The Happiest Medium » The Kraine Theater

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.

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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/

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.

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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.

-*-*-

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.

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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.

-*-*-

Lil’ Women: a rap musical: 10 Things To Know About The Show Before You Go (2016 FRIGID NEW YORK FESTIVAL)

Karen Tortora-Lee — Tue, 02 Feb 2016 15:57:57 +0000

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

Lil’ Women: a rap musical

produced by Lil Theatre Company

Come join the March sisters as they spit rhymes, drop sick beats, and kick it old schoolhouse! Original debuted in at the Orlando Fringe in 2012; Lil’ Women: A Rap Musical combines the classic story Little Women with hip-hop music.

Show Info:

Tue Feb 23, 2016 | 5:30PM
Thu Feb 25, 2016 | 7:10PM
Sun Feb 28, 2016 | 3:30PM
Tue Mar 01, 2016 | 8:50PM
Fri Mar 04, 2016 | 5:10PM
Sat Mar 05, 2016 | 3:20PM

Kraine Theater New York, NY $15

Answers by Lindsay Taylor
(Producer/Co-writer/Director)

1. Forget the PR version. When you’re talking to your friends, how do you explain this show to them?
Lindsay: It is the classic story of Little Women set in the 1800′s combined with rap music.

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?
Lindsay: How the show stays true to the story-line of the book, and how fun the rapping was.

3. What drives your show – character, theme or plot?
Lindsay: Theme with characters as a close second. If you have a sister you will relate to someone in this show for sure, but the strong themes of family and growing up to become independent women drive the story.

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?
Lindsay: In the original debut of the show in 2012, an elderly man came up to me post show to tell me the only problem he had with the show is that it was too short.

6. What’s the one thing you’re looking forward to regarding the FRIGID Festival itself?
Lindsay: I love meeting other artists and talking about our shows together. The community of creating art together from scratch is the foundation of fringe festivals, and it’s inspiring to get to know other people, their processes to create their work, and see the final product.

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?
Lindsay: We get pretty consistent reactions throughout our show, but it always amazes me how our audience goes from laughing in one scene to the very next scene crying.

8. What’s your favorite line from the show?
Lindsay: “You’ll be sorry for this Jo March.”

9. What’s the last thing you usually do before the beginning of a show?
Lindsay: We hold hands in a circle and take a moment to prepare for the show with a few words. The majority of the cast has been with this show since the beginning in 2012, so it’s very special to us. It’s hard to find great people to work with, and I could not be more blessed to know all of these people involved.

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?
Lindsay: I don’t have anyone in particular that comes to mind, anyone I recognize that has traveled a great distance to see our show always pleasantly surprises me!

Well, Lindsay, a pleasant surprise is certainly something I hope you get! After all, you never know who might be out there, waiting for those lil rappin’ women to get bizzy rhyming.

The rest of you – don’t forget to check out Lil’ Women: a rap musical

-*-*-

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

Karen Tortora-Lee — Sun, 31 Jan 2016 20:29:49 +0000

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

Punk Grandpa

produced by Glitter Candy

Punk Grandpa is about one magical weekend 5 3/4 year old misfit Laura spent with her grandpa, portrayed through storytelling, dance, music and vintage family movies and photos. Grandpa was the most free, most inappropriate person Laura ever knew and this show portrays how he set Laura free to be herself through his humor and unpredictable, wild ways. It’ll put hair on your chest.

Show Info:

Fri Feb 19, 2016 | 5:30PM
Sun Feb 21, 2016 | 3:30PM
Mon Feb 22, 2016 | 8:50PM
Tue Feb 23, 2016 | 7:10PM
Sun Feb 28, 2016 | 6:50PM
Sat Mar 05, 2016 | 3:50PM

UNDER St. Marks New York, NY $10/$12

Answers by Laura Force Scruggs
(playwright, producer)

1. Forget the PR version. When you’re talking to your friends, how do you explain this show to them?
Laura: It’s about being different and how my grandpa helped me to find myself (by showing how he really didn’t care what anyone thought) and to be okay with who I am: a freak and a fairy (for example: Tinkerbell). My brother told me, “You aren’t just a freak in the freakshow, you are the entire freakshow.”

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?
Laura: I hope they’re discussing anything funny grandpa did, like pretending to communicate with spies through his hearing aids, playing in the high school band (since senior citizens could audit any class for free and he didn’t feel ready to play in a band with people his own age yet), or going to a Lost and Found and asking, “Did anyone turn in a black umbrella?” One of my top hopes for the show is for my grandpa’s legacy to be carried on, of how he found humor and spontaneity in the every day and had no fear. I aspire every day to possess the kind of freedom that he had, as my Uncle Jon says, the kind of freedom for which people would spend thousands of dollars for in therapy.

3. What drives your show – character, theme or plot?
Laura: I feel like the characters of grandpa and Laura drive the show, Laura feeling like she doesn’t fit in anywhere and grandpa helping her find herself by modeling that it’s okay to be herself by being his full-out unfiltered, spontaneous self and loving her unconditionally, while others around her don’t “get her.” The character of grandpa is always doing the unexpected, like telling other people at church who are bragging about their kids’ prestigious careers, “My kids are doing great, too. My son John, he lives in New York. He drives a big car, runs his own business. He’s a pimp. And, my daughter, Amy, she’s doing real well, too. She works for him!”

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?
Laura: “It is simply put, perfect beauty.

Intersections of identity and vulnerability and honesty and history and family, executed by a very talented and special performer, coming together in a way that touched everyone’s hearts.

If you’ve ever felt different and admired the freedom that comes with just being true to that difference, no matter what other people think or say, go see it! Really.”

~Audience member at Chicago Fringe

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?
Laura: A full big band orchestra, super over-sized objects in the dream sequence (like a donut bigger than me), lots of puppets, elves playing ice hockey in the freezer and more fairiness: a chorus of real fairies, an over-the-top fairy costume for the character of Laura with genuine fairy dust and a wand that could make wishes come true!

6. What’s the one thing you’re looking forward to regarding the FRIGID Festival itself?
Laura: I am really excited to see what a cast and director (who have never met my family) do with a show that I wrote based on my family (and originally as a one woman show), who are collaborating along with my production manager/stage manager/dramaturg, who is my cousin and shared the same punk grandpa with me. This is a New York premiere of the multiple character cast version of “Punk Grandpa” (it was first performed with multiple characters at Three Brothers Theatre in Waukegan); I’ve been performing it as a one woman show on and off for the past two years at various festivals throughout Chicago, Orlando, Indiana, Elgin and at the 2015 New York Planet Connections Theatre Festivity.

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?
Laura: Grandpa yelling out of his car window at every lady we saw on the street, as he drove us around at exhilarating rates of speed, “Hey, pick you up in an hour!”

and/or

When grandpa was asked to take a fertility test at the doctor and was handed the cup, he said, “Oh, I thought someone was going to help me.”

8. What’s your favorite line from the show?
Laura: That’ll put hair on your chest.

and

If someone told grandpa no (including grandma), he just thought they needed more information.

9. What’s the last thing you usually do before the beginning of a show?
Laura: Pray and hug my husband really hard.

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?
Laura: If Weird Al showed up, it would be astounding and magical, as he is someone who, like my grandpa, is unafraid to be himself.

I love Weird Al! Wouldn’t it be great if he saw your show and was so inspired that he contributed a song to it? Based on what you’ve told us, he’d have no shortage of material for a whole series of Grandpa songs!

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

-*-*-

Emily Dickinson: Paranormal Investigator: 10 Things To Know About The Show Before You Go (2016 FRIGID NEW YORK FESTIVAL)

Karen Tortora-Lee — Fri, 29 Jan 2016 19:02:01 +0000

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

Emily Dickinson: Paranormal Investigator

produced by PowerOut

It’s 1849 and New York is a gritty, grimy city filled with ghosts, ghouls, and irresponsible transcendentalists. After a string of curious incidents Emily Dickinson, New England’s premiere paranormal investigator, and her estranged mentor Edgar Allan Poe are on the case! Armed with esoteric knowledge and brass knuckles—not to mention a strong grasp on both blank and metered verse—they venture to Brooklyn on the trail of a horrifying new adversary. Emily Dickinson: Paranormal Investigator is an ahistorical romp through poetry and Americana with ghosts, ghouls, and more! Part of the 2016 FRIGID New York Festival.

Show Info:

Wed Feb 17, 2016 | 8:50PM
Sat Feb 20, 2016 | 5:00PM
Thu Feb 25, 2016 | 8:50PM
Tue Mar 01, 2016 | 10:30PM
Sun Mar 06, 2016 | 5:10PM

Kraine Theater New York, NY $10

Answers byTodd Brian Backus (playwright)
Ben Ferber (director)

1. Forget the PR version. When you’re talking to your friends, how do you explain this show to them?
Todd: It’s a mash up of a lot of different things I love: Buffy, Sherlock, Sailor Moon, Ghosts, and American Poetry.
Ben: I say, “I’m directing a show called Emily Dickinson: Paranormal Investigator,” and it’s exactly what it sounds like.

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?
Todd: Probably the sword fights. I think we’ve lost a lot of the fun of fighting on stage with the living room drama, so I’m trying really hard to write the opposite kind of play.

3. What drives your show – character, theme or plot?
Todd: I think character, seeing how these characters who we kinda know from history grow and change and learn in the face of ridiculous supernatural circumstances.

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: One of our actors, after the first read, exclaimed, “It’s just so fun!”

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: I’d have characters appear and disappear in puffs of smoke and/or flashes of light.
Todd: Have you ever watched a magical girl anime? Sailor Moon, Card Captor Sakura, Magic Knights Rayearth, that sort of thing? There’s a point in the show where one of the characters reveals she’s been posing as someone else and she reveals her true form. In a lavish, luxurious production I’d want timed theme music and a costume the she could pull a ribbon out of and spin (a la Broadway’s Cinderella) and go from her disguise to her true form, samurai swords and all.

6. What’s the one thing you’re looking forward to regarding the FRIGID Festival itself?
Todd: FRIGID is always exciting because it’s all of these wild people doing crazy shows that range from the extraordinary to the truly weird. It’salways a lively mix and I’m looking forward to a season where Emily Dickinson: Paranormal Investigator is not quite the weirdest title on the list.
Ben: I feel a real sense of competition to be the weirdest show in a big batch of weird, fun shows.

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: The ending because, and this is not a spoiler, we have this incredibly sad, somber moment which explains sort of why Emily Dickinson becomes a recluse in our version of history. And then we turn on a dime and reveal that there’s going to be a fun, exciting Part II which is about Abraham Lincoln and a train heist! And one of our actors appears wearing a stovepipe and it’s awesome.

8. What’s your favorite line from the show?
Ben: So at one point in the show, Kate Fox, a real-life 12-year-old spirit medium who was super popular/controversial in the mid 1800s, pulls a wired microphone out from nowhere and raps to a sick violin beat about how ghosts told her that Henry David Thoreau is, and I quote, an “asshat.” Then at the end of the number she drops the mic and collapses.

9. What’s the last thing you usually do before the beginning of a show?
Todd: Tell the House Manager we don’t need to hold for anyone else.
Ben: Realize I super need to pee as the lights go down.

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?
Todd: Neil Gaiman, we really only interacted on twitter a few times, I didn’t think you’d actually be here. I slide up next to him, slipping a ring out of my pocket, it fits alongside the wedding band he wears for Amanda, just like me. We make out, the first scene starts but we’re too busy making out to listen. The actors are a bit thrown off by this incredibly public display of affection but I can’t help myself, we snog through the rest of the 60-minute affair.
Ben: But what the cast is really looking out at in the audience, in confusion, is me and the real Emily Dickinson, who is secretly an ageless vampire and came to see our show about her, doing an impromptu synchronized dance number in the back.

Okay, Todd and Ben … I’m going to offer up that this was possibly the first time that question was answered with something which – in and of itself — could be turned into another FRIGID show. Maybe not a full-length, but I definitely could see it on the main stage. But don’t take my word for it! Write it up and see if it sticks!

The rest of you – don’t forget to check out Emily Dickinson: Paranormal Investigator.

-*-*-

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

Karen Tortora-Lee — Thu, 28 Jan 2016 21:58:08 +0000

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

The Golden Smile

While struggling to write a play, five mental patients battle their demons with theater through vulgarity, sarcasm, and song.

Show Info:

Thu Feb 18, 2016 | 8:50PM
Sun Feb 21, 2016 | 6:50PM
Wed Feb 24, 2016 | 10:30PM
Wed Mar 02, 2016 | 7:10PM
Sat Mar 05, 2016 | 8:20PM

Kraine Theater New York, NY $15

Answers by Yaakov Bressler (Playwright)
[with an assist from Joey Stamp (Director)]

1. Forget the PR version. When you’re talking to your friends, how do you explain this show to them?
Yaakov: The Golden Smile is a story of mental patients struggling to collaborate on a theater project. Imagine the characters of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest mashed up with The Mechanicals from A Midsummer Night’s Dream, now imagine they get into trouble for something stupid – so they make a play to solve their problems, except it only deepens their issues. How they creep out of their mess is heartwarming and laughable.

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?
Yaakov: First, when my audience goes for drinks, they better buy me one. Second, I hope they discuss the relevancy of the collaborative struggle brought up in the show. We all face difficult working partners, hopefully The Golden Smile shares some laughs but also insight into these relationships.

3. What drives your show – character, theme or plot?
Yaakov: This question is really for the Director Joey Stamp – so I had him answer it.

Joey: What drives The Golden Smile is simple: Character. Our play starts with all the characters on stage, before the audience even arrives, and they stay there until the last audience members leaves. The point of that is to illustrate that everything that happens in that room happens because of each of these characters. Much like a train without breaks, our show is recklessly steered and controlled by the passionate motivations of our characters, which may or may not make any sense at all.

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?
Yaakov: As a writer, I have incredible pride is seeing the staff of The Golden Smile forgetting about life beyond the artwork during our scenes. Seeing each moment become real is such a privilege. I’m proud of my work but also proud of our team for being awesome (thanks guys!).

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?
Yaakov: Oh my! A truly startling question… Our set is pretty simple and takes place in a very “real” place so we wouldn’t have such crazy dreams. However, we do use an antique radio which the characters are violent towards. It would be cool if they’d be able throw it around and be real rough. Those things are expensive…

Joey: I would have a wall to wall period set with linoleum tiles and green ceramic tiled walls. The play is set in the 1950′s, post WWII, and my dream would be to have everything, every prop, set, and costume piece be period. Unfortunately we don’t yet have the budget to raid all of NYC’s antique shops, but someday soon!

6. What’s the one thing you’re looking forward to regarding the FRIGID Festival itself?
Yaakov: My team and I are looking forward to participating in NYC’s Fringe Theater world. Networking, seeing other shows, and learning about indie theatre in NYC are all elements we’re looking forward to 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?
Yaakov: There are a couple “real” moments in The Golden Smile where people might feel uncomfortable. In this discomfort, depending on the audience, is insight but also dark-comedy. It’ll be interesting to see how the audience reacts.

8. What’s your favorite line from the show?
Yaakov: That’s an easy one! “But teeth are teeth, not gold.”

9. What’s the last thing you usually do before the beginning of a show?
Yaakov: Use the restroom… Actually.

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?
Yaakov: I would be shocked to see one of my Rabbis at the show. I tell my Rabbis that I write plays but that they shouldn’t see this one because it’s vulgar (very vulgar). I’d be shocked that they’d come for the same reasons anyone would be shocked to see a Rabbi there.

I’m glad you said “rabbis” instead of “rabbits” because I can vouch for the fact that a bunny in the audience tends to be the opposite of shocking. In fact, if you can find a rabbit before your show, I suggest you get one. They are fluffy, soothing and very quiet throughout the performance. Unlike, say — a shocked Rabbi who might exclaim during a vulgar moment and bring your show to a screeching halt which may not be what you’re going for. So yeah – Rabbits. NOT Rabbis.

Well, Yaakov (and Joey!) thanks so much for answering our questions.

The rest of you – don’t forget to check out The Golden Smile!

-*-*-

A Broad Abroad!: 10 Things To Know About The Show Before You Go (2016 FRIGID NEW YORK FESTIVAL)

Karen Tortora-Lee — Wed, 27 Jan 2016 16:15:34 +0000

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

A Broad Abroad!

8 Decades of Music, Madness, and “Foreign Affairs.” Classy comedic “Femme Fatale,” D’yan Forest brings you her new show, A Broad Abroad to the New York Frigid Festival. The solo show takes you on her adventures, which began in Paris in 1955. Her comedy and songs (sung in French, Italian & German) include anecdotes about her swains throughout Europe including Italy, Austria and Jordan! Not only is she joined by her longtime pianist, Richard Danley, she also accompanies herself with the piano and ukulele. She’s an innovative 81 year old performer. The Daily News says, “She surprises and tantalizes her audiences with her unique style.”

Show Info:

Tue Feb 16, 2016 | 5:30PM
Sun Feb 21, 2016 | 3:30PM
Fri Feb 26, 2016 | 6:50PM
Wed Mar 2, 2016 | 5:30PM
Fri Mar 04, 2016 | 8:30PM

Kraine Theater New York, NY $10/$15

Answers by D’yan Forest
(Performer/Co-writer)

1. Forget the PR version. When you’re talking to your friends, how do you explain this show to them?
D’yan: It’s a fun, sassy, sexy show with stories of my life in Europe accompanied by songs on the ukulele and piano. It’s a very interesting cabaret show.

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?
D’yan: I hope they’re talking about what an inspirational show it was.

3. What drives your show – character, theme or plot?
D’yan: My zest for life through my adventures in Europe.

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?
D’yan: “I hope I can be like you at 81.”

6. What’s the one thing you’re looking forward to regarding the FRIGID Festival itself?
D’yan: I love meeting people connected with the Frigid as they are very creative and fun!

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?
D’yan: When I do “Touch-a Touch-a Touch-a Touch Me” from The Rocky Horror Picture Show (my version).

8. What’s your favorite line from the show?
D’yan: “Hey, hey, please come back and finish me!”

9. What’s the last thing you usually do before the beginning of a show?
D’yan: Peek through the curtain and see who’s shown up.

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?
D’yan: My manager.

Well, that must be one hell of a manager! Guess the “why” of that question will have to remain a mystery. Hey, maybe we’ll find out in 2017 — since I’m sure a woman like you, D’yan, will pack enough living into the next year to have more than enough material for another FRIGID show next year! If so, be sure to throw in a little bit about that shocking manager of yours. Thanks so much for answering our questions, D’yan!

The rest of you – don’t forget to check out A Broad Abroad!

-*-*-

The Happiest Medium » The Kraine Theater

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

produced by Flights of Fantasy East

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

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Emily Dickinson: Paranormal Investigator: 10 Things To Know About The Show Before You Go (2016 FRIGID NEW YORK FESTIVAL)

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

Answers by Yaakov Bressler (Playwright) [with an assist from Joey Stamp (Director)]

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A Broad Abroad!: 10 Things To Know About The Show Before You Go (2016 FRIGID NEW YORK FESTIVAL)

Answers by D’yan Forest (Performer/Co-writer)

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

Answers by Alex Curtis
(Performer & Creator)

Answers by Mark Levy
(Writer and Actor)

Answers by Samantha Turret
(actor:Young Isabel)

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

Answers by Lindsay Taylor
(Producer/Co-writer/Director)

Answers by Laura Force Scruggs
(playwright, producer)

Answers byTodd Brian Backus (playwright)
Ben Ferber (director)

Answers by Yaakov Bressler (Playwright)
[with an assist from Joey Stamp (Director)]

Answers by D’yan Forest
(Performer/Co-writer)