Category: Independent Theatre

Meet Abby Judd and the New York New Works Theatre Festival

NYNW 2016 POSTERName: Abby Judd

What is your current project?

General Manager – The New York New Works Theatre Festival 2016

Where are you performing it and why is it the right fit for your piece?

The New York New Works Theatre Festival takes center stage from August 29th – October 5th, at the Times Square Arts Center. Exposing talented writers to enthralled audiences, and a panel of Broadway Producers, Emmy and Tony Award Winners, it was only natural to choose an Off-Broadway theatre in the heart of New York’s Theatre District, the theatre capital of the world!

What’s next for you?

My agency, Bear In Mind Creative, is working with an multi-award winning film writer to produce and brand his latest project!

Who is your biggest inspiration right at this moment and why?

I have two: My business partner, Melissa Gordon. Every time I present her with a challenge she comes back with something which exceeds anything I could have imagined. Her mind works beautifully. She is so creative and loving, it delights me every day. Kenny Bell, the booking manager at the Laurie Beechman Theatre. He genuinely cares about every performer who walks through his doors, and is so supportive of developing great art and talent. He’s made his theatre a home. Working with him is an honor.

Want More?

Website: http://www.nynwtheatrefestival.com/
Twitter: @NYNWTheatreFest
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nynwtheatrefestival/

Abby Judd is a partner in Bear In Mind Creative, a boutique agency operating in both the USA and UK, specializing in branding, web design and marketing, as well as General Management and Production for Theatre, TV and Film: http://www.bearinmindcreative.com Abby is also the resident light/sound designer at the Laurie Beechman theatre on 42nd Street. She has stage managed and designed for numerous productions and festivals internationally, and was recently nominated for the MAC award for ‘Outstanding Technical Direction’. Some of her favorite projects include: Multiple events with the charity Lady Parts Justice; The Puppet Shakespeare Players ‘Titus Andronicus’; and ‘Hotel California’ at New York New Works Theatre Festival 2015.

Show information

PRELIMINARY ROUND: AUG 29, 30, 31 & SEP 6, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14 | SEMI FINALS: SEP 19, 20, 21, 22, 26 | FINALS GALA: OCT 5 2016 Book Tickets Here – http://www.nynwtheatrefestival.com/book-tickets

by Categories: Beyond Broadway, Independent Theatre, New York New Works Theatre Festival, TBB Interviews, TheaterTags: , , , Leave a comment

Meet Roger Gonzalez & Zombie Land Long Island

481989_10151563110755336_1509489675_nName: Roger Gonzalez

What is your current project?

As an actor I am now working with BroadwayWorld best director, James Bonney and Best actor, Sean King on a really funny and well written web series called “Zombie Land Long Island.” It’s not about the kind of zombies you think, but rather about people who act and walk around your life like zombies… dead-like, lost, eating everything in its path. I have a recurring role and also help out with cinematography and marketing. Otherwise, my website LocalTheatreNY.com is absorbed now in theatre festival season. So that’s a lot right there.

Where are you performing it and why is it the right fit for your piece?

Zombie Land New York is being produced in Smithtown and the setting is Long Island. We are in rehearsals right now. To me its a perfect fit because I have never worked with a director like Bonney. What we do in terms of real character creation is incredible to experience. He really pushes us and just being able to create my character, Martinez, is a joy. We are always laughing and the comedy seems so real and not pushed or feigned. Or acted. Martinez was originally written as this character Mangano, so I am quite thrilled that they allowed me to make him more mine.

What’s next for you?

I’ve been working on a one man play about my dreams and have been developing it with the help of Artistic New Directions. Now I have the summer to finish a draft and present it. Dreams (the actual night time REM variety) are a big part of my life and my family’s life…so its been fun.

Who is your biggest inspiration right at this moment and why?
On one level, and I know this might some corny to some, Deepak Chopra. I’ve re-engaged with his work and realized how much of my life centers around his work. It’s serendipity that at this stage in my life I make this realization. BUT my always inspiration in life has always been my four kids. I want to leave them as much as I can in life and I always think of them to motivate and inspire.

WANT MORE?

Website: www.LocalTheatreNY.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/localtheatreNY
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rogerlocaltheatre/?hl=en

I am an ethnically ambiguous actor (couldn’t resist!), artist, marketing teacher who has been in media for over 20 years and I currently run LocalTheatreNY.com. A NY native, I have been involved in theatre and the arts since I first appeared onstage in school at the age of 5.

Zombie Land Long Island premieres in September 2016. Right now you can find images and updates on our new Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/Zombie-Land-Long-Island-1079367548819526/

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Meet Michael Bradley Block & The Illusory Adventures of a Dreamer

Michael Block Headshot 4Name: Michael Bradley Block

What is your current project? The Illusory Adventures of a Dreamer

Where are you performing it and why is it the right fit for your piece?

The Illusory Adventures of a Dreamer will be presented as part of the 20th Annual New York International Fringe Festival! I’ve been dreaming to be a part of the festival for quite some time so getting this opportunity now is extraordinary. FringeNYC is a place where works that may not be able to see the light of day get the opportunity to experience life in front of an audience. My play is inspired by Ibsen’s Peer Gynt told through the lens of modern sexuality. The pitch is filled with buzzwords but to a regular audience, it may not be their cup of tea. Because of the structure of FringeNYC, not only are we getting friends and family to attend, we’re getting patrons of the festival which then brings word of mouth! This play at this time is important. And I’m thankful that FringeNYC will be a part of the adventure!

What’s next for you?

I am keeping up with my site Theater in the Now (theaterinthenow.com) as well as pushing for my musical, The Girls in White, to see life on its feet. So if anyone wants to produce a musical that is virtually “Orange is the New Black” meets “Chicago” with a country twang, I got the show for you!

Who is your biggest inspiration right at this moment and why?

I’ve said this a lot recently, but I truly mean it. Right now, my biggest inspiration right now is Chris Goodrich, the director of The Illusory Adventures of a Dreamer. Not only is he an amazing friend but he’s pushed me in ways that have made me a stronger person and a stronger artist. I’m not going to lie, producing a play for FringeNYC is not easy. Chris has been such a wonderful support and is the reason why this play is happening. If it weren’t for him, I’d probably have pulled all my hair out! Everyone should be so lucky to have a friend like him.

WANT MORE?

Website: dreamerplay.com, theaterinthenow.com
Twitter: @dreamerplay2016 @theaterinthenow
Facebook: facebook.com/dreamerplay2016, facebook.com/michaelbblock

Michael Bradley (Playwright): originally from Mahwah, New Jersey, Michael is a theater artist based in New York City. Most recently, his musical The Girls in White, written with Artie Sievers, received a concert at Feinstein’s/54 Below featuring two-time Tony winner Michael Cerveris. As a playwright, his work as been seen and heard throughout New York including TinyRhino, Less Than Rent, Dream Up Festival at Theater for the New City, PTP/NYC, and Rhapsody Collective, to name a few. He is the founder and artistic director of Rhapsody Collective. He is also the founder and lead critic of Theater in the Now (theaterinthenow.com), a leading source of theatrical criticism in the Indie and Off Broadway theater community. As a stage manager, Michael has worked on and off Broadway including Stick Fly, produced by Alicia Keys, Signature’s revival of Angels in America, and the original productions of Clybourne Park by Bruce Norris and Circle Mirror Transformation by Annie Baker. Michael is a graduate of Boston University and a proud member of AEA.

Show Information

WHERE: Venue #1- Teatro Sea at The Clemente (107 Suffolk St.)

WHEN: SATURDAY, AUGUST 13 @ 9:30; TUESDAY, AUGUST 16 @ 5+; MONDAY, AUGUST 22 @ 4:45; WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24 @ 7; SATURDAY, AUGUST 27 @ 1:30

TICKETS: fringenyc.org

Dreamer Postcard Front
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Harvey: Meet Mary Lynch

13624716_10208763929189400_949484974_nName: 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

FSP_Harvey_Flyer

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Harvey: Meet Chris Martens

IMG_4099Name: 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

FSP_Harvey_Flyer

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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

FSP_Harvey_Flyer

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Harvey: Meet Michelle Ruggieri

20150504_161202Name: 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

FSP_Harvey_Flyer

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Harvey: Meet Rich Feldman

13625275_10209340185972098_512165706_nName: 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

FSP_Harvey_Flyer

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Harvey: Meet Jeremy Lardieri

13632677_10154323831308615_183599500_oName: 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

FSP_Harvey_Flyer

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Harvey: Meet Victoria Lardieri

image1Name: Victoria Lardieri

Character: Mrs. Chauvenet

Why did you want to be a part of this production?
Wanted to have the pleasure of working with First String Players again.

What’s next for you?
Performing, finishing my vocal album and teaching

What’s your favorite animal and what is its name?
Wolf, his name is Spirit

Victoria is a graduate of The American Musical & Dramatic Academy. She performed throughout the East Coast. She would like to thank her husband, Jeremy, and her family and friends for everything they do.

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

FSP_Harvey_Flyer

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