They perform their rock-comedy act in their ‘skivvies,’ and they’re coming to Hamilton on Monday

The Fitton Center for Creative Arts will present the final Fitton Showstoppers series performance of its 25th anniversary season when The Skivvies return at 7:30 p.m. on Monday. The duo made their sold-out debut at the Fitton in 2017.

The Skivvies, a rock-comedy act, was founded by Fairfield native Nick Cearley, and his Broadway performing partner, Lauren Molina. The group performs a stripped-down, eclectic mix of original and cover tunes (both musically and literally since everyone is playing the songs in their underwear).

Cearley also starred as Linus and dance captain in “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown,” a production he co-conceived with Molina. “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” was scheduled to run through Saturday, May 18, at Cincinnati’s Playhouse in the Park. Cearley was last seen at the Playhouse as Seymour in the “Little Shop of Horrors.”

Cearley, a 1999 graduate of Fairfield High School, was named Fitton Center’s “Rising Young Artist” as a teenager. He was also a Fairfield Choralier and actively involved in the local theater scene in Hamilton for many years, including Rotary productions, Greater Hamilton Civic Theatre and Encore Youth Theatre. Additionally, his family owned a series of dance studios in the Hamilton-Ross area. Cearley, who received a BFA from the Boston Conservatory for Musical Theatre with an emphasis in acting, currently resides in New York.

“I grew up performing at the Fitton Center. I received a scholarship from there in 1999 for college. So, whenever I get to come home to the Fitton Center, it always feels like a nice homecoming. I feel like the people I grew up doing theater with are like my family. A lot of them have come to see ‘You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown,’ and they will all be there … So, I love any opportunity when I get to come back home. I also get to bring my best friend,” said Cearley.

The Skivvies will be backed by a band of special guests, including several of the cast members from “You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown.” Rob Morrison (Charlie Brown), Brett Ryback (Schroeder, music captain) and Stephanie Anne Johnson (Patty) will join Cearley and Molina on stage at the Fitton.

“We are consistent with our comedy, fun arrangements, and surprising musical selections. It’s just a great time,” said Molina.

Cearley said he and Molina met when they got their Actors’ Equity Cards together in 2003.

“We hit it off immediately, and became best friends, and we’re to the point now, where I feel like we’re brother and sister. It’s ironic, or coincidental, really, that we’re playing brother and sister in ‘You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.’ It makes perfect sense,” he said.

Molina, who was born in Detroit, graduated from the University of Michigan in 2003, and moved to New York. Soon after, she and Cearley did a children’s theater tour together.

“It wasn’t until 2012 that we started The Skivvies together, and it took on a life of its own as far as our creativity and collaboration. … It’s taken us all over the country, which has been a wild, and such a rewarding experience,” Molina said.


HOW TO GO

What: The Skivvies

When: Monday, May 20, 7:30 p.m.

Where: Fitton Center for Creative Arts, 101 S. Monument Ave., Hamilton

Cost: $27 for Fitton Center members and $35 for non-members

More info: www.fittoncenter.org or call (513) 863-8873. Adult-only event.

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