college as other kids his age."

Any businesses interested in sponsoring this project or advertising in the play program for one or all of the local shows may contact The Wyatt Foundation for more information. With sponsors and advertisers covering the costs of production, The Foundation will then use all proceeds from the ticket sales to advance its worthy mission and to donate to and to assist other, similar charitable organizations.

The Foundation's namesake and inspiration, 11-year-old Wyatt Keeley of New Fairfield, was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy at the age of three. Duchenne is similar to Becker as it also is a progressive, muscle-wasting disease; however it is more severe and generally has an earlier onset of symptoms. It is always terminal. At this time, there is no cure nor is there a recognized treatment for either form.

More detailed information about The Wyatt Foundation can be found at www.thewyattfoundation.org. Information about the play may be found at www.thewyattfoundation.org/waitingonthesun.

For inquiries or materials, including obtaining sponsor and advertising packets, play synopsis, or upcoming performance dates and venues, please call The Wyatt Foundation at (203) 312-9804. E-mail inquiries may be sent to thewyattfoundation@gmail.com and questions or donations by mail may be sent to The Wyatt Foundation, P.O. Box 8030, New Fairfield, CT 06812.