This is Chris Lyon from Big Dipper- The Bear Musical.

I wanted to let you know that the run has been extended and the venue changed.

The show is Sept. 19, 20, 26, 27 Oct. 3rd, 4th, 10th, 11th 8pm.
Shotwell Studios: 3252- A 19th St, at the corner of Shotwell between Folsom and South VanNess.

 

The photo is clockwise from left: Chris St. Germain, Dave Hayes (founder of SF MovieBears), Steve Yates, Sam Samson, Dennis Chase (member BOSF), and Andy Pettit Photographer Artie Azuara

 

 

Recently, we had the chance to sit down with Chris Lyon, the author of Big Dipper- The Bear Musical.

 

Chris is a transplant to the San Francisco Bay area originally from Long Island, NY. Having grown up in a large Irish family a train ride away from Broadway, musical theater was a fixture in Chris' life. One of his earliest memories is singing "Luck be a Lady" from Guys and Dolls.

 

 

TCB: Tell us about Big Dipper - The Bear Musical, where did the idea for the play come from?

 

Chris: I have always been a big musical theater fan. I grew up on Long Island and Broadway loomed large in my life. I just found the idea of a musical based on bears, beer, sex, and our fun lifestyle quite amusing. I think my fellow bears, and any theater lover with an open mind, will have a good laugh.

 

TCB: What is the significance of the title?

 

Chris: Big Dipper is the bar where Larry, TJ and all their furry friends hang out. It’s not specifically a San Francisco bar, so any bears from NY to Texas can see something of their favorite watering hole in the Big Dipper. The big dipper is part of the Ursa Major constellation and is located literally in the tail end of the “Great Bear”. I got a kick out of that. Plus the words big and dipper sound hot together. It’s what I would name a bear bar if I owned one.

 

TCB: Are Larry & TJ based on anyone you know?

 

Chris: They are composites of guys I have met in my years of drinking, I mean research. We all know someone that has become such a fixture at the bar that it’s a little strange when you see them on the street.

 

TCB: We hear you are casting parts – am I furry enuff? Seriously, what are you looking for to embody these characters?

 

Chris: Yes, definitely, you should audition. I am looking for bears of all shapes and ages who can carry a tune and deliver a joke. I have tried to keep the dancing to a bare minimum.

 

TCB: When and where can we see “Big Dipper - The Bear Musical”?

 

Chris: Big Dipper will play at the Dark Room Theater in San Francisco September 19, 20, 26, and 27. You can visit the website www.bigdippermusical.com for details.

 

This theater is not a stadium and tickets will sell out quickly, so I recommend getting them soon.

 

TCB: Tell us a little about you?

 

Chris: Some names I like are cub, Deadhead, Yogi, wine lover, horror film buff, and Judas Priest’s biggest fan.

 

TCB: What’s your next project? Will it be furry, as well?

 

Chris: I’m writing Big Dipper 2: Bears in Space. Just Kidding. Look for Larry and TJ’s comic strip in your local rag. Everything I do is a little furry.