Submitted by Chris Ryves
STATE COLLEGE — Brace yourself for an emotional rollercoaster as “Nice Try, Kid,” a poignant coming-of-age script, takes center stage in the heart of Central Pennsylvania.
Conceived by State College native Chris Ryves and brought to life by a talented creative team that includes director PJ Gaynard of Goat Milk Fudge Productions and Jim Robinson, an accomplished music educator and founder and president of Robinsound LLC, “Nice Try, Kid” promises to deliver a powerful narrative reminiscent of iconic tales like “Squid and the Whale,” “Lady Bird” and “The Holdovers.”
“My hope is that ‘Nice Try, Kid’ is an honest reflection of what it’s like to be a teenager struggling with the complicated emotions of maturing relationships as they navigate the ghosts of their families’ trauma and come to terms with their parents’ shortcomings as well as their own changing expectations,” Ryves stated. “I hope they feel like, no matter what ghosts their family might carry, no matter what unexpected direction their lives might go in, with good friends, they can weather almost anything. It’s a timeless story that can speak across generations.”
Director PJ Gaynard shared his insights. “‘Nice Try, Kid’ explores concepts many of us feel — the absence of parents as we grow and the danger of lost friendships. As we separate from our parents, our friendships become all that much more important. For me, this piece explores the steps and missteps we go through in that process.”
Gaynard aims to create something that makes people consider the world they live in and the people there with them.
“I want people to identify these flashpoint moments as ones they have lived or are yet to live. Visually, I hope to show a world that feels like home. It’s not overly glossed or perfect, nor so dark that it appears bleak. Our world is filled with normal days and normal people. Nothing is perfect, and yet somehow there is real beauty in friendships, love and the perfect yard gnome,” Gaynard said.
Experience the essence of “Nice Try, Kid” at Pine Grove Hall on Jan. 20 with a table-read gala featuring a live reading of the script, a musical performance by Anna Pearl Belinda and the launch of the film’s fundraising campaign.
Dinner and bar service are available all evening. This is a free event, but please make a reservation online on Pine Grove Hall’s website under events to ensure a seat.
You can also RSVP by contacting Pine Grove Hall at (814) 954-5419 or info@pinegrovehall.com.
