Jack London did time. Again.

A revised version of “The Day Jack London Got Pinched” was presented in February at Buffalo State College in the Flexible Theater located in the Theater Arts Building. The play, written by Buffalo State alumnus Tom Fontana, had its world premiere last November with the help of Casting Hall and the performing arts department's theater program.

During the first run of the play, Fontana told director and Associate Performing Arts Professor Drew Kahn that he wanted to do it again. Actor and Casting Hall member Max Phillips explains that Fontana used the play as a workshop in order to make the play into a good story. “Since this is the first time the play has been performed, we're setting the tone for future performances,” says Phillips.

The play is adapted from Jack London's “The Road”. When London was 18 he was arrested for vagrancy in Niagara Falls, NY . The play tells the story of his 30-day term in the Erie County Penitentiary on the west side of Buffalo.

Kahn says that the second version of the play is “a much more emotional piece.” Five new songs were added, which Kahn calls “hobo jam sessions.” Reordered scenes, according to Phillips, “show all the horrors of prison, climaxing with the most horrible violence.”

Casting Hall President Arianna Boykins says that the play appeals to college students because “it's not about being conventional and doing what you're expected to do.”