Join us on Saturday, May 20th from 11 – 1pm. Click HERE to be added to the list.
Category: Queens
Join Me for Queens Writes Weekend/May 19-21
Newtown Literary published my poem Catamarans. That was the first thing I ever had published. That gave this secret poet the confidence to continuing writing, create a blog, write for other sites and support others. I was at the first Queens Writes Weekend where I sat in front of the Unisphere in Flushing Meadow and wrote two poems. Those two poems kicked off my NYC poems.
When my friend, Valerie G. Keane, asked me to consider being a site captain, an old idea emerged. So where are my playwrights? You are the one writing in a vacuum. You are ready to produce their first play. You have already produced a bunch of shows. I want all of you! I am hosting in Kew Gardens on May 20th from 11 – 1pm. Prompts will be given to inspire your writing and every Queens Writes Weekend site has a different theme. Add your name by clicking HERE – I promise not to spam you. This is strictly for this project.
Click HERE for more information and the full schedule of events.
The fifth annual Queens Writes Weekend will be presented by Newtown Literary Alliance on May 19-21 at various locations around the borough where participants are inspired to come write for a few hours in a community setting. Whether you’re a first-time writer or have been writing for years, this event is for you!
Harvey: Meet Mary Lynch
Name: Mary Lynch
Character: Director of “Harvey”
Why did you want to be a part of this production?
I love theater. It was another chance to be with like-minded people.
What’s next for you?
Finishing my play, “Bollywoodside”
What’s your favorite animal and what is its name?
Cat; Sheeba ( who’s really Heeba, but nobody looked😁)
Mary Lynch loves theater. This explains why she would rather be in basements with actors and crews than on beaches. Mary has worked with Black Henna, TheatreTime, Beari, Attic Ensemble as well as many other theater groups in the metro area. Her favorite roles have been ‘M’Lynn’ ‘Ma’ ‘Elaine’ ‘Blanche’ ‘Mrs. Danvers’ but right now her heart belongs to “Harvey.” Here’s a review: Times Ledger
HARVEY by Mary Chase
Director: Mary Lynch
Producers: Paul Morisi and Stef Morisi
Tickets: $10 General Seating (all tickets sold at the door)
July 14 at 7pm
July 15 at 7pm
July 16 at 7pm
July 17 at 2pm
Location:
Our Lady of Mercy Parish Hall
70-01 Kessel Street Forest Hills, NY 11375
PLEASE USE THE ENTRANCE OF JUNO STREET. Elevator is available on the side of the church.
Cast:
Nicole O’Connor
Cecilia Vaicels
Victoria Lardieri
Jim Haines
Malini Singh McDonald
Nick Radu
Jeremy Lardieri
Michelle Ruggieri
Rich Feldman
Kevin Abernethy
Chris Martens
For more info email FirstStringPlayers@gmail.com
Flyer designed by Steve Morisi
Director: Mary Lynch
Producers: Paul Morisi and Stef Morisi
Tickets: $10 General Seating (all tickets sold at the door)
July 14 at 7pm
July 15 at 7pm
July 16 at 7pm
July 17 at 2pm
Location:
Our Lady of Mercy Parish Hall
70-01 Kessel Street Forest Hills, NY 11375
PLEASE USE THE ENTRANCE OF JUNO STREET. Elevator is available on the side of the church.
Cast:
Nicole O’Connor
Cecilia Vaicels
Victoria Lardieri
Jim Haines
Malini Singh McDonald
Nick Radu
Jeremy Lardieri
Michelle Ruggieri
Rich Feldman
Kevin Abernethy
Chris Martens
For more info email FirstStringPlayers@gmail.com
Flyer designed by Steve Morisi
Harvey: Meet Rachael Giammarino
Name: Rachael Giammarino
Character: Miss Simmons
Why did you want to be a part of this production?
I enjoy the sense of community the group offers and the free spirited people I find there.
What’s next for you?
Only time will tell.
What’s your favorite animal and what is its name?
Newfoundland, I’ll let you know it’s name when I finally get one.
Rachael is an office manager by day and a stage manager by night. She enjoys community theater not only for the art, but also for the people she gets to meet. She has been working with FSP for many years, as her husband, Jammy, does the sound and lighting.
HARVEY by Mary Chase
Director: Mary Lynch
Producers: Paul Morisi and Stef Morisi
Tickets: $10 General Seating (all tickets sold at the door)
July 14 at 7pm
July 15 at 7pm
July 16 at 7pm
July 17 at 2pm
Location:
Our Lady of Mercy Parish Hall
70-01 Kessel Street Forest Hills, NY 11375
PLEASE USE THE ENTRANCE OF JUNO STREET. Elevator is available on the side of the church.
Cast:
Nicole O’Connor
Cecilia Vaicels
Victoria Lardieri
Jim Haines
Malini Singh McDonald
Nick Radu
Jeremy Lardieri
Michelle Ruggieri
Rich Feldman
Kevin Abernethy
Chris Martens
For more info email FirstStringPlayers@gmail.com
Flyer designed by Steve Morisi
Director: Mary Lynch
Producers: Paul Morisi and Stef Morisi
Tickets: $10 General Seating (all tickets sold at the door)
July 14 at 7pm
July 15 at 7pm
July 16 at 7pm
July 17 at 2pm
Location:
Our Lady of Mercy Parish Hall
70-01 Kessel Street Forest Hills, NY 11375
PLEASE USE THE ENTRANCE OF JUNO STREET. Elevator is available on the side of the church.
Cast:
Nicole O’Connor
Cecilia Vaicels
Victoria Lardieri
Jim Haines
Malini Singh McDonald
Nick Radu
Jeremy Lardieri
Michelle Ruggieri
Rich Feldman
Kevin Abernethy
Chris Martens
For more info email FirstStringPlayers@gmail.com
Flyer designed by Steve Morisi
Harvey: Meet Chris Martens
Name: Chris Martens
Character: E.J. Lofgren–The Taxi Driver
Why did you want to be a part of this production?
To work with Mary
What’s next for you?
Onwards and Upwards
What’s your favorite animal and what is its name?
A gorilla named Donkey
Chris Martens is a Drama graduate of LaGuardia High School of Music, Art and the Performing Arts. He has been a proud member of the First String Players since 2012, having performed in five shows over the last four years. He was last seen as Max in “Lend Me a Tenor” and the role he was born to play in “All In The Timing”. He would like to thank Mary for being luminescent; a pure joy to work with.
Chris: Chameleon, Comedian, Corinthian, Caricature
HARVEY by Mary Chase
Director: Mary Lynch
Producers: Paul Morisi and Stef Morisi
Tickets: $10 General Seating (all tickets sold at the door)
July 14 at 7pm
July 15 at 7pm
July 16 at 7pm
July 17 at 2pm
Location:
Our Lady of Mercy Parish Hall
70-01 Kessel Street Forest Hills, NY 11375
PLEASE USE THE ENTRANCE OF JUNO STREET. Elevator is available on the side of the church.
Cast:
Nicole O’Connor
Cecilia Vaicels
Victoria Lardieri
Jim Haines
Malini Singh McDonald
Nick Radu
Jeremy Lardieri
Michelle Ruggieri
Rich Feldman
Kevin Abernethy
Chris Martens
For more info email FirstStringPlayers@gmail.com
Flyer designed by Steve Morisi
Director: Mary Lynch
Producers: Paul Morisi and Stef Morisi
Tickets: $10 General Seating (all tickets sold at the door)
July 14 at 7pm
July 15 at 7pm
July 16 at 7pm
July 17 at 2pm
Location:
Our Lady of Mercy Parish Hall
70-01 Kessel Street Forest Hills, NY 11375
PLEASE USE THE ENTRANCE OF JUNO STREET. Elevator is available on the side of the church.
Cast:
Nicole O’Connor
Cecilia Vaicels
Victoria Lardieri
Jim Haines
Malini Singh McDonald
Nick Radu
Jeremy Lardieri
Michelle Ruggieri
Rich Feldman
Kevin Abernethy
Chris Martens
For more info email FirstStringPlayers@gmail.com
Flyer designed by Steve Morisi
Harvey: Meet Kevin Abernethy
Name: Kevin Abernethy
Character: Judge Gaffney
Why did you want to be a part of this production?
Acting is fun.
What’s next for you?
Summer vacation in Toronto
What’s your favorite animal and what is its name?
Cat – Tiger
HARVEY by Mary Chase
Director: Mary Lynch
Producers: Paul Morisi and Stef Morisi
Tickets: $10 General Seating (all tickets sold at the door)
July 14 at 7pm
July 15 at 7pm
July 16 at 7pm
July 17 at 2pm
Location:
Our Lady of Mercy Parish Hall
70-01 Kessel Street Forest Hills, NY 11375
PLEASE USE THE ENTRANCE OF JUNO STREET. Elevator is available on the side of the church.
Cast:
Nicole O’Connor
Cecilia Vaicels
Victoria Lardieri
Jim Haines
Malini Singh McDonald
Nick Radu
Jeremy Lardieri
Michelle Ruggieri
Rich Feldman
Kevin Abernethy
Chris Martens
For more info email FirstStringPlayers@gmail.com
Flyer designed by Steve Morisi
Harvey: Meet Michelle Ruggieri
Name: Michelle Ruggieri
Character: Betty Chumley
Why did you want to be a part of this production?
I wanted to be a part of the production because First String Players is such a great group. I have gotten the chance to work with some incredibly talented people and I just knew Harvey was going to be no different!
What’s next for you?
Don’t have a next project lined up yet but I’m sure I’ll be auditioning. I am also trying to squeeze time in my schedule for some sign language and/or some classes to brush up on my Italian.
What’s your favorite animal and what is its name?
My favorite animal is a giraffe. Since they don’t exactly fit in house in Queens the closest I’ve been to naming one is the stuffed one my boyfriend hand made for me. We named him Eeyore.
Michelle is very happy to be working with her friends at First String Players once again. Favorite roles include: Lend Me a Tenor (Maria), Christmas Carol (Mrs. Cratchit), An 80th Birthday Concert: The Music of Stephen Sondheim (Featured Performer), All My Sons (Lydia Lubey), Anne of a Thousand Days (Mary Boleyn), Putting it Together (Older Woman) and Wizard of Oz (Mrs. Gulch/Wicked Witch). A big thank you to Mary, the rest of the awesome production staff and the amazing cast for making this such a great way to spend the summer. Enjoy the show!
HARVEY by Mary Chase
Director: Mary Lynch
Producers: Paul Morisi and Stef Morisi
Tickets: $10 General Seating (all tickets sold at the door)
July 14 at 7pm
July 15 at 7pm
July 16 at 7pm
July 17 at 2pm
Location:
Our Lady of Mercy Parish Hall
70-01 Kessel Street Forest Hills, NY 11375
PLEASE USE THE ENTRANCE OF JUNO STREET. Elevator is available on the side of the church.
Cast:
Nicole O’Connor
Cecilia Vaicels
Victoria Lardieri
Jim Haines
Malini Singh McDonald
Nick Radu
Jeremy Lardieri
Michelle Ruggieri
Rich Feldman
Kevin Abernethy
Chris Martens
For more info email FirstStringPlayers@gmail.com
Flyer designed by Steve Morisi
Harvey: Meet Rich Feldman
Name: Rich Feldman
Character: Dr. William Chumley
Why did you want to be a part of this production?
It’s a nice blend of silliness and sentiment, like me! Plus, Dr. Chumley is such a fun character to play! It’s a role typically portrayed by someone a bit older and more “mature” than me. So, I’m so incredibly thankful to our director, Mary Lynch, for thinking outside-the-box and envisioning it as younger, more dynamic and physical – and for entrusting me with that characterization.
What’s next for you?
I try not to think too far ahead and just live in the moment.
What’s your favorite animal and what is its name?
Dacy, my childhood dog.
Rich has been a New York area stand up comic for over ten years, and is just getting back into community theater. He recently portrayed the tutor, Augustus Moore, in ACT/REACT – Reimagining the Past, a series of one-act plays at the historic Bartow-Pell mansion in The Bronx. While a college student in Rochester, New York, he appeared in productions of Chess, Gypsy, Carousel, Singin’ in the Rain, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, and The Glass Menagerie. Rich is honored and excited to be playing the role of Dr. Chumley in his debut with the The First String Players. A Forest Hills resident for 15 years, Rich now lives in Pelham, New York with his wife, Georgene, and his two daughters, Allison and Kate.
HARVEY by Mary Chase
Director: Mary Lynch
Producers: Paul Morisi and Stef Morisi
Tickets: $10 General Seating (all tickets sold at the door)
July 14 at 7pm
July 15 at 7pm
July 16 at 7pm
July 17 at 2pm
Location:
Our Lady of Mercy Parish Hall
70-01 Kessel Street Forest Hills, NY 11375
PLEASE USE THE ENTRANCE OF JUNO STREET. Elevator is available on the side of the church.
Cast:
Nicole O’Connor
Cecilia Vaicels
Victoria Lardieri
Jim Haines
Malini Singh McDonald
Nick Radu
Jeremy Lardieri
Michelle Ruggieri
Rich Feldman
Kevin Abernethy
Chris Martens
For more info email FirstStringPlayers@gmail.com
Flyer designed by Steve Morisi
Harvey: Meet Nick Radu
Name: Nick Radu
Character: Dr. Lyman Sanderson
Why did you want to be a part of this production?
I really enjoy this play and I was excited to work under Mary’s energetic direction.
What’s next for you?
Getting married in October, so there’s that. I entered my original play, Imaginary, into a festival and a playwriting contest, waiting to hear back from those. More acting, writing & directing!
What’s your favorite animal and what is its name?
Dolphin. His name would be Bubbles, but don’t be fooled, he’s tough.
Nick Radu is an Ohio-born actor, writer and director who began his studies at Kent State University and received his BA at Queens College. Nick continues to write and produce his own works, direct new and exciting projects and act in whatever he can get his hands on. Nick loves this business and the collaborative and artistic opportunities it gives. So, let’s create! Nicholas.j.radu@gmail.com. Break legs, all!!
HARVEY by Mary Chase
Director: Mary Lynch
Producers: Paul Morisi and Stef Morisi
Tickets: $10 General Seating (all tickets sold at the door)
July 14 at 7pm
July 15 at 7pm
July 16 at 7pm
July 17 at 2pm
Location:
Our Lady of Mercy Parish Hall
70-01 Kessel Street Forest Hills, NY 11375
PLEASE USE THE ENTRANCE OF JUNO STREET. Elevator is available on the side of the church.
Cast:
Nicole O’Connor
Cecilia Vaicels
Victoria Lardieri
Jim Haines
Malini Singh McDonald
Nick Radu
Jeremy Lardieri
Michelle Ruggieri
Rich Feldman
Kevin Abernethy
Chris Martens
For more info email FirstStringPlayers@gmail.com
Flyer designed by Steve Morisi
Harvey: Meet Jeremy Lardieri
Name: Jeremy Lardieri
Character: Wilson
Why did you want to be a part of this production?
To support local community theatre as a working actor, and support my best friend Paul Morisi and his sister Stef.
What’s next for you?
Continuing Voice-Overs under SAG-AFTRA & making more music.
What’s your favorite animal and what is its name?
Monkey – His name is Bilbo Swaggins.
Jeremy is SAG-AFTRA. FRHL! Fortitude. Reliability. Honor. Love. “Integrity is doing the right thing when no one is watching.” Love to my wife Vicki, my family, the cast & crew, and the Eee-O 11. For Grandpa Tim – RIP.
HARVEY by Mary Chase
Director: Mary Lynch
Producers: Paul Morisi and Stef Morisi
Tickets: $10 General Seating (all tickets sold at the door)
July 14 at 7pm
July 15 at 7pm
July 16 at 7pm
July 17 at 2pm
Location:
Our Lady of Mercy Parish Hall
70-01 Kessel Street Forest Hills, NY 11375
PLEASE USE THE ENTRANCE OF JUNO STREET. Elevator is available on the side of the church.
Cast:
Nicole O’Connor
Cecilia Vaicels
Victoria Lardieri
Jim Haines
Malini Singh McDonald
Nick Radu
Jeremy Lardieri
Michelle Ruggieri
Rich Feldman
Kevin Abernethy
Chris Martens
For more info email FirstStringPlayers@gmail.com
Flyer designed by Steve Morisi
Malini Singh mcdonald 