Five Questions. Five Answers. And One Big Decision: Rock, Paper, Or Scissors?

Death, It Happens (Photo by Cathryn Lynne) Pictured from left to right; Maureen Van Trease, Lori Kee, Bricken Sparacino and Rebecca Chiappone)

Death, it happens: A girl’s guide to death

Company: Bricken and Birch Productions
Directed by: Lori Kee

4 different women lost 4 different fathers. Hear their true, diverse, moving and sometimes funny stories. Learn what happened, what they did to cope (or not cope) with death and what to wear to a funeral.

Show Times:

• Sat 2/25 @ 8:30pm
• Mon 2/27 @ 9pm
• Tues 2/28 @ 7:30pm
• Sat 3/3 @ 1:30pm
• Sun 3/4 @ 4pm

Answers by Bricken Sparacino

(conceiver, producer, performer and co-writer)

Karen Tortora-Lee’s Question
That’s some title. How did you come up with it – and what does it mean?
Bricken: Well, our show is about Death, I didn’t want to sugar coat it, but I also wanted there to be a little humor in it as well. Our show is honest, sometimes sad – but we also use a lot of gallows humor. I hoped to reflect that in the title. I wanted the word “Death” to stand out and the rest to follow a little smaller. Almost as if to say “Do I have your attention now?”

Diánna Martin’s Question
If you were going to invite five people, anyone from past and present, to see your FRIGID show – who would you invite and why?
Bricken: Ah, well I’d love some dead people to come and tell us what happens after its all over. But that could add an unintentional zombie action adventure angle to the show.

Seriously, the show is about dealing with loss, how we survive when loved ones die and was written collaboratively. So, Eve Ensler would be great. I would love to hear what she thought of our collaboration compared to her work. Christopher Guest for the same reason (though he works in the made up world, I would still like to see what he thinks). My grandma – she is 92 and can’t travel to NY anymore. I would love to hear what she had to say about it. My father-in-law, who is a rock when dealing with death, and Eleanor Roosevelt keeps coming into my head, I’m not sure why, except she was a fantastically strong woman and I bet she’d have some great additions to our story.

Antonio Minino’s QuestionWhat is the biggest sacrifice you’ve ever made for your Art and was it worth it?
Bricken: This is a tough question. I feel like whenever I make art it is worth it. Sometimes we have to put aside our egos, some times we have to fight, sometimes we try our hardest and no one comes. But I always feel like it is worth it.

Geoffrey Paddy Johnson’s Question
Was there any unexpected discovery made during the development of this production and, if so, can you share it?
Bricken: That other people were willing to tackle this subject with me. In America we don’t like to talk about death, when someone dies we get about 3 days off of work for it and are supposed to just “get over it”, I guess, or suffer silently. After my dad died I questioned that, why not talk about it? It would help me. So I reached out to several women who had also lost their fathers and was relieved/pleased to have 3 wonderful women join me on this development process.

Michelle Augello-Page’s Question
What do you hope the audience receives from the experience of seeing this show?
Bricken: I hope they come. If they come they might cry a little, but they will laugh too and I hope feel the load lifted off a bit. We have death in common. I hope this show will leave the audience feeling like we all can make it through these losses together with humor and compassion and that they are surrounded by strong loving support. Plus they will learn some helpful hints like what to wear to a funeral.

Rock, Paper, Scissors Tournament of DEAAAAATH

THM Bonus Question – We’re serious this year!
In the THM virtual Rock, Paper, Scissors Tournament of DEAAAAATH which FRIGID Show do you take on? And what do you throw?
Bricken: I think we are 4 strong women and can take on any show in the old RPS. However I know one overly emotional Scotsman who will cry at the drop of a hat.
So I throw a rock right at The Terrible Manpain of Umberto MacDougal.

Oh Bricken! … you have chosen wisely. Rock is always a strong choice! Especially when you’re hurling it at someone who’s already in such awful Manpain. Also – as you know – you’ve already been challenged by Rabbit Island who threw the match in your favor (nice trick!). That’s one win right there! Love In The Time Of Clamydia challenged everyone and threw ROCK so that’s a tie. You’re off to a very good start, Ms. Bricken! Let’s see what Umberto MacDougal throws when that Manpain Q&A gets serve up. You might be the big victor of this whole shebang!

Thanks Death, It Happens: A Girl’s Guide To Death for participating in The Happiest Medium’s FRIGID New York Festival 2012 Q&A. And for playing our game! You’re officially ROCK in any and all challenges. You may continue your streak  - who knows! This is how it works in the crazy world of the Rock, Paper, Scissors Tournament of DEAAAAATH!

For the rest of you don’t forget to check out Death, It Happens: A Girl’s Guide To Death

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The 2012 FRIGID NEW YORK FESTIVAL will run February 22-March 4 at The Kraine Theater & The Red Room (85 East 4th Street between 2nd Ave and Bowery) and UNDER St. Marks (94 St. Marks Place between 1st Ave and Ave A). Tickets to all shows may be purchased online at www.FRIGIDnewyork.info or by calling Smarttix at 212-868-4444.

Related Posts:

• I Married A Nun: 5 Things To Know About The Show Before You Go (2012 FRIGID NEW YORK FESTIVAL)
• Love In The Time Of Chlamydia: 5 Things To Know About The Show Before You Go (2012 FRIGID NEW YORK FESTIVAL)
• I’m Not Sure I Like The Way You Licked Me – She Takes A Lickin’ And Keeps On: Bricken
• Lickin’ With Bricken – An Interview With Bricken Sparacino
• Fear Factor: Canine Edition – 5 Things To Know About The Show Before You Go (2012 FRIGID NEW YORK FESTIVAL)

Five Questions. Five Answers. And One Big Decision: Rock, Paper, Or Scissors?

Fear Factor: Canine Edition

Written by: John Grady

Fear Factor: Canine Edition is about the peculiar and misguided true adventures of a man and his very trusting, very forgiving, therapy dog. An award-winning tale of true love and overcoming obstacles, while staring fear in the face.

Show Times:

• Sat 2/22 @ 9:00pm
• Mon 2/24 @ 8:30pm
• Tues 2/26 @ 1:00pm
• Sat 3/1 @ 9:00pm
• Sun 3/3 @ 7:00pm

Answers by John Grady
(Writer, Performer)

Karen Tortora-Lee’s Question
That’s some title. How did you come up with it – and what does it mean?
John: Thanks. I watch too much television…clearly. Is life merely a game?…Where everything I thought I’ve wanted, wished, or fought for, is always on the line? Am I the clutch hitter, stepping up to the plate, attempting to knock it out of the park to claim the title of The Natural? Or do I maybe bunt, or possibly force an error, hoping for something else?…and now just add a dog, and a ticking time bomb to that little scenario. Come watch Fear Factor: Canine Edition to see how it all plays out.

Diánna Martin’s Question
If you were going to invite five people, anyone from past and present, to see your FRIGID show – who would you invite and why?
John: I’d invite the Group of Seven. Then enjoy standing in the lobby of The Kraine Theatre and watching them go fisticuffs over the 5 seats. Feel free to google them. That’s your mini art history lesson for the day. And you’re welcome. If you feel so inclined to repay the favor, please, come to Fear Factor: Canine Edition,…(whispers) and afterwards, in the lobby, we’ll only talk about Emily Carr…in front of them.

Antonio Minino’s Question
What is the biggest sacrifice you’ve ever made for your Art and was it worth it?
John: Well, I was on the lam in Canada for a spell. And because of that, while I was living there, I did miss out on a significant amount of American pop culture. References to things that people make to me, to this day, that I was never exposed to. I have no idea who the Smurfs are for instance. But I will say that I now know a fair bit about curling…Oh, and even more importantly, that’s where I met Abby. In a small rural farm community outside of Toronto…so, yeah, I guessed that all worked out just fine in the end…or did it? Buy a ticket to Fear Factor: Canine Edition and hear how my life with Abby unfolds.

Geoffrey Paddy Johnson’s Question
Was there any unexpected discovery made during the development of this production and, if so, can you share it?
John: Yes…my next door neighbors watch a lot of sports. So every time they went wild, screaming and cheering for some non-curling event, I pretended that it was because they found a particular passage I had just written about my life with my dog, Abby, incredibly fascinating. So come to my show, and if you agree with my neighbors, please express yourself by cheering uncontrollably for Fear Factor: Canine Edition.

Michelle Augello-Page’s Question
What do you hope the audience receives from the experience of seeing this show?
John: A lesson in the importance of keeping you arms and legs in at all times during the ride. Fair warning…If you show any outward signs of fear while in attendance at my performance…be afraid, I will sense it. See you in the front row at Fear Factor: Canine Edition.

Rock, Paper, Scissors Tournament of DEAAAAATH

THM Bonus Question – We’re serious this year!
In the THM virtual Rock, Paper, Scissors Tournament of DEAAAAATH which FRIGID Show do you take on? And what do you throw?
John: Little Lady. Paper.

Wow, John, you didn’t even try to plug you show with that last answer!  Impressive strategy!  So … Little Lady threw scissors – so you LOST that round.  However, Love In The Time Of Chlamydia threw rock – and that’s a win!  Good going!

Thanks Fear Factor: Canine Edition for participating in The Happiest Medium’s FRIGID New York Festival 2012 Q&A. And for playing our game! You’re officially PAPER in any and all challenges. You may win again, you may lose again – who knows! This is how it works in the crazy world of the Rock, Paper, Scissors Tournament of DEAAAAATH!

For the rest of you don’t forget to check out Fear Factor: Canine Edition!

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The 2012 FRIGID NEW YORK FESTIVAL will run February 22-March 4 at The Kraine Theater & The Red Room (85 East 4th Street between 2nd Ave and Bowery) and UNDER St. Marks (94 St. Marks Place between 1st Ave and Ave A). Tickets to all shows may be purchased online at www.FRIGIDnewyork.info or by calling Smarttix at 212-868-4444.

Related Posts:

• Little Lady: 5 Things To Know About The Show Before You Go (2012 FRIGID NEW YORK FESTIVAL)
• Rabbit Island: 5 Things To Know About The Show Before You Go (2012 FRIGID NEW YORK FESTIVAL)
• BREATHE LOVE REPEAT: a near-life experience – 5 Things To Know About The Show Before You Go (2012 FRIGID NEW YORK FESTIVAL)
• Death, It Happens: A Girl’s Guide To Death – 5 Things To Know About The Show Before You Go (2012 FRIGID NEW YORK FESTIVAL)
• Judge, Yuri & Executioner: 5 Things To Know About The Show Before You Go (2012 FRIGID NEW YORK FESTIVAL)

Five Questions. Five Answers. And One Big Decision: Rock, Paper, Or Scissors?

Rabbit Island

Company: Elephant Run District
Directed by: Aimee Todoroff

Alex zigzags irregular relationships with an erratic therapist, his off-again/on-again girlfriend, and an untamed burlesque dancer. What more will it take to become a Real New Yorker? “When life sucks as bad as your mental health, go to Rabbit Island.”

Show Times:

• Thur 2/23 @ 9:00pm
• Sat 2/25 @ 8:30pm
• Mon 2/27, @ 7:30pm
• Thur 3/01 @ 6:00pm
• Sat 3/03 @ 5:30pm

Answers by Chris Harcum

(Playwright)

Karen Tortora-Lee’s Question
That’s some title. How did you come up with it – and what does it mean?
Chris: Oh, I bet you say that to all the Frigid Festival shows.

My friend, and brilliant costume designer, Kathryn Rohe, suggested I develop a character named Alex from my solo show Gotham Standards for a full play. He’s a Canadian in New York City and always slightly out of place, which is my default setting. I was looking at a Not For Tourists Guide and saw that Coney Island came from the Dutch “Konijn Eiland.” In English, that’s “Rabbit Island.” I also found out that Coney Island isn’t actually an island, it’s a peninsula. Something about that is fitting for the characters in this play who are freakshows on the inside and not all they seem on the outside. Plus, come on, rabbits. (You should ask me sometime how we came up with the company’s name, Elephant Run District. It’s a far more entertaining answer.)

Diánna Martin’s Question
If you were going to invite five people, anyone from past and present, to see your FRIGID show – who would you invite and why?
Chris: After Diánna Martin, I’m not sure. Probably Karen Tortora-Lee, Antonio Minino, Michelle Augello-Page, and some dude named Paddy. I consistently ask thousands of people to come to my shows but I don’t think these 5 have seen any of my pieces. That’s a damn shame and I hope we can fix that with this one.

Antonio Minino’s QuestionWhat is the biggest sacrifice you’ve ever made for your Art and was it worth it?
Chris: There’s an alternate reality in which I’m a professor of something respectable somewhere with a little league team litter of my progeny living in various parts of my 16,000 square foot McMansion.

Geoffrey Paddy Johnson’s Question
Was there any unexpected discovery made during the development of this production and, if so, can you share it?
Chris: We had over 1700 actors submit for 5 roles. The role Carrie Heitman is playing was sought by over 650 actresses. The one Melissa House is doing, over 450. One of the next projects for Elephant Run District will be an evening of monologues I write for women. We had a difficult time deciding who to cast in this show and I will write pieces for some of the strong actresses we had read for Rabbit Island.

Michelle Augello-Page’s Question
What do you hope the audience receives from the experience of seeing this show?
Chris: I hope you get a more-than-sufficient quota of laughs, gasps, shocks, and that good kind of devastation. And maybe the world will seem a little less crazy and more bearable.

Rock, Paper, Scissors Tournament of DEAAAAATH

THM Bonus Question – We’re serious this year!
In the THM virtual Rock, Paper, Scissors Tournament of DEAAAAATH which FRIGID Show do you take on? And what do you throw?
Chris: In the words of Michael Jackson, “I’m a lover, not a fighter.” So whatever will make me lose to Bricken Sparacino’s show, Death, It Happens: A Girl’s Guide to Death. She directed me in my solo show American Badass the last time I was in the Frigid Festival. She’s been a big sister to me for nearly 7 years.

Well, Chris – first of all that has to be the sweetest answer I’ve ever heard.  SECONDLY, we haven’t run their Q&A yet but I have inside info (ahem — I AM the editor) so I happen to know that Death, It Happens: A Girl’s Guide to Death threw ROCK.  For you to lose to Bricken, you’ll have to throw scissors.  So!  Predictably, you LOSE there. You were also challenged by Love In The Time Of Chlamydia who threw a rock at everyone.  That’s 2 for 2, Chris.   Don’t worry, we still love you so!

Thanks Rabbit Island for participating in The Happiest Medium’s FRIGID New York Festival 2012 Q&A. And for playing our game! You’re officially SCISSORS in any and all challenges. You may win, you may not – who knows! This is how it works in the crazy world of the Rock, Paper, Scissors Tournament of DEAAAAATH!

For the rest of you don’t forget to check out Rabbit Island!

~~~

~~~

The 2012 FRIGID NEW YORK FESTIVAL will run February 22-March 4 at The Kraine Theater & The Red Room (85 East 4th Street between 2nd Ave and Bowery) and UNDER St. Marks (94 St. Marks Place between 1st Ave and Ave A). Tickets to all shows may be purchased online at www.FRIGIDnewyork.info or by calling Smarttix at 212-868-4444.

Related Posts:

• Fear Factor: Canine Edition – 5 Things To Know About The Show Before You Go (2012 FRIGID NEW YORK FESTIVAL)
• Death, It Happens: A Girl’s Guide To Death – 5 Things To Know About The Show Before You Go (2012 FRIGID NEW YORK FESTIVAL)
• Judge, Yuri & Executioner: 5 Things To Know About The Show Before You Go (2012 FRIGID NEW YORK FESTIVAL)
• Little Lady: 5 Things To Know About The Show Before You Go (2012 FRIGID NEW YORK FESTIVAL)
• I Married A Nun: 5 Things To Know About The Show Before You Go (2012 FRIGID NEW YORK FESTIVAL)

Five Questions. Five Answers. And One Big Decision: Rock, Paper, Or Scissors?

Mac Rogers (photo by Lauren Arneson)

Judge, Yuri & Executioner

Company: Temerity Theatre Company
Directed by: DeLisa White

Zack is an 85-year-old masochist who prefers older women. His girlfriend just left him. Where can he find a kinky senior citizen now? Time to tell his darkly funny life story!

Show Times:

• Thur 2/23 @ 8:00pm
• Fri 2/24 @ 11:00pm
• Sun 2/26, @ 12:30pm
• Thur 2/01 @ 9:30pm
• Sat 2/03 @ 8:00pm

Answers by Ed Malin

(Playwright)

Karen Tortora-Lee’s Question
That’s some title. How did you come up with it – and what does it mean?
Ed: The title is a pun on several episodes from the main character’s life. He is 85 years old, has seen a lot, and is a very happy masochist. As such, he finds himself identifying with Russian cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin.

Diánna Martin’s Question
If you were going to invite five people, anyone from past and present, to see your FRIGID show – who would you invite and why?
Ed: I think this play can move people to examine their life choices, which makes for some potential discomfort. Perhaps people who do not believe they have choices in life should be invited. So I would go with St. Augustine, Martin Luther, John Calvin, Blaise Pascal, and Adolf Hitler.

Antonio Minino’s QuestionWhat is the biggest sacrifice you’ve ever made for your Art and was it worth it?
Ed: In the first developmental stage of this show I traveled to South Jersey for a convention of the polyamorous, where I read the first draft of the play myself in front of an audience while wearing a bathrobe and a thong. I was standing in front of a Tigger doll which was chained to a rack. The response was positive, and I think I earned it. Now, I have enlisted an experienced actor to perform the show, which he admits is therapeutic.

Geoffrey Paddy Johnson’s Question
Was there any unexpected discovery made during the development of this production and, if so, can you share it?
Ed: Mac Rogers has worked on this show with me several times. He is not an old man (but the character is supposed to be). We are discovering how best to portray a cantankerous, achey body with a sharp mind in it.We may be giving him a cane.  He will probably also pop open a can of Ensure for extra energy.

Michelle Augello-Page’s Question
What do you hope the audience receives from the experience of seeing this show?
Ed: My show’s character has always been afraid to assert himself. It takes him 85 years to get to the actions he takes at the end of the play. I would like the audience to know it’s OK to doubt yourself, everybody does.

Rock, Paper, Scissors Tournament of DEAAAAATH

THM Bonus Question – We’re serious this year!
In the THM virtual Rock, Paper, Scissors Tournament of DEAAAAATH which FRIGID Show do you take on? And what do you throw?
Ed: . . .

We get it, Ed.  You already feel like you’re on trial … with all the Judge yada yada.  So maybe you’d like to sit this one out.  But, like so many things in life — you can’t!  So, we’re choosing for you, and we choose ROCK.    And we’re pitting you against The Rope In Your Hands because based on title alone (not content) it sounds like your show and that show should be a double header.  So far, you’ve been challenged by Love in the Time of Chlamydia who threw a rock at EVERYONE.  So.  That’s a tie there.  Sounds like you’re off to a good start …

Thanks Judge, Yuri & Executioner for participating in The Happiest Medium’s FRIGID New York Festival 2012 Q&A. And for letting us choose your Rock Paper Scissors weapon! You’re officially ROCK in any and all challenges. You may win, you may not – who knows! This is how it works in the crazy world of the Rock, Paper, Scissors Tournament of DEAAAAATH!

For the rest of you, don’t forget to check out Judge, Yuri & Executioner!

~~~

~~~

The 2012 FRIGID NEW YORK FESTIVAL will run February 22-March 4 at The Kraine Theater & The Red Room (85 East 4th Street between 2nd Ave and Bowery) and UNDER St. Marks (94 St. Marks Place between 1st Ave and Ave A). Tickets to all shows may be purchased online at www.FRIGIDnewyork.info or by calling Smarttix at 212-868-4444.

Related Posts:

• Little Lady: 5 Things To Know About The Show Before You Go (2012 FRIGID NEW YORK FESTIVAL)
• Death, It Happens: A Girl’s Guide To Death – 5 Things To Know About The Show Before You Go (2012 FRIGID NEW YORK FESTIVAL)
• Fear Factor: Canine Edition – 5 Things To Know About The Show Before You Go (2012 FRIGID NEW YORK FESTIVAL)
• Rabbit Island: 5 Things To Know About The Show Before You Go (2012 FRIGID NEW YORK FESTIVAL)
• I Married A Nun: 5 Things To Know About The Show Before You Go (2012 FRIGID NEW YORK FESTIVAL)

Five Questions. Five Answers. And One Big Decision: Rock, Paper, Or Scissors?

Little Lady featuring Sandrine Lafond (Photo credit Paolo A. Santos)

Little Lady

The transformation of Cirque Du Soleil performer and Celine Dion dancer to performer generated theater artist is mirrored in this dark, comic and at times grotesque fable about our modern obsession with image. The exquisite movement skills of Lafond juxtapose with the world of distortion and manipulation accentuating LITTLE LADY’s tormented and blissful metamorphosis.

Show Times:

• Thu 2/23 @ 6:30pm
• Sat 2/25 @ 2pm
• Tue 2/28 @ 9:30pm
• Thu 3/1 @ 11pm
• Sat 3/3 @ 5pm
• Sun 3/4 @ 12:30pm

Answers by Sandrine Lafond
(Creator and performer)

Karen Tortora-Lee’s Question
That’s some title. How did you come up with it – and what does it mean?
Sandrine: It was last summer, I was on Manitoulin Island in North Ontario. I was working on two different characters and I needed a name to make sure I wouldn’t mix them up. It was the first thing that came to my mind. The only reason I kept it is because people liked it right away, so they decided! The name of the character and the piece are the same as ,I wanted simplicity.

Diánna Martin’s Question
If you were going to invite five people, anyone from past and present, to see your FRIGID show – who would you invite and why?
Sandrine: I would invite my father, he died when I was 7 and I would love for him to see who I am. My first dance teacher who has passed away too. She was the first one who believed I could be a dancer. I would love for her to see she was right.

Antonio Minino’s Question
What is the biggest sacrifice you’ve ever made for your Art and was it worth it?
Sandrine: I am always traveling, living in my suitcases. I see my family and friends rarely. It is worth it as I am happy and I know I am an inspiration for them as I always go for my dreams.

Geoffrey Paddy Johnson’s Question
Was there any unexpected discovery made during the development of this production and, if so, can you share it?
Sandrine: The biggest discovery and surprise during this creation was to realize how much inspiration living in Las Vegas gave me. It is the seed of my show.

Michelle Augello-Page’s Question
What do you hope the audience receives from the experience of seeing this show?
Sandrine: I hope the audience will feel emotions because this is the only time that we feel we are really alive.

Rock, Paper, Scissors Tournament of DEAAAAATH

THM Bonus Question – We’re serious this year!
In the THM virtual Rock, Paper, Scissors Tournament of DEAAAAATH which FRIGID Show do you take on? And what do you throw?
Sandrine: I don’t understand the last one, lost in translation, so do as you want.

Oh, Sandrine, Sandrine. Lost In Translation – the movie that launched ScarJo’s career.  Such fond memories.  But even cuter, you have no idea what Rock, Paper, Scissors is!  Oh – so glad you left it up to us.  We will choose wisely for you.  And we choose … SCISSORS.  Because you are always living out of suitcases and scissors come in handy when you are always on the road.

You’ve been challenged by Love In The Time Of Chlamydia (who took on everyone) and she threw ROCK.  So – in this case – you lost.  But don’t worry!  There are more chances to win!

Thanks Little Lady for participating in The Happiest Medium’s FRIGID New York Festival 2012 Q&A. And for playing our game! You’re officially SCISSORS in any and all challenges. You may win in the future, you may not – who knows! This is how it works in the crazy world of the Rock, Paper, Scissors Tournament of DEAAAAATH!

For the rest of you don’t forget to check out Little Lady!

Related Posts:

• Fear Factor: Canine Edition – 5 Things To Know About The Show Before You Go (2012 FRIGID NEW YORK FESTIVAL)
• Judge, Yuri & Executioner: 5 Things To Know About The Show Before You Go (2012 FRIGID NEW YORK FESTIVAL)
• I Married A Nun: 5 Things To Know About The Show Before You Go (2012 FRIGID NEW YORK FESTIVAL)
• BREATHE LOVE REPEAT: a near-life experience – 5 Things To Know About The Show Before You Go (2012 FRIGID NEW YORK FESTIVAL)
• Death, It Happens: A Girl’s Guide To Death – 5 Things To Know About The Show Before You Go (2012 FRIGID NEW YORK FESTIVAL)

As part of the Board of Directors of MTWorks I’m really proud to be involved with the National Newborn Festival. Part of my job was to help choose the Excellence in Playwriting Award (see below for the winner!) and this year I’ll be introducing one of the plays — but I won’t tell you which one!  You’ll just have to come join me at the festival.

So what is Newborn?

Now on its sixth year, The National NewBorn Festival is MTWorks playwriting competition and flagship program created to find talented emerging playwrights from across the US, introduce their work to the New York community, and open new doors to regional voices.

READINGS ARE FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

TO RESERVE YOUR SEATS CLICK HERE
(OR VISIT http://tinyurl.com/72h4jfw)

February 2-4, 2012
The City College of New York (map)
North Academic Center, 160 Convent Avenue  New York, NY
First Floor Lecture Hall (1/202)

THE 2012 PLAYS & SCHEDULE

Thursday, February 2nd at 7pm

The Tragedy of Dandelion by Duncan Pflaster, directed by Leah Bonvissuto, produced by Jessica Thornhill.

The Tragedy of Dandelion follows a Princess named Dandelion, who attempts to escape, by dressing as a boy, a forced marriage to Ratliff, a man who raped and impregnated her. She collaborates with Prince Crispin, son of Queen Alice, telling him that the baby is his, to gain a place in that kingdom and while waiting in the Queen’s orchard, meets the Queen’s daughter, Princess Cèlie, and shares a kiss with her. She gains a place in Alice’s kingdom, till Ratliff and her father King Stephano, come to Alice’s palace and point out that Dandelion is a female, and drag her away. A new lesbian verse play by Duncan Pflaster.

Friday, February 3rd at 7pm

Denny and Lila by August Schulenburg, directed by Tom Wojtunik, produced by London Griffith.

After her husband Marcus divorces her for their much younger maid Lucia, Mary turns to the con artist team of Denny, Lila and Jabber for revenge. They take the job, with Denny pretending to be the Neruda-quoting electrician ‘Fred’ to seduce Lucia; and Lila pretending to be the daffily charming British novelist ‘Mara’ to seduce Marcus. All goes well until Denny develops an unexpected connection to Nettie, Mary and Marcus’ manic-depressive daughter.

Saturday, February 4th at 5pm *Excellence in Playwriting Award Winner*

The Excellence in Playwriting Award is bestowed by the MTWorks’ Board of Directors. The board selects the winner before the festival takes place and is not influenced by the work the director and actors are achieving at the readings.

Absinthe by Joe Musso, directed by Dev Bondarin, produced by Martha Goode.

It’s July 1900, and a race riot has engulfed New Orleans, sparked by a black man killing two white policemen. At first, the violence on the streets is far removed from the genteel parlor of Grace Newman, a blind white woman cared for by her house servant, Curtis, a former slave owned by Grace’s father. Grace and Curtis’s relationship is forged by respect and compassion. However, their true feelings for each other must remain hidden from Grace’s racist brother Henry, a Civil War vet who fought for the South and who is hell-bent on bringing justice to a black man who killed two white policemen. As a race riot in the streets unfolds, Grace and Curtis’s relationship unravels.

Saturday, February 4th at 8pm *Resident Reading*

On Egdon Heath adapted by David Stallings from Thomas Hardy’s novel The Return of the Native directed by Glory Kadigan, produced by David Stallings.

Award-winning playwright David Stallings’ adapts one of the most powerful works of famed author Thomas Hardy, “The Return of the Native”. The ensemble of townspeople On Egdon Heath will take you on a journey of love, passion and folklore, centered around the beautiful and mystical Eustacia Vye. Her hunger for escape and a devastating twist of fate will affect the lives of the Yeobrights, the Wildeves and the heart of the heath.

Related Posts:

• A Day In The Life … “The Family Shakespeare” By The Numbers
• MTWorks National NewBorn Festival Kicks Off Tonight
• The National Newborn Festival: Celebrating Emerging Playwrights In Style
• Women’s History Month: Celebrating Women In The Arts – Spotlight On Dev Bondarin
• Small Town, Big Show – “Barrier Island”

Stabat Mater Fabulosa

The Morningside Opera company offered up a quite singular interpretation of Pergolesi‘s Stabat Mater in their Fabulosa rendition on January 26th at Dixon Place, which proved, at once, a scholarly as well as a quite literal undressing of the original. Composed in 1736 – the year of Pergolesi’s death at the august age of 26 – the piece has been an iconic work in the canon of western sacred music ever since and has enjoyed an unbroken record of performance for nearly three hundred years. This surely says something about a work, to have endured so vigorously the vagaries of artistic, musical, and religious change, never mind or dare one say, taste. Which in many ways explains its attraction for Morningside Opera, who see their role as boundary-pushers wishing to invigorate dialogue between traditional and new modes of the form. Their stripped down presentation was both scholastically dense as well as visually provocative.

Stabat Mater Fabulosa at Dixon Place

As the slowly drawn out, deliciously mournful harmonies swelled to fill the auditorium, we were presented with two female singers attired in silky camisoles and nickers more evocative of the flapper era than anything from the 18th century. This anachronistic note is key, as the physical performance in large measure is characterized by a panotomimed broadness of expression redolent of the 1920s cabaret era, a time that was interested in the exposure, as much as in the celebration of artifice. From there, as the sequence of songs unfolded, we were subjected to a sort of reverse strip tease as the women, an alto and a soprano, episodically dressed themselves in layer after layer of high baroque costume, enacting scenes in varying degrees ridiculous, mocking, sentimental, and titillating. These little mimes were intentionally played to undermine the exquisite feeling in the vocalizations and critique the psychological realism on display.  While this is going on photographic projections were thrown up on a wall behind, exhibiting scenes of feminine intimacy and maternal ideality, a foil to the silly capering and posturing in the foreground. As the singers graduated into foundation garments, dresses, and eventually wigs, the greater question of the construct of feminine identity surfaced and, with a grand historical sweep, addressed details of formal 18th century attire and contemporary notions of the ”undressed” feminine, maternal self. It could not be ignored that the photographs appeared in the form of “projections”, and with some subtle lighting play, remained gauzily vague, fading in and out of prominence.

The voices meantime, ever beautifully harmonized, persisted throughout, hardly impacted by the movements and gestures of the singers as, gamefully, and with dumb show agony, they were trussed into punitive corsets, chased each other about the grand piano, swooned in affected attitudes of grieving faints, and skipped in merry passes, revealing the schism between form and feeling. Implicit is the Roman church’s sado-masochistic excitement at the representation of Mary, mother of Jesus, in her moment of anguished grief, as the vessel of mortification and sorrow that believers should aspire to in contemplation of Christ’s ultimate and bloody sacrifice. That this idea should be elaborated in such a musically sensuous, celebratory style singularly at odds with its subject, is one of civilization’s exquisite, yet abundant paradoxes, and the primary focus of the Fabulosa production. The sense of contradiction is echoed in finer details throughout the performance and is given special focus in the costuming, which plays a central role. One singer is laced tightly into a corset severely compressing the waist, and the other is obliged to saddle herself with a steel-framed pannier belt, which works to dramatically expand the hipline. They both put on identical, pastel colored dresses and harmonize perfectly. Their lofty, powdered wigs are adorned with miniature bird cages, inside of which are tiny birds; the spirit of freedom and movement is entrapped and stilled for human contemplation. The puritanical mindset might demur, but the baroque era is nothing if not  anathema to such a sensibility.

Stabat Mater Fabulosa itself is a rich confection for contemplation. I couldn’t begin to pretend I had understood or unpacked all the pointed charades and features on show. Of course there will be purists (as opposed to puritans) who will not countenance this kind of aggressive deconstruction of a classic that, in some measure, still owns a religious dimension. But that would be their loss. This is a show that could prove as poised on a Las Vegas stage as it might at La Scala. One scene, where the scantily clad singers, supine together atop the grand piano, draw on stockinged hose while intoning Latin lines of dolorous gravity – “O how sad and afflicted was that blessed mother of the only- begotten” – could write its own ticket to play anywhere. Well, almost anywhere. And that alone, perhaps, might suffice as a badge of success.

Brett Umlauf and Amber Youell were respectively the soprano and alto performers and displayed a real harmonizing intimacy in their singing, despite all the distractions they had to attend to. Kelly Savage was the stalwart keyboard accompanist, and Laura Careless devised choreography and movement. The projections were supplied by Jessica Ng, and the utterly thoughtful and no less fabulous costumes were the work of Annie Holt. One would hope and think that this production was on the radar of the opera community, and that it should stimulate the sort of discussion and investigation that Morningside Opera aspire to provoke. For all its playful heart, Stabat Mater Fabulosa ultimately proves perfectly serious.

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For more information about Morningside Opera please visit their site and join them on Facebook.

Related Posts:

• Not Your Father’s Circus: Le Cirque Feerique (The Fairy Circus)
• Judgement Of Paris: Morningside Opera Is At It Again And I Can’t Wait
• Women’s History Month: Celebrating Women In The Arts – Spotlight On Brett Umlauf
• The Fairest Of Them All: Company XIV – Snow White
• Benefit Concert For Ghar Sita Mutu

Five Questions. Five Answers. And One Big Decision: Rock, Paper, Or Scissors?

I MARRIED A NUN! Dyan Forest

I Married A Nun!

A one-woman show that dramatically depicts D’yan’s search for love and meaning in life, finding the answers—at age 77—in the smoldering cabarets and demimonde of Paris. With humor, art and her ukulele, she reveals the truth that’s valid for all of us.

Show Times:

• Wed. 2/22 @ 9:00 PM
• Thurs. 2/23 @ 6:00 PM
• Sun. 2/26 @ 1:00 PM
• Thurs. 3/1 @ 7:30 PM
• Sat. 3/3 @ 8:30 PM

Answers by D’yan Forest
(Playwright & Performer)

Karen Tortora-Lee’s Question
That’s some title. How did you come up with it – and what does it mean?
D’yan: It’s the truth, and the reason I wrote the show.

Diánna Martin’s Question
If you were going to invite five people, anyone from past and present, to see your FRIGID show – who would you invite and why?
D’yan: I’d start with the Nun, so she could see the truth. The Nun’s daughter (that’s right the Nun has a kid) would be second on the list, so the daughter could see how she ruined the marriage. I’d also invite my Rabbi so she would forgive me for what I’d love to do to the ex-Nun. Of course my shrink needs to be included, so she can get a better idea of how to cure me. And lastly, I’d invite the most conservative member of my golf club, so they would be aware of why I go to Paris, and have so much fun. Plus then, they will tell everyone else at the club about my Parisian adventures.

Antonio Minino’s Question
What is the biggest sacrifice you’ve ever made for your Art and was it worth it?
D’yan: Writing the show, and baring my soul for all to see.  So far, my bank account says it’s not worth it.

Geoffrey Paddy Johnson’s Question
Was there any unexpected discovery made during the development of this production and, if so, can you share it?
D’yan: My senior citizen friends, though shocked, still talked to me after the show.

Michelle Augello-Page’s Question
What do you hope the audience receives from the experience of seeing this show?
D’yan: I would love to educate people that L’amour n’a pas d’age – Love has no age, and no boundaries.

Rock, Paper, Scissors Tournament of DEAAAAATH

THM Bonus Question – We’re serious this year!
In the THM virtual Rock, Paper, Scissors Tournament of DEAAAAATH which FRIGID Show do you take on? And what do you throw?
D’yan: …

D’yan! That’s not actually an answer! BUT this year we will be picking for those who are NOT playing because THIS IS THE PART OF THE Q&A THAT COULD MEAN LIFE OR DEAAAAATH!  SO!

You are PAPER. And you challenge Poe-Dunk: A Matchbox Entertainment because despite the fact that they are matches you think you can conquer them with your piece of paper.  The result is a fiery blaze!  Just like your show!

Thanks I Married A Nun! for participating in The Happiest Medium’s FRIGID New York Festival 2012 Q&A. And for letting us play the game in your place. You’re officially PAPER in any and all challenges. You may win, you may not – who knows! This is how it works in the crazy world of the Rock, Paper, Scissors Tournament of DEAAAAATH!

For the rest of you, don’t forget to check out I Married A Nun!

~~~

The 2012 FRIGID NEW YORK FESTIVAL will run February 22-March 4 at The Kraine Theater & The Red Room (85 East 4th Street between 2nd Ave and Bowery) and UNDER St. Marks (94 St. Marks Place between 1st Ave and Ave A). Tickets to all shows may be purchased online at www.FRIGIDnewyork.info or by calling Smarttix at 212-868-4444.

Related Posts:

• Death, It Happens: A Girl’s Guide To Death – 5 Things To Know About The Show Before You Go (2012 FRIGID NEW YORK FESTIVAL)
• Little Lady: 5 Things To Know About The Show Before You Go (2012 FRIGID NEW YORK FESTIVAL)
• Love In The Time Of Chlamydia: 5 Things To Know About The Show Before You Go (2012 FRIGID NEW YORK FESTIVAL)
• Fear Factor: Canine Edition – 5 Things To Know About The Show Before You Go (2012 FRIGID NEW YORK FESTIVAL)
• Rabbit Island: 5 Things To Know About The Show Before You Go (2012 FRIGID NEW YORK FESTIVAL)

Five Questions.  Five Answers.  And one big decision: Rock, Paper, or Scissors?

Nicole Pandolfo

Love In The Time Of Chlamydia

Company: Hard Sparks

Love In The Time Of Chlamydia is one woman’s search for love in a world full of absent dads, dirtbag boyfriends, and premature ejaculators. Your first time wasn’t weirder – and your best time wasn’t wilder – than writer-performer Nicole Pandolfo’s.

Show Times:

• Thur. 2/23 @ 10:30 PM
• Sat. 2/25 @ 4:00 PM
• Sun. 2/26 @ 4:00 PM
• Wed. 2/29 @ 6:00 PM
• Sun 3/4 @ 5:30 PM

Answers by Nicole Pandolfo

(Writer, Performer)

Karen Tortora-Lee’s Question
That’s some title. How did you come up with it – and what does it mean?
Nicole: Well, it started out originally as monologues from the perspective of prostitutes who had seen really weird stuff go down on the job, and it was called Five Fucked Up Fetishes. Then I realized I was using a lot of back story from my own real life – God that sounds bad – and then I was like ‘ok, this is actually going to be a one person show based on my life.’ And then, because there is a vignette with venereal disease, I came up with Sex in the Time of Chlamydia. I came up with that very quickly and it was obviously inspired in its form by the title Love in the Time of Cholera. And then when I was really getting into writing the first draft I realized that even though there was a lot of sex in the piece it was really about love. And it took me a minute for that to sink in. But once it did I decided to stick with Love In The Time Of Chlamydia, and it made it even closer to Marquez’s title, but it just felt right so that’s how it came to be. I think it hints at the way sex is presented in this piece specifically, which is kind of funny, and kind of weird, and it’s sexy but not in a conventional way.

Diánna Martin’s Question
If you were going to invite five people, anyone from past and present, to see your FRIGID show – who would you invite and why?
Nicole: John Leguizamo – I think what he does with one-person shows is amazing. I am a huge fan of his work and I hope he would like this. I invited him last March outside of Ghetto Klown a year ago when I didn’t even know when or where it would be done, just that it would be done, and his bodyguard snatched my business card out of his hand. Bummer! I’ve been trying to get in touch with him to get him invited, but have been having a hard time. So if you know anyone who knows anyone, please let me know!

Chris Farley – I love him and think he is so funny and I think he might like this. I like to do improv and I would have LOVED to do improv with him, though I’m sure I’d never make it through a scene without losing it with laughter. As far as entertainers go I really wish he wasn’t dead.

Patrick Pandolfo – My grandfather. He died when my mom was 12, so we’ve obviously never met, and I really wouldn’t want him to see me talking about sex for 50 minutes, but I’d invite him just for the chance to meet him.

The Ejaculator – Come see the show and you’ll know why.

My future agent – Sign me already!

Antonio Minino’s Question
What is the biggest sacrifice you’ve ever made for your Art and was it worth it?
Nicole: I think some of the stuff I put out there in this show is actually the biggest sacrifice I have made for my art. It’s really personal and kind of down and dirty if you know what I mean. It’s a very exposed piece and my mom came to a presentation I did of an early script a couple of years ago, and when I think about that it makes my skin crawl. She was totally cool about it and supportive, but I was just like ‘Why did I invite her to this?!’ I really wanted to at the time but in retrospect I’m like…eh, maybe not. I’ve now told all my family they can come when it gets moved Off-Broadway.

Geoffrey Paddy Johnson’s Question
Was there any unexpected discovery made during the development of this production and, if so, can you share it?
Nicole: I have to say being asked to do it with J.Stephen Brantley’s new company Hard Sparks was such a major surprise. I love him and his work and I was so honored to be his new company’s second major production. At the time I was asked I had kind of put it on a shelf in my mind and he brought it to life! Also, in the rehearsal room with director Jonathan Warman I’m finding all kinds of amazing and hilarious moments that I’ve discovered with him.

Michelle Augello-Page’s Question
What do you hope the audience receives from the experience of seeing this show?
Nicole: I hope the audience reflects on their own life, and maybe they’ve had some not so perfect moments growing up and that they think ‘Ok, I was young, and learning, and trying different things…I wasn’t a bad person, I was a kid! I was just trying to figure it out.’ Trying to find love. That’s what it’s helped me do, so hopefully it helps them to do that also. But above all, I hope it entertains them. That’s the whole point of it all really.

Rock, Paper, Scissors Tournament of DEAAAAATH

THM Bonus Question – We’re serious this year!
In the THM virtual Rock, Paper, Scissors Tournament of DEAAAAATH which FRIGID Show do you take on? And what do you throw?
Nicole: ROCK!

Thanks Love In The Time Of Chlamydia for participating in The Happiest Medium’s FRIGID New York Festival 2012 Q&A. And for playing our game! You’re officially ROCK in any and all challenges. And apparently you take on EVERYONE!  So far, you’ve already won – by beating  Breathe, Love, Repeat who threw scissors.  So Congratulations!  You may keep winning, you may not – who knows! This is how it works in the crazy world of the Rock, Paper, Scissors Tournament of DEAAAAATH!

For the rest of you don’t forget to check out Love In The Time Of Chlamydia!

~~~

Love in the Time of Chlamydia
Company: Hard Sparks
Directed by: Jonathan Warman

Feb 23, 10:30PM
Feb 25, 4:00PM
Feb 26, 4:00PM
Feb 29, 6:00PM
Mar 04, 5:30PM

$13.00

UNDER St.Marks

~~~

The 2012 FRIGID NEW YORK FESTIVAL will run February 22-March 4 at The Kraine Theater & The Red Room (85 East 4th Street between 2nd Ave and Bowery) and UNDER St. Marks (94 St. Marks Place between 1st Ave and Ave A). Tickets to all shows may be purchased online at www.FRIGIDnewyork.info or by calling Smarttix at 212-868-4444.

Related Posts:

• Death, It Happens: A Girl’s Guide To Death – 5 Things To Know About The Show Before You Go (2012 FRIGID NEW YORK FESTIVAL)
• I Married A Nun: 5 Things To Know About The Show Before You Go (2012 FRIGID NEW YORK FESTIVAL)
• Fear Factor: Canine Edition – 5 Things To Know About The Show Before You Go (2012 FRIGID NEW YORK FESTIVAL)
• Rabbit Island: 5 Things To Know About The Show Before You Go (2012 FRIGID NEW YORK FESTIVAL)
• Judge, Yuri & Executioner: 5 Things To Know About The Show Before You Go (2012 FRIGID NEW YORK FESTIVAL)

Five Questions.  Five Answers.  And one big decision: Rock, Paper, or Scissors?

Suzen Murakoshi

BREATHE LOVE REPEAT:a near-life experience

Produced by: The Mustique Projects

A samurai super daughter struggles with her mother at the crossroads between east and west to affirm life between this world and the next.

Show Times:

• Wed. 2/22 @ 10:30pm
• Fri. 2/24 @ 7:30pm
• Mon. 2/27 @ 7:30pm
• Fri. 3/2  @ 10:30pm
• Sun. 3/4 @ 7:00pm

Answers by Suzen Murakoshi

(Playwright, Performer)

Karen Tortora-Lee’s Question
That’s some title. How did you come up with it – and what does it mean?
Suzen: THANKS! It’s the mantra I was wrestling with at one of the lowest points in my life. The ‘repeat’ part is the hardest, because it’s like, “you mean, I have to do it again? And, again?”

Diánna Martin’s Question
If you were going to invite five people, anyone from past and present, to see your FRIGID show – who would you invite and why?
Suzen:1) I’d invite my mother. Because it’s our story together, and she’s not around anymore.  2) Ditto with my father, same reason. He checked out even sooner than my mom. 3) It seems like I’m inviting all these dead people, but I’d invite Romulus Linney, my play-writing teacher, the best I ever had. I hope he’d be proud of me, he’d at least have suggestions to make it better. 4) And, famous people? Like Shakespeare, because I’d love to meet him. 5) Ditto with Michalangelo.

Antonio Minino’s Question
What is the biggest sacrifice you’ve ever made for your Art and was it worth it?
Suzen: Not going snowboarding this winter. Naw, seriously. It’s like feeling like I’m sacrificing something when I’m really not. Like money, my life, my time, not having kids, not spending more time with mom. These aren’t really sacrifices, but choices. I get to make my own show about my mom.

Geoffrey Paddy Johnson’s Question
Was there any unexpected discovery made during the development of this production and, if so, can you share it?
Suzen: Hmm. It’s that I’m not over not having a mom yet. I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to ‘get over it.’ THAT’s what the show is about. There’s a resolution in the show, but, is there ever really a personal one? It’s still hard to keep going back there …

Michelle Augello-Page’s Question
What do you hope the audience receives from the experience of seeing this show?
Suzen: We (the company, Director and myself) hope people (and I know everyone says this) will understand how important each and every moment is in their lives. The quality of that moment is how much attention is paid there and then. To be completely full present in each second of each encounter with whomever you’re with is a gift that keeps on giving, which we hope BREATHE LOVE REPEAT does actually accomplish.

Rock, Paper, Scissors Tournament of DEAAAAATH

THM Bonus Question – We’re serious this year!

In the THM virtual Rock, Paper, Scissors Tournament of DEAAAAATH which FRIGID Show do you take on? And what do you throw?

Suzen: Blind to Happiness. And I throw SCISSORS.

Thanks BREATHE LOVE REPEAT: a near-life experience for participating in The Happiest Medium’s FRIGID New York Festival 2012 Q&A. And for playing our game! You’re officially SCISSORS in any and all challenges. You may win, you may not – who knows! This is how it works in the crazy world of the Rock, Paper, Scissors Tournament of DEAAAAATH!

For the rest of you don’t forget to check out BREATHE LOVE REPEAT: a near-life experience at UNDER St. Marks!

~~~

~~~

The 2012 FRIGID NEW YORK FESTIVAL will run February 22-March 4 at The Kraine Theater & The Red Room (85 East 4th Street between 2nd Ave and Bowery) and UNDER St. Marks (94 St. Marks Place between 1st Ave and Ave A). Tickets to all shows may be purchased online at www.FRIGIDnewyork.info or by calling Smarttix at 212-868-4444.

Related Posts:

• Fear Factor: Canine Edition – 5 Things To Know About The Show Before You Go (2012 FRIGID NEW YORK FESTIVAL)
• Little Lady: 5 Things To Know About The Show Before You Go (2012 FRIGID NEW YORK FESTIVAL)
• Death, It Happens: A Girl’s Guide To Death – 5 Things To Know About The Show Before You Go (2012 FRIGID NEW YORK FESTIVAL)
• I Married A Nun: 5 Things To Know About The Show Before You Go (2012 FRIGID NEW YORK FESTIVAL)
• Love In The Time Of Chlamydia: 5 Things To Know About The Show Before You Go (2012 FRIGID NEW YORK FESTIVAL)