The Happiest Medium » Horse Trade Theater Group

Dandy Darkly’s Trigger Happy!: 10 Things To Know About The Show Before You Go (2016 FRIGID NEW YORK FESTIVAL)

Karen Tortora-Lee — Fri, 12 Feb 2016 21:33:43 +0000

Ten Questions. Ten Answers. And one Big Surprise in the audience …

Dandy Darkly’s Trigger Happy!

“All American Tales of Sex and Death!”

Show Info:

Tue Feb 16, 2016 | 7:10PM
Sat Feb 20, 2016 | 8:50PM
Tue Feb 23, 2016 | 5:30PM
Fri Mar 4, 2016 | 10:30PM
Sun Mar 6, 2016 | 1:50PM

UNDER St. Marks New York, NY $10/$15

Answers by Dandy Darkly
(poet, playwright, performer, pervert)

1. Forget the PR version. When you’re talking to your friends, how do you explain this show to them?
Dandy: Dandy Darkly typically explains his shows to friends via crude ransom letters. Really helps to encourage attendance!

2. Here’s a scenario: After the show some audience members go have a drink. What’s the part of the show you hope they’re discussing?
Dandy: I pack my storytelling performances with so much to mull over — costumes, original music, social satire. But I hope people are discussing the way I bend words around one another to spit out these perplexing paragraphs of profane (yet still incredibly pretty) poetry.

3. What drives your show – character, theme or plot?
Dandy: Dandy Darkly drives his show. The nonstop pace of the spoken words set against a beautiful, hauntingly-immersive, musical soundscape pulls the audience into another world.

4. In rehearsals, read-thrus, or prior incarnations, what’s the one thing someone said about the show so far that made you (or the team) the most proud?
Dandy: I’m proudest of my work when audience members offer a stunned, “I had no idea that’s what you do.” Expect the absolute unexpected.

5. If money and resources (and even reality) were no object what is the most lavish, luxurious, pointless prop, costume, effect – anything – that you would spend money on for this show?
Dandy: A pointless and luxurious prop I’d like for a show would be a massive, diamond encrusted, rocket propelled dildo that Dandy Darkly would ride side-saddle on to the stage. That would do nicely!

6. What’s the one thing you’re looking forward to regarding the FRIGID Festival itself?
Dandy: Of the international festivals I’ve performed in, I really love the FRIGID Festival. For me, this festival epitomizes the soul of what it means to be an outsider fringe artist. This is a festival where truly emerging voices are given an opportunity to flourish. Not to mention 100% of ticket sales are paid back to the artist. There’s nothing else like it in the city. Frigid is truly a throw back to an era of “art for art’s sake” that’s sorely missing from the Downtown NYC scene. I’m thrilled to see such artists express themselves and proud to be keeping St. Marks weird!

7. Is there a scene, a moment, a gesture … anything at all in the show that you anticipate may get a completely different reaction depending on the audience that night?
Dandy: There’s a pointed political call to action near the end of the show. It will be fun seeing how it plays out considering our presently passionately charged “Bernie versus Hillary” slap fight.

8. What’s your favorite line from the show?
Dandy: “Disco roller skates on a towering Grace Joneses!”

9. What’s the last thing you usually do before the beginning of a show?
Dandy: One last lipstick touch up before I scare my adoring public!

10. You scan the audience and you see a face that stops you dead in your tracks – who is it? And why are you shocked?
Dandy: I’d be shocked to recognize anyone in the audience. Little known showbiz secret: Dandy Darkly is blind as Helen Keller lost in a coal mine!

Well, Dandy Darkly – that explains your last name! ”Through a Theatre Darkly” — hahaha! Well, seeing as how you won’t recognize anyone in the audience, make sure you have someone tell you if anyone amazing was out there!

Thanks so much for answering our questions, Dandy Darkly!

The rest of you – don’t forget to check out Dandy Darkly’s Trigger Happy!

-*-*-

Horse Trade Theater Group will present the 10th Annual FRIGID New York Festival at The Kraine Theater (85 East 4^th Street between 2^nd Avenue and Bowery) and UNDER St. Marks (94 St. Marks Place between 1^st Avenue and Avenue A) February 16-March 6. All shows run 60 minutes, or less. Tickets are available for purchase in advance at http://www.horsetrade.info/

The Extraordinary Fall of the Four-Legged Woman: 10 Things To Know About The Show Before You Go (2016 FRIGID NEW YORK FESTIVAL)

Karen Tortora-Lee — Thu, 11 Feb 2016 20:27:46 +0000

Ten Questions. Ten Answers. And one Big Surprise in the audience …

The Extraordinary Fall of the Four-Legged Woman

produced by Flights of Fantasy East

Step right up and witness a fantastical circus sideshow! In the dusty desert of Arizona, Myrtle Corbin, The Four-Legged Woman, meets her match. This experimental musical reveals the wonders of performing and navigates what it means to be “other.”

Show Info:

Thu Feb 18, 2016 | 7:10PM
Sat Feb 20, 2016 | 6:40PM
Mon Feb 22, 2016 | 8:50PM
Sat Feb 27, 2016 | 1:40PM
Wed Mar 02, 2016 | 8:50PM

Kraine Theater New York, NY $10/$12

Answers by Madeline Wall (Director)
Lily Ali-Oshatz (Book, Music, and Lyrics)

1. Forget the PR version. When you’re talking to your friends, how do you explain this show to them?
Maddie: I have always wanted to direct a project about different kinds of bodies, and this show really hits all the bases. It’s my favorite thing.
Lily: It’s the love story of Myrtle Corbin, the one and only four-legged woman, so it’s bound to be different, weird, and extraordinary!

2. Here’s a scenario: After the show some audience members go have a drink. What’s the part of the show you hope they’re discussing?
Maddie: Honestly, I hope they’re talking about the sweeter moments. It’s a very dark show, but there’s also a lot of joy and I hope that people leave remembering the beautiful parts. Also the music. I know that’s what will be with people after they’ve left.
Lily: I want people to be questioning how they view bodies, in terms of race, gender, and size. This show is all about the performance and presentation of identities. I hope that people are forced to think more deeply about how these identities intersect, both for the characters and for themselves. Oswald’s final scene with Myrtle really encapsulates this idea.

3. What drives your show – character, theme or plot?
Maddie: Character. But maybe theme. Dammit, Lily! The characters are so influenced by the actors. But if we had to do this with a whole different cast, the show would still be about love and bodies.
Lily: Definitely character. We had a very extensive casting process and I did a lot of rewrites once we found our troupe of actors.

4. In rehearsals, read-thrus, or prior incarnations, what’s the one thing someone said about the show so far that made you (or the team) the most proud?
Maddie: One of the panelists at Musical Theatre Factory in New York when we workshopped there last October said that the work of the team was “like honey, complex and sweet.” I love that this show is a challenge because of the way it’s written as well as the subject matter. It’s about something very complicated.
Lily: People leave remembering the music which is so crazy to me because it’s an a cappella musical! For a long time I was afraid that everyone would hate that it doesn’t use any instruments besides voices, but I felt very encouraged after the Musical Theatre Factory workshop because everyone was really onboard.

5. If money and resources (and even reality) were no object what is the most lavish, luxurious, pointless prop, costume, effect – anything – that you would spend money on for this show?
Maddie: Ugh. Well I went to school for film so even when I’m blocking for a black box theatre, I’m visualizing a three ring circus in the desert of Arizona. I think one of the key elements of the show is actually the large setting. The cast should be able to hear coyotes howling in the distance. So yes. I guess coyotes.
Lily: A real circus tent and midway!!! And a rotating stage because we have a whole onstage/offstage element to the blocking. And smell-o-vision! The audience should smell the “air heavy with carmel treats” that the ringmaster sings about.

6. What’s the one thing you’re looking forward to regarding the FRIGID Festival itself (seeing other shows? meeting other folks)?
Maddie: All of the above! I’m just so excited that I’m getting to do exactly what I want. The fact that I’m in New York making theatre is such a crazy reality. It feels like I’ve won something.
Lily: The glass of wine after we open. No! Kidding. I want to hear from everyone about how this show affects them. We are definitely using this as a learning opportunity. And I’m very excited to meet the other artists at the festival and see how they’re using their experience at Frigid.

7. Is there a scene, a moment, a gesture … anything at all in the show that you anticipate may get a completely different reaction depending on the audience that night?
Maddie: OH YEAH. Let’s just say it’s the fall of the “Four-Legged” woman.
Lily: For sure. The legs. That moment can go so many ways.

8. What’s your favorite line from the show?
Maddie: I just love all of them so much! When Myrtle and the whole cast sing about being “Born as someone special.”
Lily: “The light was dark one night in Arizona. The brittle stardust sunk down low.” Those are the first lyrics I wrote for the show and it all springs from that first moment of stillness.

9. What’s the last thing you usually do before the beginning of a show?
Maddie: I get really calm because it’s out of my hands at that point.
Lily: I look at the cast, smile and play the first pitch.

10. You scan the audience and you see a face that stops you dead in your tracks – who is it? And why are you shocked?
Maddie: Zefferelli, because he never responded to my emails.
Lily: Oskar Eustis? Artistic Director of The Public?! Why yes, I am surprised that you and your team would like to bring Extraordinary Fall to the Public. No no, drinks tonight would be fine.

Maddie, Lily, you may not have smell-o-vision in your show but this interview made me smell the midway! I can already feel the vibe of the show – sounds like this is something that would make Franco Zeffirelli and Oskar Eustis crave the front row seat of the center ring!

Thanks for answering our questions, Maddie and Lily!

The rest of you – don’t forget to check out The Extraordinary Fall of the Four-Legged Woman.

-*-*-

CHALK: 10 Things To Know About The Show Before You Go (2016 FRIGID NEW YORK FESTIVAL)

Karen Tortora-Lee — Tue, 09 Feb 2016 14:54:37 +0000

Ten Questions. Ten Answers. And one Big Surprise in the audience …

CHALK

produced by Playpen Theatre

CHALK is a hilarious and unexpected one-man show guaranteed to delight audiences of all ages. Chalk invites audiences into a hand-drawn world where imagination is made real and anything can happen. Charlie Chaplin meets Harold and the Purple Crayon in this feel-good romantic romp sure to “Draw You In.”

Show Info:

Tue Feb 16, 2016 | 8:50PM
Sat Feb 20, 2016 | 1:40PM
Wed Feb 24, 2016 | 8:50PM
Tue Mar 01, 2016 | 5:30PM
Fri Mar 04, 2016 | 6:50PM

Kraine Theater New York, NY $5/$12/$15

Answers by Alex Curtis
(Performer & Creator)

1. Forget the PR version. When you’re talking to your friends, how do you explain this show to them?
Alex: I always struggle with this. I tell them it’s about moving on and finding your happiness. The truth is that I made this show after a breakup of a serious relationship and a few failed less serious relationships after that. So, when I was making the show I was really drawing from my own experience in the dating scene. After that breakup, I was really, really lonely. So as I started meeting new people, I kept looking for them to solve my loneliness – and that just doesn’t work. No one wants that kind of responsibility. Eventually I realized that the only person who could solve my loneliness was me. I needed to be happy with myself first, then I could meet other people. Shel Silverstein’s The Missing Piece and the Big O has a really similar message. So, anyway, I took that journey and then translated it into a one-man silent clown play. Because it’s silent and because it’s clown, all of this isn’t in there literally. Actually, I hope that it hits different people in different ways and that everyone who comes takes something from it that makes sense to them and their lives. But this is what the show is for me.

2. Here’s a scenario: After the show some audience members go have a drink. What’s the part of the show you hope they’re discussing?
Alex: The last third of the show. To give the quick and dirty version of the plot – the play starts with a clown, alone. Then he meets this woman (she’s invisible) who comes into his world, and really rocks it. He falls in love with her, but then she leaves. And then he has to deal with that. And it’s all the stuff after that I hope that really touches people. There’s a dance, some puppetry work. Things I think express the theme in a really lovely way. And then the ending. That’s been really hard to pin down in this new version of the play – so if people fell in love with the ending particularly – it would be hugely gratifying.

3. What drives your show – character, theme or plot?
Alex: I’d say plot. As much as for me the play has a strong thematic element – since I don’t have words to just say it all outright, it gets put into the story. That makes continuously moving the story forward really important and hopefully the thematic stuff comes naturally out of that.

4. In rehearsals, read-thrus, or prior incarnations, what’s the one thing someone said about the show so far that made you (or the team) the most proud?
Alex: There have been a lot of things…
After the first performance, a good friend of mine who had been going through a hard time rushed up to me to say how much CHALK had moved her. She was so happy. That moment, and others where my goofy clown play really connects with people, has been incredible.
Another moment, I was asking friends who’d seen it if they might write testimonials about CHALK that I could use for publicity material. One friend wrote, “…if you’ve ever had your heart strings pulled by a Pixar short, you’ll fall in love with CHALK.” I love Pixar. I think they’re really smart, and I love what they do. It’s such a magical balance of play and heart. To have something I made mentioned in the same sentence as my idols – that made me really proud.

5. If money and resources (and even reality) were no object what is the most lavish, luxurious, pointless prop, costume, effect – anything – that you would spend money on for this show?
Alex: That’s hard, since so much of the charm of clown comes from its simplicity and the room that leaves for the audiences imagination. BUT! Oh, oh, I got something…
If the invisible woman could be a hologram of Jessica Rabbit, that would be amazing. She saunters into the space… One of the big tasks of this newest draft of CHALK has been to specify this invisible person’s physical life so she stands on her own more as a character, and we can really get her place in the story. But if we could SEE that, see HER, through some kind of 3D projection, problem solved. And so cool. Things could appear as she interacts with them…which would make the world of the play even bigger… I’m spinning with ideas for what I’d do with that production… It would be really exciting.

6. What’s the one thing you’re looking forward to regarding the FRIGID Festival itself?
Alex: I’m looking forward to meeting the audience. Clown isn’t a 4th wall style; in the show, I look out and connect with the audience constantly. I’ve been really fortunate to have friends coming in to watch rehearsals and I’ve been able to bounce off them in the rehearsal process. But clowns are really great at inspiring community, I think. Which is why it’s so wonderful to have programs out there like Clowns Without Borders, where clowning can bring a sense of joy and companionship to people in really difficult circumstances. I’m looking forward to sharing a theater with a bunch of strangers, and then hopefully meeting some of them at a bar and talking like we know one another.

7. Is there a scene, a moment, a gesture … anything at all in the show that you anticipate may get a completely different reaction depending on the audience that night?
Alex: There’s this bit in the middle of the show where I keep trying to hang things up on my coat rack, but then everything keeps falling down. I can imagine that landing really differently depending on the audience. I’ve done this show a few times and one of my best audiences was when I performed for a kids camp. The room was two-thirds kids between six and eight, and then the other third was a mix of adults. The camp counselors were in there teens and then the camp admin people were thirties and up. That show was magic. The kids ate up all the silly parts of the play, and then the adults got the parts that were more emotional. By themselves grown ups can be sort of uptight sometimes, but kids are so free in their reactions. That’s a part of the play that’s pretty silly, so I think it will depend on how loose the audience is. (Or how young at heart!)

8. What’s your favorite line from the show?
Alex: The play itself doesn’t have any dialogue. But I think the curtain speech is pretty good. I like to know where the fire exits are…

9. What’s the last thing you usually do before the beginning of a show?
Alex: Triple check my props. If I start the show and don’t have something, there’s no going back and I’m screwed. Also, for this run my girlfriend (we’ve been together a year – she’s wonderful!) will be helping backstage. So we’ll probably have a moment for a kiss and “break legs!” before we start, which will be a great way to get the show started.

10. You scan the audience and you see a face that stops you dead in your tracks – who is it? And why are you shocked?
Alex: My first thought was the ex-girlfriend I mentioned who broke my heart years ago. It wasn’t a good break up, and we don’t speak anymore. To see her in the audience would be a shock for sure.
My next thought was Harrison Ford. I love Star Wars and Indiana Jones has been a hero of mine forever. Then for him to be watching my clown show, c’mon, that’d be incredible.
I’ve also invited Bill Irwin and David Shiner, who are the famous clowns performing Old Hats at the Signature Theater right now. I love their work, and I know it’s a long shot, but I really hope they come.

Well, Alex, you never know – even a long shot is a shot! So be it Bill Irwin and David Shiner … or even Harrison Ford … there’s a chance they’ll make it out to FRIGID to see what you’ve created with CHALK.
Thanks so much for answering our questions, Alex!

The rest of you – don’t forget to check out CHALK.

-*-*-

All is Fine in Sunny Florida: 10 Things To Know About The Show Before You Go (2016 FRIGID NEW YORK FESTIVAL)

Karen Tortora-Lee — Mon, 08 Feb 2016 17:54:48 +0000

Ten Questions. Ten Answers. And one Big Surprise in the audience …

All is Fine in Sunny Florida

produced by Hub Theatricals

Florida is a crazy state. This play stages TRUE “#FloridaMan” stories and shows you why you should avoid it. Also 98% of this play is fully true….seriously and some have happened to the author.

Show Info:

Fri Feb 19, 2016 | 5:10PM
Mon Feb 22, 2016 | 10:30PM
Sat Feb 27, 2016 | 5:00PM
Sun Feb 28, 2016 | 1:50PM
Sat Mar 05, 2016 | 6:40PM

Kraine Theater New York, NY $18

Answers by Mark Levy
(Writer and Actor)

1. Forget the PR version. When you’re talking to your friends, how do you explain this show to them?
Mark: I always talk about how insane Florida is, this is true stories and it’s dark, honest and funny as hell.

2. Here’s a scenario: After the show some audience members go have a drink. What’s the part of the show you hope they’re discussing?
Mark: The Turkey and what is real (Honestly 98% is true).

3. What drives your show – character, theme or plot?
Mark: This is complicated. As the play is all based off of true stories plot is huge and so is Character. They are all hyper specific to Florida, ALL OF FLORIDA.

4. In rehearsals, read-thrus, or prior incarnations, what’s the one thing someone said about the show so far that made you (or the team) the most proud?
Mark: “You must’ve really combed Twitter, reddit and Buzz feed for this information”.

5. If money and resources (and even reality) were no object what is the most lavish, luxurious, pointless prop, costume, effect – anything – that you would spend money on for this show?
Mark: I reference my area of the stage as a porch many times in the play. I’d want a porch and a rocking chair. Also, part of the play takes place in a carnival, would really love a dunk tank because It’s a dunk tank….they are fun.

6. What’s the one thing you’re looking forward to regarding the FRIGID Festival itself?
Mark: FRIGID is known for bold and I look forward to seeing these shows. And the Mayberry show sounds funny too.

7. Is there a scene, a moment, a gesture … anything at all in the show that you anticipate may get a completely different reaction depending on the audience that night?
Mark: The end of the radio station scene.

8. What’s your favorite line from the show?
Mark: “Florida gives you lemons, and you take those lemons and you make Orange juice.”

9. What’s the last thing you usually do before the beginning of a show?
Mark: I tell everyone I got their back. I have a background in improv, it’s good form.

10. You scan the audience and you see a face that stops you dead in your tracks – who is it? And why are you shocked?
Mark: The unfrozen head of Walt Disney because he’s dead and the show has some dangerous Disney talk.

Wow, Mark, many people have mentioned being shocked to see a full person, but you’re the first to just get shocked by a head! Of course, since we all know the Walt-Disney-Frozen-Head story, it makes sense. THAT would make a funny #floridaman story though, right? Florida Man Attends FRIGID Show With Head Of Walt Disney!

Thanks so much for answering our questions, Mark!

The rest of you – don’t forget to check out All is Fine in Sunny Florida.

-*-*-

The BYU/Berkeley Plot: 10 Things To Know About The Show Before You Go (2016 FRIGID NEW YORK FESTIVAL)

Karen Tortora-Lee — Sun, 07 Feb 2016 16:54:59 +0000

Ten Questions. Ten Answers. And one Big Surprise in the audience …

The BYU/Berkeley Plot

“Brigham Young University and UC Berkeley couldn’t be more different. They’re the crispy ends of the higher education banana, and Ben Abbott went to both. But while trading Book of Mormon classes for angry protest rallies, he may have stumbled upon a shocking conspiracy linking the two! (Spoiler: It’s aliens.)”

Show Info:

Mon Feb 22, 2016 | 5:30PM
Thu Feb 25, 2016 | 10:30PM
Sat Feb 27, 2016 | 7:10PM
Wed Mar 02, 2016 | 7:10PM
Fri Mar 04, 2016 | 5:30PM
Sun Mar 06, 2016 | 12:10PM

Under St. Marks New York, NY $10/$15

Answers by Ben Abbott
(writer and performer)

1. Forget the PR version. When you’re talking to your friends, how do you explain this show to them?
Ben: I started school at BYU, but finished at UC Berkeley. They are both just such amazingly weird places that are so different from each other but with surprising similarities. I’ve always known I wanted to write a show about that transition from one kind of crazy to another. Also there’s a thing about aliens and how the two schools are caught up in a conspiracy to fool the public and protect the world from invasion, so I guess I can only say the show is semi-autobiographical.

2. Here’s a scenario: After the show some audience members go have a drink. What’s the part of the show you hope they’re discussing?
Ben: I want them to not know what was true and what wasn’t. There are some things that will be obvious but I’d love for them to be trying to dissect when exactly it went off the rails. And laughing!

3. What drives your show – character, theme or plot?
Ben: Well, “plot” is in the title, but I think it’s at least a combination of plot and character. There are some great stories, but you wouldn’t care about the crazy things happening (both real and imagined) if you weren’t invested in the character.

4. In rehearsals, read-thrus, or prior incarnations, what’s the one thing someone said about the show so far that made you (or the team) the most proud?
Ben: I think “you actually had me convinced about the fake conspiracy” is the best. Also, someone said “there are parts of this that remind of stand-up,” which is a huge compliment for me because I admire good stand-up comedians to the moon.

5. If money and resources (and even reality) were no object what is the most lavish, luxurious, pointless prop, costume, effect – anything – that you would spend money on for this show?
Ben: Well, I think special effects to take the audience through the inter-dimensional vortex would be vital. I also think the aliens should make an appearance, flying saucer and all.

6. What’s the one thing you’re looking forward to regarding the FRIGID Festival itself?
Ben: This is my third time at FRIGID, and second as a performer. Without a doubt, the most exciting thing to me is the people. Being around so much active creative energy is hugely inspiring. I always not only get ideas for shows I want to write while I’m around them but this huge boost of excitement to make them happen.

7. Is there a scene, a moment, a gesture … anything at all in the show that you anticipate may get a completely different reaction depending on the audience that night?
Ben: Anyone who’s gone to either of these schools will have a particularly unique experience. Talking about (and maybe making a little fun of) BYU or Berkeley to people who don’t know anything about it is totally different from reminiscing about a shared experience. Either way it’ll be fun.

8. What’s your favorite line from the show?
Ben: “It was intimate! It was passionate! We never kissed with tongue.”

9. What’s the last thing you usually do before the beginning of a show?
Ben: Review the whole thing in my head as fast as I can. Getting lost in your own one-man show is a special kind of hell.

10. You scan the audience and you see a face that stops you dead in your tracks – who is it? And why are you shocked?
Ben: The ex-girlfriend I talk about in the show. I haven’t seen her in 10 years, but that would be paralyzing because I’d only be able to hear it through her ears. Also that whole section is only like, 85% factual, so I’m not sure how that would go.

You’re not the first to say that, Ben! Seems like a lot of FRIGID folks are either hoping like heck that their exes are NOT there, or kinda hoping they are. Maybe it should be a theme one year, “bring back the exes”. But for your sake, and the sake of your show, I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you that she doesn’t show up.

Thanks so much for answering our questions, Ben!

The rest of you – don’t forget to check out The BYU/Berkeley Plot.

-*-*-

Sprucehaven B: 10 Things To Know About The Show Before You Go (2016 FRIGID NEW YORK FESTIVAL)

Karen Tortora-Lee — Sat, 06 Feb 2016 21:57:02 +0000

Ten Questions. Ten Answers. And one Big Surprise in the audience …

Sprucehaven B

produced by Rising Sun Performance Company

The award winning, critically acclaimed Rising Sun Performance Company returns to FRIGID with a tale of heartbreak, madness, and horror. Isabel’s world is forever altered over the course of two nights separated by decades in a desolate Maine cabin. If only she could hear three little words…

Show Info:

Wed Feb 17, 2016 | 5:30PM
Sun Feb 21, 2016 | 5:10PM
Tue Feb 23, 2016 | 7:10PM
Fri Feb 26, 2016 | 8:30PM
Thu Mar 03, 2016 | 10:30PM

Kraine Theater New York, NY $14/$18

Answers by Samantha Turret
(actor:Young Isabel)

1. Forget the PR version. When you’re talking to your friends, how do you explain this show to them?
Samantha: It’s about family, love, and trust…and the way Isabel’s past alters her present opinions about all of those things and more. Not for the light of heart.

2. Here’s a scenario: After the show some audience members go have a drink. What’s the part of the show you hope they’re discussing?
Samantha: The ending. No spoilers!

3. What drives your show – character, theme or plot?
Samantha: Character and plot I would say!

4. In rehearsals, read-thrus, or prior incarnations, what’s the one thing someone said about the show so far that made you (or the team) the most proud?
Samantha: The other night Richie posted this on Facebook and I was truly touched, “It was fight night for Sprucehaven B rehearsals. And …. well…. I just got my butt kicked by my …. “daughter.” Such a little talent you are, my dear Samantha Turret. I don’t hold any of my bruises, sprains, or pulled muscles. lol. And of course the perfect ending to my night was a stiff drink. Thanks to fight choreographer Monica Blaze Leavitt!”

6. What’s the one thing you’re looking forward to regarding the FRIGID Festival itself?
Samantha: I’ve never done frigid before, so I’m excited for a new experience!

7. Is there a scene, a moment, a gesture … anything at all in the show that you anticipate may get a completely different reaction depending on the audience that night?
Samantha: I think the violence could effect everyone in vastly different ways.

8. What’s your favorite line from the show?
Samantha: All of them, the script is honestly pure genius.

9. What’s the last thing you usually do before the beginning of a show?
Samantha: Take up as much space as I can with my arms outstretched. This position is supposed to increase confidence by raising your testosterone levels!

10. You scan the audience and you see a face that stops you dead in your tracks – who is it? And why are you shocked?
Samantha: My ex boyfriend, cause that jerk never saw any of my shows!

Well, Samantha, there’s a reason they call them “ex”es right? But I’m sure if he DOES show up, he’ll be mezmerized by your performance! Thanks so much for answering our questions!

The rest of you – don’t forget to check out Sprucehaven B.

-*-*-

Thank You for Waiting: 10 Things To Know About The Show Before You Go (2016 FRIGID NEW YORK FESTIVAL)

Karen Tortora-Lee — Fri, 05 Feb 2016 21:00:11 +0000

Ten Questions. Ten Answers. And one Big Surprise in the audience …

Thank You for Waiting

Thank You for Waiting follows Kate and Eddie, two estranged friends who unexpectedly meet in a therapist’s waiting room after a year apart. As they confront a shared trauma, a delicate dance begins between who they were, and who they have become. Thank You For Waiting explores mental health, loss, and the dynamic nature of friendship.

Show Info:

Thu Feb 18, 2016 | 10:30PM
Wed Feb 24, 2016 | 7:10PM
Sat Feb 27, 2016 | 6:40PM
Wed Mar 02, 2016 | 10:30PM
Sat Mar 05, 2016 | 12:00PM

Kraine Theater New York, NY $15

Answers by Marc Franklin (Playwright and Actor)
Kasey Brown (Playwright and Actor)

1. Forget the PR version. When you’re talking to your friends, how do you explain this show to them?
Marc: Thank You for Waiting is about two friends who are in the middle of a tragedy and are doing a very poor job of coping while trying to navigate through the awkwardness of their difficult friendship. The best analogy would be it’s as if GIRLS met RABBIT HOLE.
Kasey: The play is about two friends who have struggled to heal after a tragedy. They’re forced together by chance, and must decide if their friendship is worth fighting for.

2. Here’s a scenario: After the show some audience members go have a drink. What’s the part of the show you hope they’re discussing?
Marc: Which character they sided with – In this play, there isn’t a right and wrong, only shades of grey, so I’d hope for people to argue with who they related to.
Kasey: If the characters did the ‘right thing’ or not. Friendships are complicated, and oftentimes when they change it’s difficult to cope with that.

3. What drives your show – character, theme or plot?
Marc: Character. This play is just two people and one scene of watching two people navigate a complex conflict/relationship in real time throughout the course of the show.
Kasey: Agreed. Character is definitely the driving force of the show. You see two very different people trying to figure out one challenging friendship.

4. In rehearsals, read-thrus, or prior incarnations, what’s the one thing someone said about the show so far that made you (or the team) the most proud?
Marc: As writers creating their first show, I think hearing everyone talk about these characters completely independently of us as creators makes us very proud! It’s thrilling to see the characters have a life of their own and a life that resonates with audience members.
Kasey: That it’s truthful. That’s been our biggest intention; to create a show that feels honest, truthful, and indicative of the human experience.

5. If money and resources (and even reality) were no object what is the most lavish, luxurious, pointless prop, costume, effect – anything – that you would spend money on for this show?
Marc: We would spend our money on making this therapist’s office as real as possible. These characters are going through such a personal, intimate conflict that making the space of the play as specific as possible would help to make the experience as concrete and thus personal to the audience.
Kasey: A water bubbler. And a magic couch that weighed five pounds and folded into a tiny cube!

6. What’s the one thing you’re looking forward to regarding the FRIGID Festival itself?
Marc: Frigid showcases a wide diversity of work – We’re really excited to see the other shows and interact with the other artists!
Kasey: I can’t wait to see what other artists are doing. I was in “Heart of Oak” last year, and the productions at last year’s Frigid were wonderful.

7. Is there a scene, a moment, a gesture … anything at all in the show that you anticipate may get a completely different reaction depending on the audience that night?
Marc: I think the pauses will get a different reaction each night. As silences, they’re the audiences opportunity to inject their own thoughts into the character’s mind and depending on who they root for, could cause different reactions.
Kasey: There’s a long monologue where Kate reveals the inner workings of her mind. Is it overwhelming? Funny? Sad? I’m excited to see how the audience reacts.

8. What’s your favorite line from the show?
Marc: Kasey, I defer to you! We have too many babies for me to pick one!
Kasey: My favorite line is Eddie’s- “It’s like (sings Drake song) ‘Started from the bottom now we’re here.’ Except you’re still at the bottom.”

9. What’s the last thing you usually do before the beginning of a show?
Marc: Chat with each other! Becoming super connected is really important for us to begin.
Kasey: Before we begin we usually do a Meisner exercise to get into character and establish the connection between Kate and Eddie.

10. You scan the audience and you see a face that stops you dead in your tracks – who is it? And why are you shocked?
Marc: Annie Baker! Her work has been a huge inspiration to us in creating this play so seeing her in the audience would be wild… and terrifying!
Kasey: Amy Poehler! She went to Boston College as well, and we’ve invited her to the show. If she comes, it would be a frigid miracle!

Wouldn’t it be fantastic if Annie Baker showed up and had Amy Poehler with her? And wouldn’t it be even funnier if, before the show, they decided to iron out some huge awkwardness between them … and then the lights came up, and they watched your show, and whatever differences they had melted away in the glow of THEATRE? Wow. You would have saved a friendship that may not even yet exist! Good on you!

Thanks so much for answering our questions, Marc and Kasey.

The rest of you – don’t forget to check out Thank You for Waiting.

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Acute…Girl: 10 Things To Know About The Show Before You Go (2016 FRIGID NEW YORK FESTIVAL)

Karen Tortora-Lee — Thu, 04 Feb 2016 21:57:11 +0000

Ten Questions. Ten Answers. And one Big Surprise in the audience …

Acute…Girl

produced by CMC Theatrical

How much bullsh*t can a girl put up with just to have nice things to wear? Come and listen to her stories told in a heartbreakingly hilarious way: between amateur modeling gigs and mail-in beauty pageant, what could possibly go wrong?

Show Info:

Wed Feb 17, 2016 | 7:10PM
Sun Feb 21, 2016 | 1:50PM
Thu Feb 25, 2016 | 5:30PM
Tue Mar 01, 2016 | 7:10PM
Thu Mar 03, 2016 | 8:50PM

Kraine Theater New York, NY $15/$18

Answers by Julia Sun
(Writer & Performer )

1. Forget the PR version. When you’re talking to your friends, how do you explain this show to them?
Julia: It’s about the insecurity and vainness that every single one of us has. We all want to appear better than we are, so how much bullsh*t can one put up with to present a better version of him/herself? Oh, and it’s meant to be a comedy : )

2. Here’s a scenario: After the show some audience members go have a drink. What’s the part of the show you hope they’re discussing?
Julia: I hope they’ll discuss their own stories relating to my character’s – the stories are inside everyone already. I guess it also doesn’t hurt if they remember my name and look for me online (I’m at www.juliasun.tv)

3. What drives your show – character, theme or plot?
Julia: The character drives the show – not because it’s an one-woman show, but because the persona is always crucial.

4. In rehearsals, read-thrus, or prior incarnations, what’s the one thing someone said about the show so far that made you (or the team) the most proud?
Julia: Someone sent me this text after a show and I was beyond proud: “you’re sooo hilarious when you sing and dance, I could’t stop laughing, I almost fell off my chair!!! =D ”

6. What’s the one thing you’re looking forward to regarding the FRIGID Festival itself?
Julia: Do free food and parties count?

7. Is there a scene, a moment, a gesture … anything at all in the show that you anticipate may get a completely different reaction depending on the audience that night?
Julia: Everyone will laugh at the comedy, but the drama part, that depends on the people. That being said, drama can be funny, too.

8. What’s your favorite line from the show?
Julia: “I looked at him as if I saw the most delicious cheesecake in the world, and then I asked…”

9. What’s the last thing you usually do before the beginning of a show?
Julia: Oh, you know, being happy, being scared, being unsure how I got here in the first place and then glad I did.

10. You scan the audience and you see a face that stops you dead in your tracks – who is it? And why are you shocked?
Julia: My high school crush (name withheld on purpose). I don’t think he ever liked me back and I’d be shocked if he came, awww~

Well, Julia, you never know. Maybe he actually DID have a crush on you too … and he was waiting for the perfect moment to approach A Cute Girl like you! Let’s see if he buys a ticket!

Thanks so much for answering our questions, Julia!

The rest of you – don’t forget to check out Acute…Girl.

-*-*-

Eighth Grade: 10 Things To Know About The Show Before You Go (2016 FRIGID NEW YORK FESTIVAL)

Karen Tortora-Lee — Thu, 04 Feb 2016 18:00:22 +0000

Ten Questions. Ten Answers. And one Big Surprise in the audience …

Eighth Grade

Eighth Grade is the origin story of Nisse Greenberg’s neurosis. It’s funny in the way that losing your optimism is always a little funny. Using projections of found images and his eighth grade yearbook, Nisse shows us what it’s like inside his mind: a place no one asked to go.

Show Info:

Wed Feb 17, 2016 | 5:30PM
Sun Feb 21, 2016 | 1:50PM
Sun Feb 28, 2016 | 3:30PM
Wed Mar 02, 2016 | 8:50PM
Sat Mar 05, 2016 | 8:50PM

UNDER St. Marks New York, NY $10

Answers by Nisse Greenberg
(writer, director, and performer)

1. Forget the PR version. When you’re talking to your friends, how do you explain this show to them?
Nisse: I think of the show as a way of putting narrative to my neuroses. It’s all stories from my 8th Grade year, but it’s really about now. It’s really about who I am in this exact moment and why I am that person.

2. Here’s a scenario: After the show some audience members go have a drink. What’s the part of the show you hope they’re discussing?
Nisse: I hope they’re discussing themselves. My favorite type of storytelling is the stuff that opens people up pathways to memories of your self. I did a preview show with a small audience and I was excited in the bar when everyone was sharing their own middle school experiences and discussing why they were important.

3. What drives your show – character, theme or plot?
Nisse: My show is about is me. So, I guess: character.

4. In rehearsals, read-thrus, or prior incarnations, what’s the one thing someone said about the show so far that made you (or the team) the most proud?
Nisse: Two storytellers have told me that they felt that the twist at the ending and the reflection I have is the type of reflection they’ve never seen before in a storytelling show. That made me proud because it’s hard to feel like you have something to say that isn’t cliched when there are so many solo-shows.

5. If money and resources (and even reality) were no object what is the most lavish, luxurious, pointless prop, costume, effect – anything – that you would spend money on for this show?
Nisse: I use pictures from my yearbook when I talk about other people from my class, but if I could I would have drones filming the people in their life right now and I would project the spy footage of them in their present day life while I talked about their 8th grade self.

6. What’s the one thing you’re looking forward to regarding the FRIGID Festival itself?
Nisse: I love festivals! I’m excited to go to others’ shows, but I’m more excited to be an audience member with other people who have shows at the festival. That’s my favorite feeling: being in an audience with analytical eyes.

7. Is there a scene, a moment, a gesture … anything at all in the show that you anticipate may get a completely different reaction depending on the audience that night?
Nisse: My ending sorta changes every night based on my own reactions to the audience’s reaction, so that is always a fun part. I try to live in the moment at the end and pull us out of the past. It’s exciting and it’s nerve-racking, but most of all it’s fun.

8. What’s your favorite line from the show?
Nisse: “Family is an inherently oppressive structure.”

9. What’s the last thing you usually do before the beginning of a show?
Nisse: I wish I could just talk to people right up until I am on stage performing. I wish I could just start the show in the midst of conversation. Instead I guess I just breathe and stare at the audience a little. Maybe ask them how they are doing?

10. You scan the audience and you see a face that stops you dead in your tracks – who is it? And why are you shocked?
Nisse: I talk about a lot of people from middle school, but I was very careful to not feel like I’m saying anything I wouldn’t say if they were in the audience. I think I’m fair and honest about others, and try to make sure that I am presenting my perspective of them. But if I saw Jeffery, I’d be happy. The show is really for him and all the Jefferys out there. Jeffery was the guy who was always picked last when we played kickball, and got “kick-me” signs taped to his back. I would love to see him in the audience, but I’d also feel really self-conscious because I would want him to like it so bad.

Well, Nisse, while I can’t guarantee that Jeffery will be there, I’m sure there will be at least one person in your audience who has been picked last, and gotten the equivalent of a “kick-me” sign taped to them. So, in a way, you’ll have Jeffery there every night!

The rest of you – don’t forget to check out Eighth Grade.

-*-*-

Outskirts of Eden: 10 Things To Know About The Show Before You Go (2016 FRIGID NEW YORK FESTIVAL)

Karen Tortora-Lee — Wed, 03 Feb 2016 18:57:32 +0000

Ten Questions. Ten Answers. And one Big Surprise in the audience …

Outskirts of Eden
produced by Jodi Productions

In this one-act adaptation we find an Eden magical, menacing and alive with human feeling. We enter the very mind of Eve. Centuries later Adam is dead, Eve is pissed and good and evil are on the tongues of the tasters.

Show Info:

Thu Feb 18, 2016 | 8:50PM
Mon Feb 22, 2016 | 7:10PM
Sun Feb 28, 2016 | 1:50PM
Wed Mar 02, 2016 | 5:30PM
Sun Mar 06, 2016 | 5:10PM

UNDER St. Marks New York, NY $12

Answers by Eva Dolan
(performer, producer)

1. Forget the PR version. When you’re talking to your friends, how do you explain this show to them?
Eva: Outskirts of Eden is a feminist retelling of the Eve and Adam story, set in the here and now. Eve has been around since (almost) the beginning of time. We have live musical accompaniment: wind and percussion. I adapted it from Edward Le Comte’s novel, ‘I, Eve’.

2. Here’s a scenario: After the show some audience members go have a drink. What’s the part of the show you hope they’re discussing?
Eva: The live original music working together with the language to tell this tale.

3. What drives your show – character, theme or plot?
Eva: As I play Eve, I tend to feel my character drives the play, but so do the timeless themes of mortality, questionable morality and the nature of sin.

4. In rehearsals, read-thrus, or prior incarnations, what’s the one thing someone said about the show so far that made you (or the team) the most proud?
Eva: “Dolan captures the innocence and desire of the original Earth Mother and temptress. It is a remarkable performance, full of the sinuosity of the dancer and the silences of the actress. Dolan makes Eve at once natural and sophisticated; ancient and modern; an icon and flesh.” -James Yeara, Metroland Magazine, Albany, NY

6. What’s the one thing you’re looking forward to regarding the FRIGID Festival itself?
Eva: This is my first festival and I am excited to see other people’s shows and just soak in all the radiating creative energy!

7. Is there a scene, a moment, a gesture … anything at all in the show that you anticipate may get a completely different reaction depending on the audience that night?
Eva: God’s sense of humor.

8. What’s your favorite line from the show?
Eva: “For unspeakable seconds I had God’s view,” is great fun to say!

9. What’s the last thing you usually do before the beginning of a show?
Eva: Stretch out my jaw!

10. You scan the audience and you see a face that stops you dead in your tracks – who is it? And why are you shocked?
Eva: I would be seeing the director, Jonathan Foster, sitting, so handsome, smiling and still. I would be shocked because he died from AIDS 21 years ago, but his spirit has been with me throughout this creative process and I expect through these performances as well.

Well, Eva, I’ve no doubt that if you feel his spirit that strongly, you may just be able to bring up his face as well … if only in your mind’s eye.

The rest of you – don’t forget to check out Outskirts of Eden.

-*-*-

The Happiest Medium » Horse Trade Theater Group

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