Review: It’s A-Scary! The Gray Man and The Pumpkin Pie Show: Labor Pains

The Gray Man Promo Photo credit Suzi SadlerI officially kicked off my new theatre season, Halloween. T’is the season to get all creepy with these two amazingly well-written and contrasting plays.

I was super excited to finally see a Pipeline production as I’ve been following them for years. And they didn’t disappoint. Andrew Farmer’s The Gray Man tells a story of a bogeyman, a ghost or a figment of someone’s imagination. Set in the round, Andrew Neisler directs this emotionally disturbing piece by employing a sensory experience that sufficiently creeped out the audience. The use of disembodied voices and movement in darkness traps us in the story. We are not sure where to look or just keep our eyes shut and listen as if being told a nightmarish bedtime  story.  The creative team and stellar ensemble supported the narrative and each other as they weaved in and out of scenes. And nothing is scarier than a little girl in a scary story because nothing good usually comes out of it. I loved the use of the theatre space as well as varying levels. The one set piece at the middle of the space brilliantly represented the interior of a home. However, there were many moments when actors were out of sight or the set couldn’t be totally seen due to being stable for the whole show.

pumpkin_V2_300_123On the other end of the spectrum, is The Pumpkin Pie Show – Labor Pains which features five short stories told through absurd and fantastically comedic monologues. Clay McLeod Chapman, storyteller, is soon to be a daddy (true story) and shares the woes and fears and neuroses of being a parent. What if you are not the baby daddy? What happens if the oracular predictions your baby is making suddenly stop? Who is that random lady at the playground? Is that baby a terrorist? And what would a Mama Bird do for her baby chick? The fast-paced, quick witted, litany of words and emotions coming at the audience from Chapman and Cheek skyrocketed the audience to another dimension – a bizarro world – which is essentially parenthood.

Two fantastic shows. Be sure to get to a performance. My suggestion is to see both show back-to-back knowing you’ll need another hour to find your footing in reality.

See you at the show!

The Gray Man presented by Pipeline Theatre Company

Walker Space (46 Walker Street between Broadway and Church Street)

September 24-October 18,

Wednesday through Sunday at 8pm with additional performances on Saturday at 5pm and Tuesday, October 13 at 8pm.

Featuring Tahlia Ellie, Daniel Johnsen, Katharine Lorraine, Claire Rothrock, and Shane Zeigler. The production will include Lighting Design by Christopher Bowser, Costume Design by Daniel Dabdoub, and Scenic Design by Andy Yanni with an original score by Composers Mike Brun and Chris Ryan. Produced by Natalie Gershtein with Production Manager Joshua Shain and Stage Manager Kristy Bodall.

Visit www.pipelinetheatre.org for more info.

The Pumpkin Pie Show: Labor Pains, presented by FRIGID New York @ Horse Trade 

UNDER St. Marks (94 St. Marks Place between 1st Avenue and Avenue A)

September 24-October 10, Thursday through Saturday at 8pm

Featuring Hanna Cheek and Clay McLeod Chapman.

Visit http://claymcleodchapman.com/performances/the-pumpkin-pie-show for more info.

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Review: Mend the Envelope by Jason Lasky

unnamedSometimes one can get so lost in dreams that reality is almost another realm. Jason Lasky’s Mend the Envelope tells the harrowing story of a married couple broken by events of a single poor decision. Questions of faith and purpose are told under the careful direction of Cihangir “G.” Duman. Set on a almost bare stage with set pieces strategically placed, Henry and Joanie Davis’ relationship unfolds before the audience. Played by  Andy Phillips and Brittany Belinski, the actors honestly share glimmers of a once successful and exciting life abroad to their current mundane and shattered life in upstate New York.  Fern Lim’s lighting and sound design flawlessly shifted us to dreamscape and added a another layer to the one act. I would love to read the next scene of this one act to find out where the Davises go in their relationship.

Mend the Envelope is playing as part of the Thespis Festival for two more performances.

Tuesday, September 22nd at 6:15 PM;
September 26 at 3:30 PM

Hudson Guild Theatre

441 W. 26th Street

Click HERE for more info.

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Review: Olivia’s Roses by Joanne de Simone

“The war to end all wars.”

12033186_1488258154808000_5926881307510641709_nThree brothers. Three wounds. The woman in the middle of it all. I am already committed to the story. Joanne de Simone’s Olivia’s Roses is a story that reveals the pathology of a family. Set at the end of World War II, three brothers return home: one with a bride, one with physical and emotional wounds, and the other filled with dreams.

Dennis Gleason directs this captivating cast on a simple set perfect for this complicated story. A story intertwined with love, deceit and confusion. The strong ensemble is absolutely riveting to watch on stage.  It’s always a good sign when the audience applauses at the end of each scene. Led and brilliantly played by Brad Brockman (CADE), he is brooding, flawed, and absolutely riveting to watch on stage. Kalen J. Hall’s (JUDE)  transitions within his character is breathtaking to watch. Byron Hagan (LUKE) is the romantic, artistic and sensitive dreamer who makes you want him to be happy. Ashley V. Harris (OLIVIA) flawlessly juggles her relationships with each son. I appreciated her complexities and her honesty in her performance. Greg Schuh (Rev. Holden) is the pragmatist who knows way too much and maybe doesn’t play too close to the vest.  Rounding out this cast is Amy Losi (Martha), the matriarch is who is shrouded in secrets.

Olivia’s Roses is playing as part of the Thespis Festival. There are two more performances so be sure to take a friend so you can squeeze their knees during some revealing moments.

Friday September 18 at 9 pm;
Sunday September 20 at 3 pm

Hudson Guild Theatre

441 W. 26th Street

Click HERE for more info.

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Fringe Recap: Alex Mahgoub & Baba and St. Francis

BabaI wasn’t planning to do a recap but since we are smack in the middle of the run and Lucky Chick and My Ass (in the world) are totally kicking asses with sold out shows, I figured hey, why not?

I didn’t get to see as many shows as I wanted but the ones I have seen have been super awesome. I’ll start with Baba.

One of my favorite sayings is that it all comes out in the light. That popped in my head as I read Brene Brown’s quote in the program. In a nutshell, owning our story is hard but not as difficult as running from it. Then the lights come up on Alex Mahgoub and we are instantly pulled into his story that most wouldn’t share because it’s painful. Mahgoub shares his story of growing up in Trenton, the son of self-made business man who emigrated to the states from Egypt. Mahgoub’s father is a tough man who started in a bagel shop and ends up owning several real estate properties and businesses. He was murdered when Alex was nine years old.

The one man performance is more storytelling rather than a performance. I appreciated that because this is a harrowing, moving, touching story of what could be living in the shadow of his father but breaking through the breakdown. And it is FUNNY.  Even as he moves through the characters, Mahgoub doesn’t forget about the audience who he has already let into the story at the top of the show.
TWO MORE SHOWS:
Thurs, Aug 27 @ 3:45PM
Sat, Aug 29 @ 7PM
Venue #04: Spectrum
121 Ludlow Street, 2nd Floor

BIAS ALERT. I went to grad school with playwright and actress Miranda Jonte, assistant director, Kerry Flanagan, and co-producer, Michael Bitalvo of St. Francis.

St. Francis is the patron saint of animals so if you are an animal lover, this is a heart wrenching tale of a young veterinarian fighting for them and herself. Under the flawless direction of Stephen Brotebeck, Jonte tightly written 75 minute play hits the audience in all the right places as she is pressured to find a new home for her animals before a corporation takes over; she is triggered by feelings when her old lover returns to town; she is the mentor of all mentors to her young assistant; and she tries to mend the pieces of her broken relationship with her dad.
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Guest Blogger: Ian McDonald Travels the World with Jasmine Pittenger

unnamedIn My Ass (In The World) Jasmine Pittenger explores our cultural biases about body image through the lens of an international traveler, journeying to exotic, far-away lands where those biases are not only upended, but completely thrown away.  This is juxtaposed with the backdrop of violence in war-torn regions around the world, forcing us to ask ourselves “is the violence in the world the same as the violence we inflict upon our own bodies in order to fit some unattainable ideal?”

Performing as a cast of characters from around the world, Ms. Pittenger bares her soul in some wonderfully, and sometimes brutally, honest moments. From the wonder and adoration of Senegalese tribeswomen, to the predations of well-to-do South American teens, culminating in the dangers of being blonde and full-figured on the back streets of Afghanistan, Jasmine pulls no punches as she weaves her story supported by simple but elegant projections on the set behind her.

Coming in at just under 60 minutes the piece feels a bit short, as if there is more to this story that needs to be told and we are only hearing the beginning. That said, My Ass is a delightful hour of theatre and I would be lying if I said I didn’t have a craving for kofta kebabs after seeing it.

Performance Schedule:

SUN 8/16 @ 8:00 – 9:00 – SOLD OUT
THU 8/20 @ 2:00 – 3:00
SUN 8/23 @ 6:00 – 7:00
THU 8/27 @ 9:00 – 10:00
FRI 8/28 @ 4:30 – 5:30
Venue #04: Spectrum at 121 Ludlow, Second Floor, NYC
For more information, visit http://www.myassintheworld.com.
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NYNW Theatre Festival: Meet Sandhi Santini & Eartha – The Last Chanteuse

LOGO_BUG+TYPE-resized-2-1_blkbg (1)A dramatic solo performance work which highlights the lows, peaks and challenges endured by entertainer Eartha
Kitt during her journey from a South Carolina cotton plantation to international fame and stardom.

Born on Edisto, a remote barrier island situated between Charleston, SC and Savannah, GA, Sandhi Santini is a Gullah–a descendant of the storytelling griots of West Africa. A New York-based cabaret performer/playwright, she received her B.A. in Journalism from the Howard University School of Communications, Washington, DC. Subsequent studies were obtained in Human Rights from Columbia University’s Graduate School of International
and Public Affairs, NYC; The Playwriting Program at Woodie King, Jr.’s New Federal Theatre, NYC; and Manhattan Neighborhood Network (MNN), NYC. She is a member of The Society For The Preservation of Theatrical History; an Associate member of The League of Professional Theatre Women (LPTW); Associate Artist of NY Live Arts Fiscal Sponsorship Program; and SAGAFTRA. Sandhi has performed as a cabaret singer throughout the USA, the Caribbean, Europe, Asia and Africa.

PERFORMANCE: August 25th at 7:00 PM

LOCATION: The Times Square Arts Center, 300 W 43rd Street, New York, NY 10036.

TICKETS: Click HERE to purchase tickets.

The NYNW Theatre Festival is located in the world’s premier theater district at The Elektra Theatre in the Times Square Arts Center, and is a short play competition where the audience casts their votes to select the best play of the season.

Playwrights from all over the country will present their shows and have the chance to move from the First Round to the Semi-Finals, and then the Finals, where a winner will be selected.

The First Round of the NYNW Festival shows will be presented August 17th, 18th, 19th, 20th, 24th, 25th, 26th, 27th. The Semi-Final rounds will be August 31st and September 1st, 2nd, and 3rd. The Finals will be held September 16th.

http://www.nynwtheatrefestival.com/

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NYNW Theatre Festival: Meet Deanna Hartog & A Flicker of Light

LOGO_BUG+TYPE-resized-2-1_blkbg (1)“A Flicker of Light”, Deanna Hartog’s debut stage play, portrays a man’s life just prior to his death. Based on true experiences, this story depicts the honest and emotional interactions between a father and son as they attempt to mend their broken relationship. The inspiration for this play first came to Deanna as she was flipping through an old photo album, and came across a photograph of her grandfather, who led a life of pure generosity and great success. However, his success also forced him to make compromises in his life, which inevitably impacted his relationships with his family and friends. Deanna’s passion for writing began as a young child writing fictional stories, and has now evolved into a passion for playwriting. In her spare time, Deanna’s love for theatre continues on the stage, performing in many local theatrical productions.

What is your hometown? Westport, Connecticut.

What was the last show that you worked on and where? I am currently performing in Irena’s Vow as Fanka Silberstein, which is being performed in New Canaan, Connecticut.

Why submit to a Festival like this? As a young and aspiring writer, it is so important to gain exposure to my writing and allow myself to make connections with both other writers and people in the business. My goal in participating in this festival is to build these relationships and allow my work to be seen. Plus, seeing my writing come to life on stage and hearing my words spoken aloud is something that every writer dreams of.

PERFORMANCE: August 25th at 7:00 PM

LOCATION: The Times Square Arts Center, 300 W 43rd Street, New York, NY 10036.

TICKETS: Click HERE to purchase tickets.

The NYNW Theatre Festival is located in the world’s premier theater district at The Elektra Theatre in the Times Square Arts Center, and is a short play competition where the audience casts their votes to select the best play of the season.

Playwrights from all over the country will present their shows and have the chance to move from the First Round to the Semi-Finals, and then the Finals, where a winner will be selected.

The First Round of the NYNW Festival shows will be presented August 17th, 18th, 19th, 20th, 24th, 25th, 26th, 27th. The Semi-Final rounds will be August 31st and September 1st, 2nd, and 3rd. The Finals will be held September 16th.

http://www.nynwtheatrefestival.com/

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NYNW Theatre Festival: Meet David Hersh & Going UP?!

LOGO_BUG+TYPE-resized-2-1_blkbg (1)We all ride elevators. Some of us multiple times a day. And every time we get inside, trapped in the corner, or squished next to the huge-summer-sweaty-guy, our bubble space invaded, while listening to the Muzak drone on we think, even if it is just a flash through our minds we think, “Is this the time I’m going to get stuck?” And we scan the elevator to see who our fellow ragtag inmates will be. And we wonder if we might escape through the trapdoor in the ceiling. And we wonder if we have anything to eat because we missed breakfast. And we pray to God that we won’t have to pee. Or worse. And what about the overly pregnant woman by the buttons? Is she going to blow? Going Up?! is a musical comedy that plays on our collective thoughts and fears; a musical that takes place entirely within a seven by seven space

What is your hometown? I was born and raised in Toronto, Canada. My parents grew up in Worcester, MA and moved to Canada before I was born. I moved to the United States a year and half ago and I’ve been living in Brooklyn since.

What was the last show that you worked on and where?  I directed Death of the Dollar in last year’s New York New Works Festival. The show made it all the way to the finals. It was a great show with a talented cast and terrific music.

Why submit to a Festival like this? I’m thrilled that Going Up will be premiering at the Festival this year. The Festival is a fantastic opportunity for new works to be seen by prominent producers. I had an amazing experience last year. Gene Fisch and the entire Festival crew were welcoming and supportive. I also got to see many of the shows which were all entertaining. Some of them were quite inspiring and I appreciated the hard work and talent that went into their productions.

PERFORMANCE: August 25th at 7:00 PM

LOCATION: The Times Square Arts Center, 300 W 43rd Street, New York, NY 10036.

TICKETS: Click HERE to purchase tickets.

The NYNW Theatre Festival is located in the world’s premier theater district at The Elektra Theatre in the Times Square Arts Center, and is a short play competition where the audience casts their votes to select the best play of the season.

Playwrights from all over the country will present their shows and have the chance to move from the First Round to the Semi-Finals, and then the Finals, where a winner will be selected.

The First Round of the NYNW Festival shows will be presented August 17th, 18th, 19th, 20th, 24th, 25th, 26th, 27th. The Semi-Final rounds will be August 31st and September 1st, 2nd, and 3rd. The Finals will be held September 16th.

http://www.nynwtheatrefestival.com/

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NYNW Theatre Festival: Meet Joe Minchik & With This Ring

Since announcing the debut of his first one-act play, “With This Ring” Joe Minchik has overwhelmingly been asked one question: “Does this mean you are FINALLY proposing to your girlfriend?!” Minchik can’t refute the uncanny resemblance he shares with the play’s main character, Josh Kavanagh, (played by Minchik), a New York City dwelling 29-year old, who after five years of dating his girlfriend, Harper Boston (played by Sarah Burkhalter), attempts to pop the question.

Where is your hometown? Westminster, MD

What was the last show that you worked on and where? I’ve been acting and improvising in NYC since 2008. “With This Ring” is the first play I’ve written.

Why submit to a festival like this? I submitted to the NYNW festival to have a unique opportunity at developing a new piece of writing and the chance to network with industry professionals.

PERFORMANCE: August 25th at 7:00 PM

LOCATION: The Times Square Arts Center, 300 W 43rd Street, New York, NY 10036.

TICKETS: Click HERE to purchase tickets.

The NYNW Theatre Festival is located in the world’s premier theater district at The Elektra Theatre in the Times Square Arts Center, and is a short play competition where the audience casts their votes to select the best play of the season.

Playwrights from all over the country will present their shows and have the chance to move from the First Round to the Semi-Finals, and then the Finals, where a winner will be selected.

The First Round of the NYNW Festival shows will be presented August 17th, 18th, 19th, 20th, 24th, 25th, 26th, 27th. The Semi-Final rounds will be August 31st and September 1st, 2nd, and 3rd. The Finals will be held September 16th.

http://www.nynwtheatrefestival.com/

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NYNW Theatre Festival: Meet CT Marie and Ideal Lights

LOGO_BUG+TYPE-resized-2-1_blkbg (1)CT Marie is thrilled to be part of this year’s NYNW Theatre Festival. Originally from New York City, she is well acquainted with the NYC theater scene. Just this past January, she produced, wrote, and starred in “A(MUSE)” that was presented by The Venus/Adonis Theatre Festival at The Robert Moss Theater. As a young and active new voice, CT Marie is proud to produce “Ideal Lights” in a festival that honors and provides significant exposure for emerging playwrights.

PERFORMANCE: August 24th at 7:00 PM

LOCATION: The Times Square Arts Center, 300 W 43rd Street, New York, NY 10036.

TICKETS: Click HERE to purchase tickets.

The NYNW Theatre Festival is located in the world’s premier theater district at The Elektra Theatre in the Times Square Arts Center, and is a short play competition where the audience casts their votes to select the best play of the season.

Playwrights from all over the country will present their shows and have the chance to move from the First Round to the Semi-Finals, and then the Finals, where a winner will be selected.

The First Round of the NYNW Festival shows will be presented August 17th, 18th, 19th, 20th, 24th, 25th, 26th, 27th. The Semi-Final rounds will be August 31st and September 1st, 2nd, and 3rd. The Finals will be held September 16th.

http://www.nynwtheatrefestival.com/

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