Wantage local takes the reins as director

HACKETTSTOWN — Many actors of both stage and screen find they want to try their hand at directing and influencing audiences with their vision instead of just their performance. Wantage resident and Centenary College senior Cody Riker is achieving this dream as he directs the theatre department's upcoming performance of "Holes" on Feb. 6 to 8.

Two loves
"I always had an interest in theatre but I never truly decided to pursue it until I got involved in the theatre program at High Point Regional High School," he said. "In this production [Holes] I am also playing a role, but directing found me almost by accident. I was looking for a summer job and decided to start directing at a summer camp and I discovered that I love seeing my work performed by other actors. This is a combination of my two loves."

Riker is currently a senior Theatre Major at Centenary College of NJ. As an actor he has appeared on stage in productions of "A Christmas Carol," "The Imaginary Invalid," "The Producers," "Urinetown," and has also appeared on film in the feature film "Hands of Stone" and the web series "Spirit Hunters." Currently, Riker is the Performing Arts Director for Camp Louemma located in Sussex.

While he might be passionate about both tasks, the approach and preparation for each is different.

"As a director you have to create your vision on the stage," Riker explained. "You have to make the world of this story believable for all the characters. You also have to have the confidence to say that what I think is profound or entertaining, an audience will find entertaining as well."

The story of Louis Sachar's "Holes" depicts the story of 14 year old Stanley Yelnats’ time spent in Camp Green Lake where every day he is forced to dig holes under the hot Texas sun.

Adapted from the book — which won the National Book Award and Newbery Medal — the stage performance will offer a unique perspective.

"The stage version truly allows the characters to be fully realized, more so than the movie in my opinion," he said. "Unlike a film or even the novel, you are able to truly feel what the characters are experiencing for the 90 minutes you are watching."

The play will feature other local performers including: Dominick Garantino of Andover, Rachael Diamond of Hopatcong and Cina Gabel of Vernon.

"The audience can expect a show that is going to entertain both young and older audiences," Riker said. "It has characters that everyone can relate to. It also has moments that bring back the child in us all."

Tickets are $12.50 for adults and $10 for children under 12. There is a special children’s performance on Saturday, Feb. 7 at 11 a.m. All tickets are discounted to $5 each. Performances are Friday, Feb. 6 at 8 p.m.; Saturday, Feb. 7 at 11 a.m. and 8 p.m.; and Sunday, Feb. 8 at 2 p.m. The show is appropriate for ages nine and up. To purchase tickets contact the box office at 908-979-0900 or online at www.centenarystageco.org.