Erosion Begins January 13-

IDENTITY PRODUCTIONS is pleased to announce the world premiere production of Nicholas Linnehan’s, EROSION, directed by Andrew Rothkin. EROSION will play a three-week limited engagement at the Spoon Theater (38 West 38^th Street, 5^th Fl.) Performances begin Wednesday, January 13^th and continue through Saturday, January 30^th. Opening Night is Thursday, January 14^th(8 p.m.).

Erosion is the story of a young gay man’s depression resulting from his inability to maintain relationships.  After meeting a man of interest in a group therapy session he is catapulted into a parasitic relationship of drugs and dependency, which ultimately threatens to destroy him.

The story is told through a unique look inside his therapy workbook, his psychiatric sessions with his doctor, and the use of the ensemble who play various internal struggles and people in his life. 

Featuring Teisha Bader, Jimmy Brooks, JR., Joane Cajuste, Frank Cruz, Marc A. Graiser, Gillian Hurst, Diana K. Lee, Max Rhyser, Daniela Thome and Matt Weaver.

The production features scenic design by Alvaro Sena, assistant direction, stage management and costume design by Phillip Chavira, and lighting design by Casper De la Torre. Erin Salm is the dramaturg.

EROSION plays the following regular schedule through Saturday, January 30:

Wednesdays at 8 p.m.

Thursdays at 8 p.m.

Fridays at 8 p.m.

Saturdays at 8 p.m.

Tickets are $18 and are now available online at www.spoontheater.org or by calling 866-811-4111. Tickets may also be purchased in-person at the Spoon Theater Box Office, 1 hour prior to performance.

Running Time: 90 minutes

Website: www.spoontheater.org

Clyde Fitch Report asks "Sartre" 5 Questions

"The inescapably French philosopher, playwright, screenwriter, novelist, political activist and critic Jean-Paul Sartre died in 1980. But his distinctive, ineludible 20th century ideas — Existentialism and the ever-conflicting glories of the left — have remained as examined, thrashed about and cautiously celebrated as they ever were during his own time.

Here in New York, meanwhile, a company called Nutshell Productions is mounting what could well be the umpteenth revival of Sartre’s play No Exit, running at the Times Square Arts Center (300 W. 43rd St., 4th Fl.) through Dec. 6. The production, directed by Robert Haufrecht, translated by Samuel Gilbert, features Richard Hymes-Esposito, Geraldine Johns, Karen Giordano and Etienne Navarre playing the characters caught in Sartre’s keen underworld of the mind.
And we are proud, here at the Clyde Fitch Report, to announce a scoop: an interview with the dead playwright himself. It was, shall we say, a very long-distance call, but as you will see, Sartre is as feisty and maddening as ever. (Thanks as well to Haufrecht for facilitating the discussion.)"

Complete interview at www.TheClydeFitchReport.com

Pictured: Mihaela Mihut (Inez), Richard Hymes-Esposito (Garcin) and Geraldine John (Estelle) | photo credit: Ali Yasin Beceren.

Press Inquiries: Antonio Minino / Antonio@kampfirefilmspr.com

The Pillowman returns to NYC in Astoria

Did you miss The Pillowman on Broadway? Want to experience it again? This "energizing...unsettling...exhilarating" (New York Times) and topically controversial play is not often produced. Experience "McDonagh's least forgiving, bravest play." (Variety) first hand in an intimate setting, at the Astoria Performing Arts Center production starting Thursday, November 5th.

As Taryn Drongowski, Executive Director, states, "We've purposefully chosen a challenging script. Winner the 2004 Olivier Award for Best New Play, the 2004-5 New York Drama Critics' Circle Award for Best New Foreign Play, and two Tony awards for production, The Pillowman is a dark comedy. Why The Pillowman--for us, it’s an opportunity to grow as a theater, and to tell a different kind of story. But for other audience members, The Pillowman will be the most exciting show they’ve ever seen at APAC."

Who: ASTORIA PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
What: THE PILLOWMAN
Written by MARTIN MCDONAGH

Starring Avery Clark* (Off'-Broadway's Coronado) as Katurian, Seth Duerr* (The Acting Company: Moby Dick, Rehearsed; The Public Theatre: Romeo & Juliet, Macbeth) as Tupolski, Richard D. Busser ("Hal" in APAC's Proof) as Ariel, Nathan Brisby ("JP Morgan" in APAC's Ragtime, "Uncle Ernie" in The Gallery Player's The Who's Tommy, Finalist in this year's NYMF Next Broadway Sensation contest) as Michal, Justin Herfel* (The Gallery Players: The Underpants, Man of La Mancha) as Father, Karen Stanion* (Fringe NYC: And Sophie Comes Too, NY IT Award Nominee for The Palooka) as Mother, Anthony Pierini ("Tommy Age 4" in The Who's Tommy, The Gallery Players) as Boy, and Jordan Bloom ("Little Girl" in APAC's Ragtime) as Girl. (*Performing courtesy of Actors’ Equity Association. AEA approved showcase.)

Directed by TOM WOJTUNIK

When: NOVEMBER 5 – NOVEMBER 21, 2009
Thursdays at 8 p.m.
Fridays at 8 p.m.
Saturdays at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Where: THE GOOD SHEPHERD UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
30-44 Crescent St, Astoria, NY 11102. Entrance on 30th Road
Directions to the theatre: Take the N or W Subway to 30th Avenue. Walk down 30th Ave. to Crescent St. (Mount Sinai Hospital is on the corner.) Walk one block South to 30th Road.

Tickets are $15 in advance and $18 at the door. Available online at www.apacny.org or by calling 866-811-4111. Tickets may also be purchased in-person at the Theatre Box Office, 30 minutes prior to showtime.

With echoes of Stoppard, Kafka, and the Brothers Grimm, The Pillowman is a dark comedy about the interrogation of a fiction writer, in an unnamed totalitarian state, whose gruesome short stories have eerie similarities to local horrific child murders. The result is an urgent work of theatrical bravura and an unflinching examination of the very nature and purpose of art.

The production features set design by Stephen K. Dobay, costume design by Emily Morgan DeAngelis, and lighting design TBD. Kristyn R. Smith is the sound designer, Ryan Homsey is the composer, Ryan Kasprzak is the fight director, Ashlee Springer is the props designer, Rebecca Lewis-Whitson is the assistant director, Katie Courtien is the dramaturg and Paul Brewster is the stage manager.

Running Time: 155 minutes

Website: www.apacny.org

Haufrecht interview on WVOX's IN FOCUS, 6PM Today

Director Robert Haufrecht will be interviewed on WVOX Radio's hit show IN FOCUS at 6 PM, hosted by Dr. Daniel Miller.

Mr. Haufrecht is directing Jean-Paul Sartre's NO EXIT at The Times Square Arts Center beginning November 19th, 2009.

Tune in your radio to 1460 AM or visit www.wvox.com and click on the live player on the upper left corner.

For more information on the production, visit www.noexittheplay.com.

Hell is in al of us...

"This powerful one-act play...makes clear that Hell is not the bother of other people; it is other people who see us as we really are."-NY Times

Nutshell Productions
Proudly Presents

NO EXIT

Written by
JEAN-PAUL SARTRE

Translation by

S. GILBERT

Starring
RICHARD HYMES-ESPOSITO     GERALDINE JOHN
KAREN GIORDANO          ETIENNE NAVARRE

Directed by
ROBERT HAUFRECHT

THREE-WEEK LIMITED ENGAGEMENT
NOVEMBER 19th-DECEMBER 6TH, 2009
TIMES SQUARE ARTS CENTER

TICKETS NOW ON SALE AT
WWW.NOEXITTHEPLAY.COM

NUTSHELL PRODUCTIONS is pleased to announce their production of Jean-Paul Startre's NO EXIT directed by Robert Haufrecht. NO EXIT plays a three-week limited engagement at The Times Square Art Center (300 W 43rd St, 4th Floor. Entrance on 43rd almost corner of 8th Ave). Performances begin Thursday, November 19th and continue through Sunday, December 6th.

Three special guests are locked in a room with no windows, no mirrors, and only one door, in what might be Hell. All expect to be tortured until they realize they are there to torture each other, which they do effectively by probing each other’s sins, desires and unpleasant memories. These three new roommates for all eternity drop their connections to the living world and face themselves. Proving that "Hell is other people".

The production features Richard Hymes-Esposito, Geraldine Johns, Karen Giordano and Etienne Navarre.

Set design by Craig Napoliello, light and sound design by Eric Nightengale. Charles C. Casano is the production stage manager.

NO EXIT plays the following performances through Sunday, December 6th:

Thursday, Nov 19th through Monday, Nov 23rd at 8 P.M.
Friday, Nov 27th through Monday, Nov 30th at 8 P.M.
Tuesday, Dec 1st through Saturday, Dec 5th at 8 P.M.
Sunday, Dec 6th at 6 P.M.

Tickets are $20.00. Advance tickets can be purchased online at www.NoExitThePlay.com. Tickets may also be purchased at the theatre's box office half hour before the performance.

For more information visit www.NoExitThePlay.com
Images available at http://picasaweb.google.com/kampfirefilms/NoExit#

The awaited return of "Penang"

"Larocca is not afraid to take his plot to dark corners. That's something to please any serious theatergoer."- OffOffOnline

"Penang reminds us that we are creating yet another generation of young men who have forged the powerful bonds of war...under circumstances that no one should have to live through."-nytheatre.com

Madison Street Productions

in association with

BOO-Arts Productions

Proudly Present

Written by

JAMES L. LAROCCA

Starring

RAY CHAO, JACQUELINE GREGG*,    YORIKO HARAGUCHI,
RUSHI KOTA,    CHRIS LAPANTA,    SCOTT RAKER*,
PETER SABRI*,    JEFFREY EVAN THOMAS*,    KURT UY*

*Appearing Courtesy of Actors' Equity Association. Equity Approved Showcase.

Directed by

DONYA K. WASHINGTON

THREE WEEK LIMITED ENGAGEMENT
NOVEMBER 5-NOVEMBER 22, 2009
AT THE WORKSHOP MAIN STAGE THEATER

OPENING NIGHT IS SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7 at 8 P.M.

TICKETS ON SALE AT THEATERMANIA.COM

MADISON STREET PRODUCTIONS in association with BOO-Arts PRODUCTIONS are pleased to announce their production of the 2008 Midtown International Theatre Festival nominated play, PENANG by James L. Larocca, directed by Donya K. Washington. PENANG will play a 3-week limited engagement at The Workshop Main Stage Theater (312 West 36th Street, New York, NY 10018) Performances begin Thursday, November 5 and continue through Sunday, November 22. Opening Night is Saturday, November 7 (8 p.m.).

Their hearts and minds torn by fear, pain and grief, two young American officers in Vietnam have lost faith in themselves, their families, their country and their God. When they meet in Penang in a brief respite from the Mekong Delta, they learn what every soldier comes to know: In war, the only thing that truly matters is the guy next to you. But is this truth enough to save them?

Penang earned five nominations at the Midtown International Theatre Festival, including Outstanding Overall Production of a New Drama Play, and won the Playwrights First Award at The Players in Gramercy Park.

Advisory: Penang contains full frontal nudity.

***

The production features Ray Chao, Jacqueline Gregg*, Yoriko Haraguchi, Rushi Kota, Chris LaPanta, Scott Raker*, Peter Sabri* (2008 MITF Nominee for Best Supporting Actor, Penang), Jeffrey Evan Thomas* and Kurt Uy*.

Dana Monagan and Kathleen O'Neill are the associate producers. Set design by Craig Napoliello, lighting design by Zach Blane, sound design by David Schulder (2008 MITF Nominee for Best Sound Design, Penang). Michelle Kelleher* is the production stage manager.

PENANG plays the following schedule through November 22nd:

Wednesdays at 8 P.M.

Thursdays at 8 P.M.

Fridays at 8 P.M.

Saturdays at 2 P.M. and 8 P.M. (no 2 P.M. performance on November 7)

Sundays at 2 P.M.

Tickets are $18.00. Advance tickets can be purchased online at www.theatermania.com, or by calling 212-352-3101. Tickets may also be purchased at the theatre’s box office half hour before the performance.

For more information visit www.BOO-Arts.com

Images available at http://picasaweb.google.com/kampfirefilms/Penang#

The show must go on at today's The ToyMaker

Bryan Putnam, book, music, and lyrics, continues to show his mutli-faceted talents by jumping into the title role of The ToyMaker due to cast illness. With a morning rehearsal and organic knowledge of the music, Putnam will sing off-stage at today's 1p performance as Petr, the toy maker. 

The music of The ToyMaker  is described as "manipulated through the subtlest of sounds and slightest of tweaks, demonstrating a thorough understanding of emotion through music." -Encore Magazine

Experience The ToyMaker, which follows the story of Sarah, a young woman who is struggling in her marriage after two failed pregnancies. Rumors of a childless toymaker of the past set her on a desperate search for the last toy made by this man. Thus begins a journey that spans the globe and time itself.  The ToyMaker was inspired by the true events of June 10, 1942, when the small mining and farming village of Lidice, Czechoslovakia was destroyed by German forces as a reprisal for the assassination of SS Leader Reinhard Heydrich. Sarah travels to this village weaving together this tragic slice of history and the humanity of those who perished, with a contemporary personal journey, creating a deeply moving portrait of love, family, and friendship.

Sarah's quest to find the 'childless toy' and solve the mysteries of a village destroyed by war lead her to a destiny of fulfillment she once thought impossible.

The New York Musical Theatre Festival, Bryan Putnam Ink and I invite you to the World Premiere of Bryan Putnam's THE TOYMAKER, directed and choreographed by Lawrence Edelson. THE TOYMAKER, with orchestrations by Joshua S. Clayton and musical direction by Kenneth W. Gartman, will play a limited engagement at Theatre at St. Clement’s, 423 West 46th Street, New York, NY 10036.

Remaining performances are Tuesday, Oct. 6, 1PM, Monday, Oct. 12, 9PM, Tuesday, Oct. 13, 1PM, Saturday, Oct. 17, 9PM, Sunday, Oct. 18, 4PM.  Press reservations are for one (1) ticket only, per NYMF. Please let me know when you can attend.

Tickets are $20 at (212) 352-3101 or www.nymf.org.

Running Time: 130 minutes

Website: www.thetoymakermusical.com
                www.nymf.org/thetoymaker

Photo: Rob Richardson (Petr Klimes) and Jessica Burrows (Anna Klimes) in "The ToyMaker". Photo by Chadwick Creative Arts

4 Variations of Mee Benefit Oct 18-

Jeremy Bloom (“Stylish and inventive”-Theatermania; “Appropriately Pure”-New Yorker), and 2009 Lincoln Center Theater Directors Lab members Will Fulton, Annie G. Levy and Gabriella Willenz, are all scheduled to direct 4 VARIATIONS OF MEE dedicated to OBIE award winning playwright Charles Mee. A one night only benefit event at 7:30pm, Sunday, October 18th, at The ArcLight Theater (152 W. 71st Street).

A testament to Mee’s (re)making project, these 4 emerging directors will display their strengths and creative aesthetics, as they each sequentially approach a quadrant of Charles Mee’s BIG LOVE, a tale of fleeing brides, forced marriages, and murdered grooms (a modern re-making of one of the western world's oldest plays, The Danaids by Aeschylus).

The performance will feature 36 actors, including MTWorks Company Actors Sarah Chaney (MTWorks' The Oath), Ryan Clardy, Anthony Crep (MTWorks' The Oath and Providence), Louise Flory (MTWorks' Look After You and The Oath), Barrie Kreinik, Adi Kurtchik (MTWorks' Look After You), Dianna Martin (MTWorks' The Oath), Madalyn McKay (MTWorks' Anaïs Nin Goes to Hell), Antonio Minino (MTWorks' Arpeggio), Maureen O'Boyle (MTWorks' The Oath), Colleen Piquette (MTWorks' Anaïs Nin Goes to Hell), Mark Emerson, David Stallings (MTWorks' Folie A Deux) and Susan Wallack.

Executive Director Cristina Alicea helms the producing team. The production features lighting design by Sarah E. Ford, sound design by Martha Goode, prop design by Julie Griffith, and choreography by Carolina Almont.

The one night only benefit event stays true to MTWorks’ mission by creating work inspired by playwrights and regions outside of New York, and the establishment of their acting repertory.

****
4 Variations of Mee
4 Directors. 4 Approaches. Charles Mee’s Big Love.

A One Night Only Benefit Event
Sunday, October 18th, 2009
7:30 p.m.
The ArcLight Theater—152 West 71st Street (between Columbus and Amsterdam).

Tickets are $20 and can be purchased online by visiting www.MTWorks.org or at the theater’s Box Office, half an hour before Showtime.

All proceeds from ticket sales go directly to Maieutic Theatre Works in their efforts to produce their upcoming spring show.

More info at: www.MTWorks.org.

Nicu's Spoon's first musical, 23 Coins

Nicu's Spoon
Proudly Presents The World Premiere New Musical

23 COINS
How will Gin and her mother survive their gods and demons?

Book, Lyrics & Compositions by
MARK ABRAHAMS

Starring
WYNNE ANDERS*,    MARGARET BAKER, OLIVER CONANT*, GILLIAN HURST,
KATIE LABAHN, REBECCA LEE LERMAN*,
AMIR LEVI, PHRANNIE LYONS, MICHAEL O'DELL,
TIM ROMERO*,    PETER QUINONES
*Performing courtesy of Actors' Equity Association. AEA approved Showcase.

Music Arranged & Directed by MICHAEL O'DELL

Directed by STEPHANIE BARTON FARCAS and MICHELLE KUCHUK

THREE-WEEK LIMITED ENGAGEMENT
OCTOBER 7-OCTOBER 25, 2009 AT THE SPOON THEATER

OPENING NIGHT IS WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7 AT 8 P.M.

TICKETS ON SALE NOW AT WWW.SPOONTHEATER.ORG

NICU'S SPOON is pleased to announce the world premiere production of their first musical, Mark Abrahams' 23 COINS, directed by Stephanie Barton-Farcas and Michelle Kuchuk. 23 COINS will play a three-week limited engagement at the Spoon Theater (38 West 38th Street, 5th Fl.) Performances begin Wednesday, October 7th and continue through Sunday, October 25th. Opening Night is Wednesday, October 7th(8 p.m.).

Ginny Walker is not like other girls. Hiding out in the badlands of southern Louisiana, this genius girl-prodigy and her fugitive mother, Sarah, live precariously. But the law is not the only threat. Both of them dangle beneath a giant question mark- a fatal genetic legacy that may (or may not) strike. Laid bare under such catastrophic shoes about to drop, how does one plow through an average day? As you might've guessed, Ginny turns to preaching the gospel. After all, she's gifted. She's got fire & brimstone. Healing hands. And somehow, the full text of the bible committed to memory. In the pursuit of soul saving, these gifts are invaluable. To Isaac Thigpen of Christ's Road Show Tent Revival, Lil' Gin Walker's talents are gold. When she preaches-the collection plate doth runneth over. Thigpen has big plans for which he'll fight if necessary. And he'll surely bring down hellfire on anyone who gets in the way-to make sure that his golden girl-preacher goose keeps the cash comin'. Things may seem hopeless. But this special (and highly motivated) girl isn't about to leave her fate up to chance.

How will Gin and her mother survive their gods and demons?

* * *


The production features scenic and costume design by Stephanie Barton-Farcas lighting design by Steven Wolfe, multi-media DV animation by Frank Vitale. Nicolette Dixon is the stage manager.
* * *

23 Coins plays the following regular schedule through Sunday, October 25:

Wednesdays at 8 p.m.
Thursdays at 8 p.m.
Fridays at 8 p.m.
Saturdays at 8 p.m.
Sundays at 2:30 p.m.

Running time is 120 minutes with an intermission.

Tickets are $18 and are now available online at www.spoontheater.org or by calling 866-811-4111. Tickets may also be purchased in-person at the Spoon Theater Box Office, 1 hour prior to performance.

APAC brings The Pillowman to Astoria

"Energizing ...[what makes] the unsettling and exhilarating new play from Mr. McDonagh...so gripping as theater is how narrative art becomes the play's and the character's very life blood." --NY Times.

"[McDonagh is] a dangerously prodigious master of theatrical form with a talent that goes far deeper than most people understand...The Pillowman [is] thoroughly startling and genuinely intimidating." --Chicago Tribune.

"McDonagh's least forgiving, bravest play." --Variety.

"A complex tale about life and art, about fact and illusion, about politics, society, cruelty and creativity." --Financial Times.

ASTORIA PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
Proudly Presents

THE PILLOWMAN
A blindingly bright black comedy--NY Times

Written by
MARTIN MCDONAGH

Starring
JORDAN BLOOM, NATHAN BRISBY, RICHARD D. BUSSER, AVERY CLARK*, SETH DUERR*, JUSTIN HERFEL*, ANTHONY PIERINI, KAREN STANION*
*Performing courtesy of Actors' Equity Association.  AEA approved showcase.

Directed by TOM WOJTUNIK

THREE-WEEK LIMITED ENGAGEMENT
NOVEMBER 5 - NOVEMBER 21, 2009 AT THE GOOD SHEPHERD UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

OPENING NIGHT IS SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7 AT 8 P.M.

TICKETS ON SALE NOW AT APACNY.ORG

Astoria Performing Arts Center is pleased to announce their production of the 2005 Tony Award nominee for Best Play, Martin McDonagh's The Pillowman, directed by Tom Wojtunik. The Pillowman will play a 3-week limited engagement at the Good Shepherd United Methodist Church (30-44 Crescent St, Astoria, NY 11102. Entrance on 30th Road.) Performances begin Thursday, November 5 and continue through Saturday, November 21. Opening Night is Saturday, November 7 (8 p.m.).

With echoes of Stoppard, Kafka, and the Brothers Grimm, The Pillowman is a dark comedy about the interrogation of a fiction writer, in an unnamed totalitarian state, whose gruesome short stories have eerie similarities to local horrific child murders. The result is an urgent work of theatrical bravura and an unflinching examination of the very nature and purpose of art.

***
The Pillowman stars Avery Clark* (Off'-Broadway's Coronado) as Katurian, Seth Duerr* (The Acting Company: Moby Dick, Rehearsed; The Public Theatre: Romeo & Juliet, Macbeth) as Tupolski, Richard D. Busser ("Hal" in APAC's Proof) as Ariel, Nathan Brisby ("JP Morgan" in APAC's Ragtime, "Uncle Ernie" in The Gallery Player's The Who's Tommy, Finalist in this year's NYMF Next Broadway Sensation contest) as Michal, Justin Herfel* (The Gallery Players: The Underpants, Man of La Mancha) as Father, Karen Stanion* (Fringe NYC: And Sophie Comes Too, NY IT Award Nominee for The Palooka) as Mother, Anthony Pierini ("Tommy Age 4" in The Who's Tommy, The Gallery Players) as Boy, and Jordan Bloom ("Little Girl" in APAC's Ragtime) as Girl.

The production features set design by Stephen K. Dobay, costume design by Emily Morgan DeAngelis, and lighting design TBD. Kristyn R. Smith is the sound designer, Ryan Homsey is the composer, Ryan Kasprzak is the fight director, Ashlee Springer is the props designer, Rebecca Lewis-Whitson is the assistant director, Katie Courtien is the dramaturg and Paul Brewster is the stage manager.

***

The Pillowman plays the following regular schedule through Saturday, November 21:

Thursdays at 8 p.m.
Fridays at 8 p.m.
Saturdays at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Tickets are $15 in advance and $18 at the door.  Available online at www.apacny.org or by calling 866-811-4111. Tickets may also be purchased in-person at the Theatre Box Office, 30 minutes prior to showtime.

Directions to the theatre: Take the N or W Subway to 30th Avenue. Walk down 30th Ave. to Crescent St. (Mount Sinai Hospital is on the corner.) Walk one block South to 30th Road.

Running Time: 155 minutes

Website: www.apacny.org

The Toymaker--The Journey Begins October 5-

Click to hear a sample of the music from The ToyMaker which is described as "manipulated through the subtlest of sounds and slightest of tweaks, demonstrating a thorough understanding of emotion through music." -Encore Magazine

 We invite you to experience The ToyMaker, which follows the story of Sarah, a young woman who is struggling in her marriage after two failed pregnancies. Rumors of a childless toymaker of the past set her on a desperate search for the last toy made by this man. Thus begins a journey that spans the globe and time itself.

The ToyMaker was inspired by the true events of June 10, 1942, when the small mining and farming village of Lidice, Czechoslovakia was destroyed by German forces as a reprisal for the assassination of SS Leader Reinhard Heydrich. Sarah travels to this village weaving together this tragic slice of history and the humanity of those who perished, with a contemporary personal journey, creating a deeply moving portrait of love, family, and friendship.

Sarah's quest to find the 'childless toy' and solve the mysteries of a village destroyed by war lead her to a destiny of fulfillment she once thought impossible.

See this all-star Broadway cast, Rosena M. Hill (Bdwy: The Color Purple, Spamalot, Imaginary Friends, Oklahoma, Riverdance on Broadway, Marie Christine and Ragtime.) as Sarah Meeks, Rob Richardson (Bdwy: A Tale of Two Cities) as Petr Klimes, Jessica Burrows (Zhivago The Musical at the La Jolla Playhouse directed by Des McAnuff, originating the role of Lara and Baz Luhrmann's La Boheme at the Ahmenson) as Anna Klimes, Greg Stone (Helen Hayes nominated for the Signature Theatre reimagining of Les Miserables. Bdwy: The Pirate Queen, Urban Cowboy, Oklahoma! and Les Miserables) as Jason Meeks, Dale Soules (Bdwy: Broadway; Grey Gardens, The Magic Show, The Crucible, Dude, Hair.) as Johanna, Joan Barber (Bdwy: Man of La Mancha (with Richard Kiley and Raul Julia), Follies, The Sound of Music, Big, Beauty and the Beast, King David, and A Christmas Carol) as Uta, Sarah Jayne Blackmore (Off-Bdwy: Growing Up 70's starring Barry William) as The Girl, company members include Shawna M. Hamic (winner of 2008 NYMF's Next Broadway Sensation), Frederic Heringes (The Phantom of the Opera), Michael Scibilia (Nat'l tour: Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Man of La Mancha), Abby C. Smith (Nat'l tour: James and the Giant Peach).

The New York Musical Theatre Festival, Bryan Putnam Ink invite you to the World Premiere of Bryan Putnam's THE TOYMAKER, directed and choreographed by Lawrence Edelson. THE TOYMAKER, with orchestrations by Joshua S. Clayton and musical direction by Kenneth W. Gartman, will play a limited engagement at Theatre at St. Clement's, 423 West 46th Street, New York, NY 10036.

 Tickets are $20

Tickets to individual festival events will go on sale to NYMF Members on August 1 and to the general public on September 1.  NYMF Memberships, which combine charitable contributions with valuable, flexible ticket packages and perks like early seating, are currently available for purchase at (212) 352-3101 or www.nymf.org.

Website: www.nymf.org/thetoymaker

I Do or Die with "Marring Meg" at The New York Musical Theatre Festival

THE NEW YORK MUSICAL THEATRE FESTIVAL

Proudly Presents the World Premiere of

A rollicking Scottish folktale of feuds, faeries and unlikely love.

Book, Music, and Lyrics by
Mark Robertson

Based on the play
The Lass wi the Muckle Mou by
Alexander Reid

Starring
STEPHEN BERGER*    STEPHEN BIENSKIE*    STEPHANIE YOUELL BINETTI*
HARRIS DORAN*    KATHY FITZGERALD*    LISA HOWARD*
MICHAEL MCCORMICK*    JIM NEWMAN*    TORY ROSS*
WILLIAM RYALL*    

*Appearing Courtesy of Actors' Equity Association.

Directed by
DAVE SOLOMON

Musical Direction by
DALE RIELING

Musical Staging by
CHRISTOPHER GATELLI & BETHANY PETTIGREW*

OFFICIAL SELECTION OF
THE NEW YORK MUSICAL THEATRE FESTIVAL

SEPTEMBER 29 - OCTOBER 6, 2009
THE THEATRE AT ST. CLEMENTS

TICKETS ON SALE NOW AT NYMF.ORG

THE NEW YORK MUSICAL THEATRE FESTIVAL and BRIERPATCH PRODUCTIONS are pleased to announce the world premiere production of MARRYING MEG, directed by Dave Solomon. MARRYING MEG will play a limited engagement at Theatre at St. Clement's (423 West 46th Street, New York, NY 10036.) Performances begin Tuesday, September 29 and continue through Sunday, October 6. 

The locals in a Scottish pub take us back to 1603 where renowned minstrel Thomas The Rhymer has set out to write his masterpiece-a heroic ballad of mortal derring-do. But when he is cursed by the Queen of Elfland with a tongue (and a quill) that cannot lie and confronted with a world that refuses to play by storybook rules, Thomas' heroic masterpiece seems determined to remain unwritten in this rollicking Scottish musical comedy.

Marrying Meg follows Thomas The Rhymer who chronicles the fate of 22-year-old Meg, still unmarried due to one of his rhymes about her admittedly large mouth. Meg's father, Sir Gideon, finds a solution in a young 16-year-old captured in battle. Will he marry Meg? Or be hanged for treason? All ingredients for the kind of "true story" Thomas The Rhymer has been looking for.

***

The production features a Broadway cast of Stephen Berger* (The Pajama Game, Into The Woods), Stephen Bienskie* (Chess, Cats), Stephanie Youell Binetti* (Curtains), Harris Doran* (2008 NYMF Award for Excellence: Outstanding Individual Performance for Love Jerry), Kathy Fitzgerald* (9 to 5, The Producers), Lisa Howard* (9 to 5, South Pacific, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee), Michael McCormick* (Curtains, The Pajama Game, Gypsy, Kiss Me Kate, 1776, Kiss of a Spider Woman), Jim Newman* (Curtains, Minelli on Minelli, Sunset Boulevard, The Who's Tommy), Tory Ross* (9 to 5, Cry Baby), and William Ryall* (Guys and Dolls, Dr. Seuss' How The Grinch Stole Christmas!, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Chess, How to Succeed In Business Without Trying).

The production features set design by Shoko Kambara (Assoc. designer: 33 Variations, Grease, Pajama Game), costume design by Alejo Vietti (Rooms, Grace, Roulette; Assoc. designer: Jersey Boys, Julius Caesar, Good Vibrations) and Amy Clark (Assoc. designer: All My Sons, The Little Mermaid, Lestat, Wicked), lighting design by Jen Schriever (Assoc. designer: Joe Turner's Come and Gone, You're Welcome America, American Buffalo, A Cattered Affair), and sound design by Christopher Cronin (God of Carnage, You're Welcome America, The Vertical Hour). Michael Kemp is the Technical Director. Katherine Carter is the assistant director, Brian Cimmet is the assistant musical director and Cameron Holsinger is the production stage manager. Sam Froeschle and Erica Hemminger are the set assistants/prop designers. Mark Simon is the casting director, Kampfire PR/Antonio Minino is the PR Consultant, Katie Riegel is the Marketing Director and Associate Producer, Amanda Feldman is Associate Producer, and Brierpatch Productions/Laura Janik Cronin & Scott Newsome is the general manager.

***

MARRYING MEG plays the following schedule:

Tuesday, Sep 29th at 8:00 pm
Thursday, Oct 1st at 5:00 pm
Friday, Oct 2nd at 9:00 pm
Saturday, Oct 3rd at 1:00 pm
Sunday, Oct 4th at 4:00 pm
Tuesday, Oct 6th at 9:00 pm

Tickets are $20.

Tickets to individual festival events will go on sale to NYMF Members on August 1 and to the general public on September 1. NYMF Memberships, which combine charitable contributions with valuable, flexible ticket packages and perks like early seating, are currently available for purchase at (212) 352-3101 or www.nymf.org.

Website: www.nymf.org/marryingmeg

ASTORIA PERFORMING ARTS CENTER EXPLORES STORYTELLING THIS SEASON

The Astoria Performing Arts Center (APAC) is pleased to announce that Martin McDonagh’s The Pillowman and Steven Schwartz’s Children of Eden will be the mainstage productions for their ninth Season in Astoria. With these choices, APAC continues its tradition of bold choices in the ever evolving Astoria, a place mentioned in A.O. Scott’s review of the film, Julie and Julia, “Queens [is] demographically the most cosmopolitan of the five boroughs and something of a foodie mecca.” APAC is partnering with some local cultural institutions and the local restaurants Scott alludes to, enhancing the overall experience of their productions.

Artistic Director, Tom Wojtunik, who directed last season’s sold-out production of the musical Ragtime, will direct both productions, honing his artistic vision for APAC and uniting the shows both creatively and thematically. He addresses the surprising similarities of the projects, “On the surface the mainstage productions this season couldn’t be any different: McDonagh’s The Pillowman centers around a series of gruesome child murders, while Stephen Schwartz’s Children of Eden is a family-friendly retelling of the Book of Genesis. Still, I found the pairing intriguing--both are highly theatrical works that explore and celebrate the art of storytelling, albeit to very different ends. I think APAC audiences will find our season entertaining and thought-provoking as we explore what social responsibilities, if any, we have as storytellers.”

The season commences November 5^th with Martin McDonagh’s The Pillowman. The play, which will run through November 21^st, is a dark comedy about the interrogation of a fiction writer, whose short stories have eerie similarities to local horrific child murders. Nominated for the 2005 Tony Award for Best Play The Pillowman will run through November 21^st. A change in this year’s performance schedule, the shows will now run Thursday thru Saturday at 8 pm with no show Sunday and an added Saturday matinee at 2 pm.

In May APAC will be producing Stephen Schwartz’s musical, Children of Eden, book by John Caird, based on a concept by Charles Lisanby, a show which has never had a full production in New York City (closest was a 1998 production at Papermill Playhouse and a benefit production presented by the York Theatre for World AIDS Day in 2003). Children of Eden takes its plot from the most influential of stories, the Bible, with the first act centering on Adam & Eve and Cain & Abel and the second act involving Noah and his ark. Ultimately it's a musical about family and parental responsibility that affects the audience without being overtly religious.

The 15/20s annual series begins on September 24^th with Heartbreak Help by Justin Tanner in which four women share a motel room in Joshua Tree for a spiritual retreat. The play premiered in LA with strong reviews including Variety, "Tanner's ear remains sharply satirical. Even as he revels in his characters' ridiculousness, he draws them with a sly sympathy. At their most pathetic, they are at their most human,” and the LA Times, "His strongest and funniest piece yet. In a gleaming style all his own he milks the world of aromatherapy and vision quests ruthlessly and brilliantly for laughs.” The second reading will be The Final Jew^th. The 15/20s: Staged Readings of New Works introduces APAC audiences to the development process and paves the way for new work in the regular mainstage programming. The 15/20s will be produced under the AEA Staged Reading Guidelines, which allows 15 hours of combined rehearsal and performance time for actors (20 hours for musicals), hence the name The 15/20s. by Alex Goldberg on December 10.

ASTORIA PERFORMING ARTS CENTER was founded in 2001 by actress Susan Scannell as an Off-Off Broadway theater company that complements main-stage productions with community programming, including writing and performance programs for Queens youth and senior citizens. APAC's 2004 production of Is There Life After High School? was recognized with an Off-Off Broadway Review Award. APAC's 2006 production of Forever Plaid was honored with three New York Innovative Theatre Award nominations, in the categories of Production, Direction, and Choreography. Our productions of A New Brain, Proof and Triumph of Love received nominations for Outstanding Set Design. Triumph of Love also received two more nominations, Outstanding Production of a Musical and Outstanding Actress in a Lead Role (Abby Baum). Most recently, the sold-out production of Ragtime received two nominations for Outstanding Production of a Musical and Outstanding Scenic Design (Michael P. Kramer). For more information about APAC, including a downloadable media kit, visit www.apacny.org.

The heat is on

The New York International Fringe Festival, a production of The Present Company, takes place from August 14th through August 30th, 2009. Choose from a dark comedy that examines the experience of sex in the modern age (The Books), an arctic chronicle of a woman's journey down below (The Antarctic Chronicles), a woman who's unexpected illness challenges her relationships (Look After You), and an indestructible man's leap into love (Eli and Cheryl Jump.) The Antarctic Chronicles Produced by Sister Fantastic Productions Written by and Starring Jessica Manuel Directed by Paul Linke Striving for individuality and freedom, Jessica Manuel found herself living and working in Antarctica as a fuels operator. The Antarctic Chronicles explores her biographical journey through multiple characters: her parents, friends, roommates, and bosses. A story of love, courage, absurdity and madness, Jessica shares what happens living in an isolated community void of sun for months. Loss of memory and black urine are just a taste of the experiences she endured while trying to create a life worth examination. Venue # 19 The Players Loft (115 MacDougal St, 3rd Fl) Sat, Aug 15 @ 11:00 pm | Sun, Aug 16 @ 4:00 pm | Mon, Aug 17 @ 8:15 pm | Wed, Aug 19 @ 3:15 pm | Fri, Aug 21 @ 5:00 pm | Sat, Aug 22 @ 8:45 pm. The Books Produced by Imperfect People Written by Michael Edison Hayden Starring Aadya Bedi, Scott David Nogi, and Bradley Anderson Directed by Matt Urban An offbeat love story of a professional dominatrix, Mistress Chimera, and her agoraphobic client, Mark, The Books chronicles the unique development of their relationship. After Mark loans Helen a copy of James Joyce’s Dubliners, their personal relationship deepens, complicating their sadomasochistic rituals. Before the couple can truly fall in love, they both must accept that some people may never fit into society. Venue # 13 The Cherry Pit (155 Bank Street) Fri, Aug 14 @ 10:00 pm | Tue Aug 18 @ 5:00 pm | Wed, Aug 19 @ 5:15 pm | Mon, Aug 24 @ 12:45 pm | Thu, Aug 27 @ 7:45 pm. Eli and Cheryl Jump Produced by Ignited States and Crosstown Playwrights Written by Daniel McCoy Starring Cassandra Vincent and Charles Linshaw Directed by Nicole A. Watson Accident-prone Eli is magically shielded from death. Maybe. Mythology, personal history and recent tragic events collide in a story spanning 15 years, and 1,000 miles. When Eli and Cheryl jump it's only the beginning of their journey. Venue # 19 The Players Loft (115 MacDougal St, 3rd Fl) Fri, Aug 14 @ 8:45 pm | Mon, Aug 17 @ 6:30 pm | Thu, Aug 20th @ 7:15 pm | Mon, Aug 24 @ 3:15 pm | Fri, Aug 28 @ 11:00 pm | Sat, Aug 29 @ 12:45 pm. Look After You Produced by Maieutic Theatre Works Written by Louise Flory Starring Jason Altman, Lowell Byers, Louise Flory, and Adi Kurtchik Directed by Michele Pace MTWorks (Anaïs Nin Goes To Hell) returns with Look After You. When a photographer's life is threatened by illness, everything she thought was secure turns upside-down, testing friendships, family and love. Venue # 1 6 The SoHo Playhouse (15 Vandam St.) Fri, Aug 14 @ 5:00 pm | Sun, Aug 16th @ 3:00 pm | Wed, Aug 19 @ 8:15 pm | Fri, Aug 28 @ 9:30 pm | Sat, Aug 29 @ 1:30 pm. Tickets are $15.00. $10 senior citizens (65 years or older), and for those who purchase groups of 20 or more tickets to a single performance. Tickets can be purchased at www.FringeNYC.org or 866.468.7619. Tickets may also be purchased in person at FringeCENTRAL, the main box office for the Festival, up until 24 hours before the actual performance. On the day of the performance, tickets must be purchased at the venue where the show is playing. Venue box office opens 15 minutes before the performance. (Cash only.)

	A recent Reuter's article "Black Culture Lights up the Great White Way" (Sunday Jul 12 2009 By Christine Kearney) raised the point, “As the presidential visit cast a spotlight on Wilson's revival, playwrights and theater observers say both Obama's election and more open theaters and audiences have helped bring more stories of black culture to the New York stage this year. Both on Broadway and off-Broadway, plays and musicals about black culture or issues of race are being praised and more productions are in the works.” …ANOTHER MAN’S POISON, which opens Off-Broadway on August 12th, follows in this vain. But this team of producers aren't doing it with the backing of a large not-for-profit, with corporate sponsorship, as in Lincoln Center, like Joe Turner's Come and Gone, in fact they are pulling themselves up by their boot straps following an entrepreneurial spirit and raising money from within their community, filling a niche in costly Commercial Off-Broadway where a Black female producer, producing a Black playwright is a historical rarity. …ANOTHER MAN’S POISON is a new script that has been infused with a sense of urgency because these socio-economic “seismic” moments come all too seldom. President Obama and The First Lady have added another dimension, another layer of excitement for American stories that can and should be told on the Great White Way. .…ANOTHER MAN’S POISON is about a hard working comedian, who in 1970 gets his own TV show and his imminent stardom threatens to reveal the hidden conflict and mounting turmoil of his personal life. Orielle Creative Company presents … ANOTHER MAN’S POISON Written by GEORGE O. BROME Starring PENELOPE LOWDER, LELAND GANTT, STEVE GREENSTEIN, DENNIS HEARN, JAMES EDWARD SHIPPY, TONI STANTON Directed by PASSION HANSOME AUGUST 12 – AUGUST 23, 2006 PETER JAY SHARP THEATER 416 West 42nd Street …ANOTHER MAN’S POISON uncovers the irony of success, juxtaposed with the fascinating backdrop of prime time television. When Frankie Masters, a struggling comedian, gets the opportunity to have his own network television show in 1970, his imminent stardom threatens to reveal the hidden conflict and mounting turmoil of his personal life. Taking place prior to the celebrity tabloid when exposés were the norm, it takes a close look at lives intertwined—where each character confronts personal sacrifices that will forever impact them. …ANOTHER MAN’S POISON takes place during a pivotal time in history when the Vietnam War, exposing the racial divide, and the politicizing of sexual identity, all conspire to add depth and texture to the drama. A quintessential Hollywood story with a distinct New York bite, …ANOTHER MAN’S POISON is full of pointed humor, straightforward drama, and allows audiences to concede to their incessant desire to be a voyeur to the reality of "making of a celebrity." It is a story of family, ambition, and the choices that are made along the way. …ANOTHER MAN’S POISON plays the following regular schedule through Sunday, August 23: Wednesday (8/12) at 7 p.m. Wednesday (8/19) at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Thursdays at 7 p.m. Fridays at 7 p.m. Saturdays at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Sundays at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m Tickets are $75. Tickets are available online at www.TicketCentral.com or by calling 212-279-4200. Tickets may also be purchased in-person at the Playwrights Horizon’s Box Office, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. Running time: 2 hours two (2) intermissions. The production features scenic design by Kevin Lee Allen, costume design by Ali Turns, and lighting design by Burke Wilmore. Sean O’Halloran is the sound designer, Dave McDaniel is the technical director and Bayo is the stage manager.

	"Shrunken Heads marks the modern American Theatre's chance to experiment with high comedy...Ribalow is writing very much about today for today's audiences and his work isn't imitative in any way. But I trust he won't be offended to have it compared to the polished bent of such previous masters of the genre as George Bernard Shaw, George S. Kaufman and, particularly, S.N. Behrman." (The Star-Ledger) "Hilarious and insightful...Ribalow exhibits a brilliant ear for conversation, a vivid imagination for situations, an immense reservoir of personality studies from which to draw and elaborate, and a genuinely funny wit... resoundingly successful." (Daily Register) WILD HOUSE PRODUCTIONS, INC. presents M.Z. Ribalow’s SHRUNKEN HEADS Off-Broadway’s Peter Jay Sharp Theater (416 West 42nd Street) Thursday, August 27 - Sunday, August 30 Dr. Bob Hyde, a successful psychiatrist, just wants to have a quiet, peaceful weekend at his country estate, where he can commune with nature and relax in his Jacuzzi, far away from his patients. No such luck. The various women in his life interfere--from his neurotic patient Dorothy Putney, to his daughter Caroline and ex-wife Jennifer, determined to drain him of all his money. Head games come alive in this fast paced farce, where family drama plus biting wit equals Shrunken Heads: a case of high comedy. The production stars David Gelles-Hurwitz (Close Ties (Ensemble Studio Theatre), Edgewise, Thicker Than Water) as Carlyle Peckinpah III, Diana Henry (After The Rainoined At The Head, No Exit) as Jennifer Todhunter Hyde, Mel House (BaalEast of the Sun, West of the Moon (Baltimore's Center Stage), 4960Allison Layman (Monomoy Theatre in Chatham, MA) as Caroline Hyde, Ean Sheehy (Forensic Accountant Joshua Simmons on Law & Order Criminal, Precious (Winner: Sundance Film Fest 2009), Sundance (EST) as Norman Putney, Don Striano (The Sopranos, 9/12 (Culture Project), Our Lady of Allapattah) as Robert Hyde, and Kim Weiler (intense acting program at the William Esper Studio) as Dorothy Putney. (Theatre Four), J (Looking Glass Theatre), (Winner: Slamdance Film Fest 2008) as Polly Hyde, The production features scenic design by David Meyer, costume design by Ghislaine Sabiti, and lighting design by Graham Posner. Bruce Edwards is the sound designer, Shamina Mehta is the scenic artists/prop designer, Carl Everett Wiemann is the associate designer, Jacob Platt is the master electrician, Gary Neiheisel is the sound engineer and Cynthia Degros is the stage manager. SHRUNKEN HEADS plays the following schedule: Thursday, August 27th at 8pm Friday, August 28th at 8pm Saturday, August 29th at 2pm & 8pm Sunday, August 30th at 2pm Tickets are $18 and are now available online at www.TicketCentral.com or by calling 212-279-4200. Tickets may also be purchased in-person at the Theatre Row Box Office, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. Running Time: 1 hour and 45 minutes with a 15-minute intermission www.wildhouseproductions.com

Look After You (FringeNYC)

Neighborbee jumps into FringeNYC with Daniel McCoy

Karen Tortora-Lee interviews playwright Daniel McCoy (Eli and Cheryl Jump) for Theatre Buzz (Neighborbee Blog).


...One very special show which will be featured this year at the Fringe Festival is Eli and Cheryl Jump, a poetic, haunting play written by Daniel McCoy. I got a chance to chat with Daniel and find out what it’s like to be part of the Fringe, what sparked him to write this play, and what he hopes it will mean to the audience.

To read the full interview, click here.

Pictured: Cassandra Vincent* (Cheryl et al) and Charles Linshaw* (Eli), appearing in ELI AND CHERYL JUMP by Daniel McCoy, directed by Nicole A. Watson | Aug 14-30, 2009--The New York International Fringe Festival, Venue #9 The Players Loft | Photo Credit: Martha Goode

Kampfire FringeNYC Playwrights on JSTGY

In Patrick Lee's first in a series of several Quick Q&A columns featuring artists who have work, or who will be seen in work, at this year’s Fringe Festival at his site Just Shows To Go You, he featured three Kampfire clients that are sure to sizzle your summer: Playwrights Michael Edison Hayden (The Books), Daniel McCoy (Eli and Cheryl Jump) and Louise Flory (Look After You). Below are the questions, to read the answers, click here.

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MICHAEL EDISON HAYDEN
The Books

What is the story of The Books?

Is it fair to say it’s about breaking out of those rituals?

What do you hope to get out of your experience artistically at The Fringe?

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DANIEL McCOY
Eli and Cheryl Jump

What is Eli and Cheryl Jump about?

How is it staged?

What were the main qualities you were looking for in casting?

What do you want the audience to leave with?

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LOUISE FLORY
Look After You

Tell me about Look After You.

How long have you been working on the play?

Are you taking anything into your own performance that you got from watching others read it?

Will you be seeing other shows in the Festival?