Fringe veteran Paul Andrew Perez was in the midst of writing a new teenage pop rock musical for the Edinburgh Fringe when he died in April.
The director and theatre department head, based in Florida, was working with 15 to 17-year-old students from St John’s Country Day School, Jacksonville, on a production called An Idiot’s Guide To Breaking Your Own Heart.
Just a couple of songs were complete and workshopping on the script had still to begin, however, flights, accommodation and a venue had been booked.
And more important than that – if there was one thing Paul would have wanted it would have been for the show to go on … and it will.
Todd Twining, fellow theatre teacher at St John’s and show musical director, said: “Paul’s death was such a shock. He was so liked and admired by the students. We thought we’d just have to cancel – without Paul it felt like there could be no show.
“But we realised that we just had to finish what he’d started. Paul adored the Fringe and loved giving generations of young people the unique experience of performing there and being part of the world’s greatest performing arts festival.
“Since then the students, their parents and everyone else have worked flat out to get the show finished, to rehearse, to prepare and make sure we can go on stage. And the support we’ve had from people in Edinburgh, especially our venue, has been just amazing.”
The result is true to Paul’s spirit – a production which allows young people to explore and express the pressures they face. These include the need to fit in, look perfect, get straight As, go to the right parties, fulfill their parents’ dreams – to “live their best lives” every minute of the day.
It follows the story of Simon Walker who has a school assignment to write a manual on “How to be You”, to demonstrate whether you are a product of nature or nurture. The final part of the project is to answer two questions:
- What do you contribute to society?
- Does your life have meaning?
Together with his friends, Quentin Bean and Sandy Dachowski, Simon relives the high and low points of his life.
Todd said: “Paul was an endlessly enthusiastic champion of young people and the ability of the performing arts to express dreams and fears and to change lives and society for the better.
“This musical is all about the issues confronting young people every day of their lives.
“The pressure they feel is insane – the absurd idea that they need to know where their life is headed when they are still growing, developing and getting to know who they are.
“Their fear of failure causes paralysis and deprives them of the ability to explore life. But failure is not an end, rather it is a beginning, that is something the arts teach us.”
The show, presented as a collaboration between the school and Paul’s Infinity Repertory Theatre Company, will run from 1-6 August – full details below.
In 2018 The Edinburgh Reporter said the company had “a reputation for presenting quality new work by talented young people. Three Weeks in Edinburgh praised its musical Geek for toe-tapping bluegrass-style tunes and the exceptional young cast”.
Darren Neale, Greenside Venues director, said: “Getting An Idiot’s Guide to Breaking Your Own Heart on stage this year has been nothing short of extraordinary.
“In the face of heartbreak and uncertainty, these young performers and their creative team have shown remarkable resilience and dedication.
“Paul Perez was a passionate advocate for the transformative power of theatre, and this production is a beautiful tribute to his legacy. We’re honoured to host a show that so clearly embodies the spirit of the Fringe.”
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Notes for editors
- Interviews available – just get in touch.
Listings Details
- Venue: 16 Greenside @ Riddles Court, Thistle Theatre
- Time: 18:30
- Dates: Aug 1-6
- Duration: 50 minutes
- Ticket prices: Full price £12, concessions £10, family £5
- Suitability: Age 12+
- Tickets: https://www.edfringe.com
Cast and creatives
Company: Infinity Repertory Theatre Company (in co-operation with St John’s Country Day School)
- Cast: Nikhil Gupta, Amelia Munley, Ishta Ramroop, Samantha Richter, Michelle Nugent Munley, Alyssa Walker
- Director: Paul Andrew Perez
- Writer: Paul Andrew Perez with Todd Harrison Twining
- Music and lyrics: George Griggs, Todd Harrison Twining
- Music Director: Todd Harrison Twining
- Stage manager: Sasha Wallace, US side
About the creative team
Nikhil Gupta (Simon Walker) Nikhil Gupta a student actor from the great state of Maryland. He has performed on his school stage in such roles as the eccentric Algernon Moncrieff (The Importance of Being Earnest), the gentle John Brooke (Little Women), and the all-around fool —Lord Clapham (Something Rotten!). Over the years, his love for acting has been shaped by the incredible people he’s met on stage —friends who’ve inspired him to be his best. In that spirit, he is incredibly excited to be expanding his horizons with this show: meeting, working, and creating with new people in new places. Beyond the stage, Nikhil enjoys photography, history, organizing open mic coffee houses, singing a cappella with his brightly clad T-men, and all impromptu conversations. His thanks extend to the directing and arts teams, in addition to his family, for their unwavering dedication to the production of this show. And most importantly, to Mr. Twining, for offering him this opportunity.
Amelia Munley (Chloe Renfrew) has been on stage since the age of 3 and hasn’t looked back! She is a homeschooled rising junior and has performed at various theatres in the Jacksonville, Florida area and won top honors for her solo piece at District Thespians Festival. Favorite roles include Janis (Mean Girls), Nellie (Annie Get Your Gun), JoJo (Seussical), Diana (Anne of Green Gables), Sally (You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown), and during the pandemic an online reading of the Harry Potter series starring Jason Woods, who you can also check out at the Fringe. When not at the theatre, you can find her chasing after her 6 dogs, thrifting, or hanging out with friends. Amelia is honored to be part of the SJCDS Theatre Troupe and hopes you enjoy the show!
Michelle Nugent Munley (Mrs. Susan Hannan) Michelle has performed both professionally and in community theatre. Favorite roles include Mary Poppins in Mary Poppins, Maria in The Sound of Music, and Anna in The King and I. Michelle was a member of the Voices of Liberty in Walt Disney World/EPCOT and has served as an adjudicator for theatre competitions, vocal contests and pageants. Michelle maintains a private voice studio in Fleming Island, Florida, serves as Director of Worship at Christ Church Anglican in Jacksonville, and enjoys music directing and choreographing local shows. She is delighted to step into this role and share the stage with her daughter, Amelia at the Fringe!
Samantha Richter (Señora Marta Rosa Perez) Samantha has been an active member of the theatre community for over 5 years now. An ambitious actress, Samantha has been part of 8 shows, but aspires to partake in many more. She is passionate about her art and loves to express herself through theatre. Samantha intends to challenge herself through new roles and shows for the rest of her career. One thing she loves about the theatre community is the people she meets and connections she makes. When she is not on-stage Samantha spends her time reading, painting, baking, and playing basketball. Being part of an original cast is such an honor for her and Samantha would like to thank her family, friends, cast, teachers and mentors for helping her get to where she is today.
Ishta Ramroop (Sandy Dachowski) Ishta is a talented actress making her dreams of being in an original musical come true. A passionate performer, Ishta has been honing her craft through local theater programs and classes for several years. Most recently, she performed under Paul Perez’ direction in Midsummer Night’s Dream: A Rock Musical. She is thrilled to bring her energy, creativity, and dedication to this role and is excited to share her love for theater with the audience. When she’s not performing, Ishta enjoys singing and exploring new creative challenges. She would like to thank her family, friends, and cast for their unwavering support.
Alyssa Walker (Q Bean) Alyssa is a bright 17-year-old with a massive passion for the performing arts. In the past 6 years, she’s been a part of over 20 performances and she can’t wait to do more. The stage has always been a home to her big personality and the confidence she’s learned there has helped her thrive, make connections, and become a better person overall. Hoping to become a professional actor one day, she is so excited to take advantage of the opportunities ahead of her. She’s very grateful to all the people who have supported her and helped her follow her dreams to great places.
George Griggs – Composer/Lyricist is a composer and lyricist. In 2010, the workshop version of Gibby Stone And Her Problem, with music and lyrics by Griggs, ran at 59E59 Street Theatre as part of the East to Edinburgh Festival. The show then went on to a European tour later that year.
In August 2007, his score FAB! A Musical Pop-toon! played the Edinburgh Fringe Festival to wide acclaim. MOD was selected for the ASCAP Music Theatre Workshop (directed by Stephen Schwartz). In 2012, FAB! was remounted at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival presented by the UK production team of Hartshorn/Hook.
His rock “radio play” Transmitter Man, produced by Todd Tobias (Guided By Voices, Robert Pollard) was released spring 2007.
Previous commissions include Hearts Are Wild with The City Theater in Pittsburgh, PA, Heat Lightning at Kirk Theater, NYC, various works with New York University TISCH School, and composer/lyricist-in-residence at Yale University (the American premiere of Dario Fo’s About Face).
He is a member of ASCAP, BMI Musical Theater Workshop Alumnus.
Todd Harrison Twining – Music Director has a long history of directing musicals. His credits include Wizard of Oz, Damn Yankees, Addams Family, Cinderella, Spamalot, Nice Work If You Can Get It, Drowsy Chaperone, Mamma Mia, Into the Woods, Pippin, Shrek, Lion King, Matilda, and many others. A pianist, composer, and arranger extraordinaire, his passion is to enjoy music and help others do the same. Todd has a unique combination of education in music performance and a Master’s degree in clinical mental health, promoting musical theatre as a prime vehicle for encouraging love of the arts and social development in youth. He worked closely with Paul Perez and was able to help finish this theatre work upon Paul’s death. He is based in Florida, where he resides with his family, dog and absolutely no reptiles.
About Paul Perez
Paul Andrew Perez – Book Writer & Director (1960-2025): Paul was the Director of Theatre at St Johns Country Day School in Orange Park. Paul passed away suddenly this past spring leaving behind a grieving cast and school community. His legacy lives on in the lives of each he touched through his work in theatre. Special thanks to his sister, Lori, and his niece, Allie, for helping with many details of getting the show across the finish line.
He was a writer, director, actor, producer, teacher and theatre administrator. As the Executive Director of The Infinity Repertory Theatre Company, he directed Mary Zimmerman’s The Arabian Nights, Metamorphoses, as well as Godspell (twice), An Evening of David Ives, Romeo and Juliet, Reckless and a tour production of George Griggs’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Other directing credits include the Off-Broadway productions of Dream City Twosome and Bea’s Nest, the workshop production of You Kali starring Blair Brown, two galas for The Northern Westchester Center for The Arts including hosts Richard Gere, Vanessa Williams, Kevin Spacey and Gregory Hines.