Kevin Surace is a familiar face in the orchestra pit for the Sunnyvale Community Players, having worked as music director on several shows with the company. As the Players’ new artistic director, Surace will take a more active role behind the scenes as well as in the rehearsal hall.
“I am excited to take on the role,” said Surace, who is serving as co-music director of the company’s upcoming production of “Freaky Friday.” “Working with our board, I hope to … continue to give South Peninsula theatergoers a fantastic night out at a great price, without the need to travel to San Francisco or even San Jose.”
Surace added in a statement that he wants to make sure the company maintains “our community spirit and pride.” He has worked with the Players in various capacities since 1996, and has done shows with other South Bay community theater groups including West Valley Light Opera, South Bay Musical Theatre and Peninsula Youth Theatre. He also served for 20 years as music director for the musical theater program at St. Lawrence Academy in Santa Clara, conducting live orchestras and designing sound for more than musicals there.
Outside the South Bay, Surace produced and conducted a national tour of “Broadway and More” with jazz singer Nicole Henry. He is currently co-producing and investing in shows on Broadway with WitzEnd Theatricals, including “Diana: A True Musical Story,” opening on Broadway in March.
Surace has extensive sound design experience and holds an engineering degree from Rochester Institute of Technology with a concentration in music. In addition to his theater resume, he has been awarded 85 patents worldwide, including the invention of soundproof drywall used in recording studios.
“Freaky Friday” runs Feb. 21-March 8 at the Sunnyvale Community Theatre, 550 E. Remington Drive. Tickets are $16-$29 at https://tickets.vendini.com.