The Happiest Medium » Interviews

(un)missed connections – 5 Things To Know About The Show Before You Go (2012 Planet Connections Festivity)

Karen Tortora-Lee — Wed, 30 May 2012 16:40:43 +0000

(un)missed connections

Benefiting: GLAAD (Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation)

Produced/Written by Mark-Eugene Garcia

Directed by Rodrigo Bolanos

“(un)missed connections is a modern drama, a brief glimpse into the lives of eight strangers, brought together through chance – and Craigslist. It’s about being at the right place at the right time, or wrong time. Its about searching, online, in line, next to you, across an empty room, even on a massage table for a moment, for a connection.”

Show Times:

Wed 6/6/12 @ 9:00pm
Mon 6/11/12 @ 10:00pm
Tues 6/12/12 @ 7:00pm
Sun 6/17/12 @ 10:00pm
Sun 6/24/12 @ 1:00pm

Answers by Mark-Eugene Garcia

(Playwright)

Karen Tortora-Lee’s Question
How did you come up with the title for your show?

Mark-Eugene: We actually had quite a few titles. The play is based on missed connections from Craigslist, so I originally gave it that title of Missed Connections. But the play really about isn’t missing the connection as opposed to finding them. After speaking with Rodrigo, our director, we came up with (un)missed connections.

Diánna Martin’s Question
If you were going to invite 5 people (from the past or present) to see your show – who would you invite … and why?

Mark-Eugene: 1- Armistead Maupin- because he is probably one of the biggest influences in my writing. I love his plots. I love his books. I love that, without ever meeting me, he taught me so much about who I am and how to live my life. 2&3- Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty- It was through their music that I figured out that I wanted to write theatre. 4- Randy Brunk- a fantastic actress and mentor I knew who supported me in everything I did, pushed me in my theatrical pursuits and was the inspiration for a short play I wrote. I would LOVE to see what she would say about my endeavors now. 5- Laura Linney- She is amazing, probably my favorite actress, a huge crush of mine, and I constantly seem to be one connection away from her at all times. My friends have met her. Even my ex-friends have met her. I know people she knows…She even signed an autograph for me, through them. But I never have met her. Can someone tell Ms. Linney to come see my show and connect with me?

Antonio Minino’s Question
What is the biggest sacrifice you’ve made for your art and was it worth it?

Mark-Eugene: I’d have to say that the biggest sacrifice has been most of the nights and weekends out that most others had in their twenties. How I found a partner without being social is a miracle. I’m kind of a homebody. I’d rather be writing, I guess. But considering that the play is opening soon I think the trade off was well worth it.

Geoffrey Paddy Johnson’s Question
Was there any unexpected discovery made during the development of this production and can you share it with us?

Mark-Eugene: The play originally had a very different much darker ending. In a past incarnation, a producer made a quick suggestion that perhaps (blank) should happen and (blank) shouldn’t. At first I thought, “Who the hell are you? This goes against what the play stands for and what I want the audience to walk away with.” But then I took a few breaths, swallowed my pride and thought about it. The producer had a point, and so did I. So I took a night, thought about my options, found some happy mediums and I went with the happiest medium. Like what I did there?
(Karen: Yes I do, Mark! Adorbs!)

Michelle Augello-Page’s Question
What do you hope the audience receives from the experience of seeing this show?

Mark-Eugene: I want the audience to take a look around and see who is standing nearby. When I sat at home and began reading the missed connections ads, I noticed something. These weren’t just people looking for sex or love. These were people, all nearby, who were reaching out and searching for some kind of connection. Whatever they saw in an eye wink, a smile, a quick exchange of conversation was what they were looking for. Those missed connections ads tell us as much about the writer as they do of the moment. We all are looking for connections. They can be anywhere. A train, a bedroom, a bar, a restaurant, and hopefully… in a theatre.

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Planet Connections runs from May 30 – June 24 at The Bleecker Street Theater located at 45 Bleecker Street, New York, NY. To purchase tickets to this or any of the shows click here.

See Bob Run – 5 Things To Know About The Show Before You Go (2012 Planet Connections Festivity)

Karen Tortora-Lee — Tue, 29 May 2012 01:27:03 +0000

See Bob Run

Benefiting: RAINN
Produced by Dancing Torero Productions
Written by Daniel MacIvor
Directed by David Gautschy

“A dark and edgy dramedy about a young woman hitchhiking across the Canadian prairies. Determined to meet her estranged Father at the water, Bob is talkative, paranoid and full of secrets. Told through direct address, monologues to unsuspecting drivers and twisted fairytales. The play is a complex portrait of the many effects of abuse.”

Show Times:

Wed 6/6/12 – 5:00pm
Mon 6/11/12 – 4:00pm
Saturday 6/16/12 – 8:00pm
Wednesday 6/20/12 – 4:00pm

Answers by Allison Plamondon
(Actor, Producer)

Karen Tortora-Lee’s Question
How did you come up with the title for your show?

Allison: Daniel MacIvor wrote the play in the 80s so he named it then.

Diánna Martin’s Question
If you were going to invite 5 people (from the past or present) to see your show – who would you invite … and why?

Allison: Daniel MacIvor (because he wrote it-although don’t tell me when he is there because I will forget all of my lines)
Caroline Gillis (because she originated the role in 1986 and I would love to buy her a beer after the show)
Tim Ryan (head of my theatre program-passed away in 2009. because he would be proud)
John Cameron Mitchell (because Hedwig and the Angry Inch is totally inspiring!)
Robert Downey Jr (because wouldn’t you want him at your show?)

Antonio Minino’s Question
What is the biggest sacrifice you’ve made for your art and was it worth it?
Allison: Leaving everything I had in Toronto and moving to New York. Was it worth it? You have to ask?

Geoffrey Paddy Johnson’s Question
Was there any unexpected discovery made during the development of this production and can you share it with us?
Allison: In 2011, we worked on See Bob Run part-time for months and months before doing a workshop presentation in the fall. When we picked it up again (8 months later) it was amazing how quickly everything came back. Phew. So, the unexpected discovery was now that the groundwork was laid, we could take more risks and have more fun with it. Exciting!

Michelle Augello-Page’s Question
What do you hope the audience receives from the experience of seeing this show?
Allison: I hope the audience walks away saying “eh” at the end of every sentence like a true Canadian.

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Planet Connections runs from May 30 – June 24 at The Bleecker Street Theater located at 45 Bleecker Street, New York, NY. To purchase tickets to this or any of the shows click here.

Smacker And The Highway – 5 Things To Know About The Show Before You Go (2012 Planet Connections Festivity)

The Happiest Medium — Mon, 28 May 2012 21:20:59 +0000

Smacker and the Highway

Benefiting: Grand Central Neighborhood Social Services Corporation (GCNSSC)
Produced by Waving Cat Productions
Written by Hope Weiner
Directed by Molly Ballerstein

“America is undergoing a facelift, and anything that is regarded as ugly or undesirable is being put out to pasture. Internal migration has reached its highest levels as the displaced roam the highway seeking their own utopia.”

Show Times:

Fri 6/1/12 – 5:00pm
Sun 6/3/12 – 6:00pm
Tues 6/5/12 – 5:00pm
Sat 6/9/12 – 1:30pm
Wed 6/20/12 – 10:00pm
Sat 6/23/12 – 8:00pm

Answers by Molly Ballerstein

(Director)

Karen Tortora-Lee’s Question
How did you come up with the title for your show?

Molly: The title is based off the main character (Smacker) and her experiences of living on the highway.

Diánna Martin’s Question
If you were going to invite 5 people (from the past or present) to see your show – who would you invite … and why?

Molly: I would invite Barack Obama, Governor Cuomo, the Occupy Wall Street Protesters (I’m counting them as one!), Oscar Wilde, and Harold Clurman. The first three people I believe would find the show relevant and a take on where America can go. The last two I would want feedback from!

Antonio Minino’s Question
What is the biggest sacrifice you’ve made for your art and was it worth it?

Molly: The biggest sacrifice I’ve made to date is a quitting a management position at a well known corporation with a stable paycheck, benefits, and a 401K. It was absolutely worth it and since quitting said economically safe job I have never regretted or questioned my choice. Working for a corporation that does not care about people and simply cares about the money they are making is not something I would put on my worst enemy.

Geoffrey Paddy Johnson’s Question
Was there any unexpected discovery made during the development of this production and can you share it with us?

Molly: The way I take on creating the world of a project is more as a playground supervisor than a puppet master. Seeing the characters the actors developed after we established the environment they were in was a wonderful experience! What was most unexpected to me was what happens to the family structure when there is no home or safe place for them to be in.

Michelle Augello-Page’s Question
What do you hope the audience receives from the experience of seeing this show?

Molly: I hope they receive how important it is that we all participate in a nonviolent way and how dangerous it is when we do not take action and participate in what is happening with our government and the world around us. Our community is not made of buildings but of people and as such they are what matters and we should look out for the most.

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Planet Connections runs from May 30 – June 24 at The Bleecker Street Theater located at 45 Bleecker Street, New York, NY. To purchase tickets to this or any of the shows click here.

Bubby’s Shadow – 5 Things To Know About The Show Before You Go (2012 Planet Connections Festivity)

The Happiest Medium — Sun, 27 May 2012 03:02:44 +0000

Isabelle Goodman as Cara, Gloria Rosen as Bubby, Andrew Rothkin as Jonny and Rosie Cosch as Debra in Bubby’s Shadow (Photographer: Paul Dorfman)

Bubby’s Shadow

Benefiting: Jewish Social Services Hospice & Visiting Nurse Service of New York Hospice and Palliative Care
Produced by White Rabbit Theatre
Written by Andrew Rothkin
Directed by Greg Cicchino

An unexpected knock and Jonny’s home again… to his sister, his niece, and the past he left behind. Join the Cohens as their Bubby guides them on a journey, traversing darkness, finding light… After all, Bubby’s not one to let a little snag like death stop her from fixing her family.”

Show Times:

Sun 6/3/12 – 12:00pm
Tue 6/5/12 – 4:00pm
Sat 6/9/12 – 4:30pm
Fri 6/15/12 – 6:00pm
Sun 6/17/12 – 11:00am
Tues 6/19/12 – 8:30pm
Wed 6/20/12 – 6:00pm
Sat 6/23/12 – 7:00pm

Answers by Andrew Rothkin

(Playwright/Producer/Actor)

Karen Tortora-Lee’s Question
How did you come up with the title for your show?
Andrew: Coming up with a title for one of my pieces, whether it is a poem, short story, one-act or full-length play, always comes at different times. Sometimes it is the first thing I come up with; sometimes it is the last thing I come up with; or it can occur any time during the process.

My initial working title for the piece (which I had forgotten until now) was simply Nanny, what my siblings, my cousins and I all called our wonderful, dear grandmother.

The inspiration eventually hit, and I devised Bubby’s Shadow, Bubby’s Light. I liked it then – and like that now… but virtually everyone I talked to thought the title was too much. Indeed, I just as easily could have called it Bubby’s Light, as the play is as much about light as it is about darkness, as much about illumination as it is about mystery…. In the end, I opted for the title that would intrigue me most if I were an unbiased theatregoer.

Diánna Martin’s Question
If you were going to invite 5 people (from the past or present) to see your show – who would you invite … and why?
Andrew: My mom and all four grandparents – all of whom are deceased. For me, much of the play is about reclaiming of one’s heritage and a celebration of family bonds…as well as the continuation of these bonds, even after death.

My maternal grandparents filled me with many of the happiest memories of my childhood, and many details of Bubby’s Shadow are inspired and reflective of their spirit – most particularly, holidays in their home. Above all, the play is infused with my tender, joyful memories of Passover in their home.

I never met my paternal grandparents; the both died shortly before I was born. As is the Jewish tradition, I was named for those who died: Andrew Brian for Anna and for Benjamin. In the initial few drafts of Bubby’s Shadow, I spent countless hours researching my heritage and what it means to be Jewish – and gave a lot of consideration to how familial bonds and love outlive our physical forms. Thus, I have never wanted to meet these great souls more than while working on this play.

Finally, my mother had always been my best friend and my biggest inspiration – and she was a great help to me during the initial creation of the play and indispensable to the first production. So much of this play is filled with my mother – her history, her spirituality, her heart, her soul… She passed away a little over a year ago, and her belief in the afterlife and her understanding of death as a part of life (she was a hospice nurse, among other things), has meant more to me than ever before – and has made Bubby’s Shadow much more personal and much more relevant than it ever felt before.

Antonio Minino’s Question
What is the biggest sacrifice you’ve made for your art and was it worth it?
Andrew: Like all serious, ambitious artists, I have made great sacrifices throughout my life: putting in many, many times the hours on my creative work than I ever did for the work that pays me, spending countless nights at my computer or in rehearsal while my friends were out having fun, spending most of my funds on producing shows while I could barely pay my rent…. The only true sacrifice I regret making, however, is how often I put people and things that didn’t really matter so much ahead of the people that did – all in the name of theatre.

Above all, I recently gave up more than I could possibly explain for people who could not have mattered less – when I could have gone on a dream vacation with my mom, during what ended up being the last few months of her life.

I will never make that mistake again. It took me a long time to get here, but I finally understand: people are more important than art, and true friends and family are more important than “success” or “acclaim” or anything else in this world.

And no. It wasn’t worth it at all.

Geoffrey Paddy Johnson’s Question
Was there any unexpected discovery made during the development of this production and can you share it with us?
Andrew: I began writing Bubby’s Shadow about six years ago, saw it through a reading, a staged reading and a full production (– and quite a few drafts! –) yet I make discoveries about the piece every day. What has been most fun for me is switching from playwright mode to actor mode, as I am finally playing the role I initially wrote for myself (and finally feel it’s the right time for me to play him)…and looking at this play through “Jonny’s” eyes is quite different than looking at the entire play through the eyes of a writer.

One specific thing that comes to mind is how fun Jonny is to play. Sure, I wrote what I think are funny lines, and I gave the character some silly things to do – but in the rehearsal process (and through Greg Cicchino’s spot-on and smart direction), “being” Jonny is closer to playing a child than the brooding, complex, sad man I thought I was going to play. (Yes – he’s those things too…. But like the play itself, and perhaps several characters in the play, Jonny is as much about light as he is about darkness. After all, I don’t think you can have one without having the other.)

Michelle Augello-Page’s Question
What do you hope the audience receives from the experience of seeing this show?
Andrew: Whatever they get, they get… I don’t mean to sound cheeky. But the piece is filled with a great deal to think about – little nuggets of life versus death, darkness versus light, being a grownup versus being a child (at any age), embracing ones past versus running away from it… Unlike some of my pieces, in which I have a very strong idea of what I want the audience to walk away with, I just want the audience to drink Bubby’s Shadow in and to think on their life as they relate to the various issues. And if one audience member decides to call an estranged friend or relative – or if some element of the production rekindles a resurgence of pride in someone’s heritage or someone’s spiritual awakening – it would be a very sweet icing on a most fulfilling cake.

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Planet Connections runs from May 30 – June 24 at The Bleecker Street Theater located at 45 Bleecker Street, New York, NY. To purchase tickets to this or any of the shows click here.

The Empress Of Sex – 5 Things To Know About The Show Before You Go (2012 Planet Connections Festivity)

The Happiest Medium — Sat, 26 May 2012 17:01:38 +0000

The Empress of Sex

Benefiting: Planned Parenthood
Produced by G-Money Productions
Written by Duncan Pflaster
Directed by Glory Kadigan

“In Ancient Greece, a woman spurned in love finds a deserted island and sets herself up as the Empress Salacia, decreeing that there shall be no love allowed in her domain, only sex. She gathers some sybaritic acolytes and all is frolicsome mindless fun until Salacia’s ex-lover Agis comes to the island in disguise, to attempt to win her back.”

Show Times:

Mon 6/4/12 – 7:30pm
Wed 6/6/12 – 9:30pm
Sat 6/9/12 – 5:30pm
Tues 6/12/12 – 4:00pm
Wed 6/13/12 – 9:00pm
Sun 6/17/12 – 9:00pm
Mon 6/18/12 – 4:30pm
Fri 6/22/12 – 9:30pm

Answers by Duncan Pflaster (Playwright)

Karen Tortora-Lee’s Question
How did you come up with the title for your show?

Duncan: Well, the play is about a woman who gives up on love and devotes herself to sex; she sets herself up as Empress of an island devoted to sybaritic pleasures. Unlike my other play, that was always the title from the genesis of the project. I only found out later that “The Empress of Sex” was also a title for Mae West, which I think is awfully appropriate.

Diánna Martin’s Question
If you were going to invite 5 people (from the past or present) to see your show – who would you invite … and why?

Duncan:
1. Mae West – she fought so hard against censorship in the theatre in the 1920s with her ribald plays, often going to prison and being fined for presenting her work; it would be an honor to have her in the audience (though she would probably insist on taking over the show and playing the lead).

2. Pierre de Marivaux – seeing a production of his play The Triumph of Love was a HUGE inspiration for this piece (though I inverted the sexual tropes); the character of Agis in Empress is named after a character in that play.

3. Heinrich Von Kleist – Likewise, his tragedy Penthesilea was a big influence (Which I encountered through Eric Bentley’s translation/adaptation The Fall of the Amazons).

4. Charles Ludlam – I am continually inspired by his plays and his Ridiculous Theatre ethos; with his recrafting of classical tropes infused with modern sensibilities, he’d feel right at home here. He and Mae would need to have a slap fight for the titular role.

5. Patricia Comstock – one of my favorite actresses, the play is dedicated to her (I think she already has tickets).

Antonio Minino’s Question
What is the biggest sacrifice you’ve made for your art and was it worth it?
Duncan: Continually sacrificing. Usually worth it.

Geoffrey Paddy Johnson’s Question
Was there any unexpected discovery made during the development of this production and can you share it with us?
Duncan: I’ve been super-busy this year, since I have two shows going up in Planet Connections; Glory Kadigan is directing this one, and I’m directing The Taint of Equality ~or~ I Want Your Sex. I discovered I get very grumpy when I can’t be present at rehearsals and am thus out of the loop.

Michelle Augello-Page’s Question
What do you hope the audience receives from the experience of seeing this show?
Duncan: Like my other show, I hope they laugh, are titillated, and still go home thinking about the philosophical issues related to love and sex that are the meat of the play. Hehe, I said “meat”.

Another great show by playwright Duncan Pflaster! See his other 5 Things To Know …for The Taint Of Equality. Why not see both shows? Twice the Duncan – Twice the Fun!

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Planet Connections runs from May 30 – June 24 at The Bleecker Street Theater located at 45 Bleecker Street, New York, NY. To purchase tickets to this or any of the shows click here.

Pageant Princess, The Musical – 5 Things To Know About The Show Before You Go (2012 Planet Connections Festivity)

The Happiest Medium — Tue, 22 May 2012 22:38:06 +0000

Pageant Princess, The Musical

Benefiting: Adam R. Spector Foundation
Produced by Violet Productions
Music by Joni Ernst
Book by Abigail Taylor
Book, Lyrics, and Music also by Lorelei Mackenzie & Kristen Penner

“At Little Miss Glamour and Glitz – Texas it’s what’s on the OUTSIDE that counts. Join three young aspiring pageant princesses and their off-beat families in their quest for the crown. Witness the magic, the mayhem and of course the glitter in this delightful romp into child pageants.”

Show Times:

Tues 6/5/12 – 7:00pm
Sat 6/9/12 – 3:30pm
Sun 6/10/12 – 1:30pm
Sat 6/16/12 – 11:00am
Wed 6/20/12 – 4:30pm
Sat 6/23/12 – 11:30am

Answers by Kristen Penner (Playwright)

Karen Tortora-Lee’s Question
How did you come up with the title for your show?

Kristen: We were watching the reality show “Toddlers and Tiaras” and laughing about how funny it would be to have a musical with these nutty parents and kids. Lorelei, a writer and composer, said jokingly, “Yeah, and we could call it Pageant Princess The Musical.” Suddenly we all stopped and stared at each other. And that is how the show, along with the title, came into being.

Diánna Martin’s Question
If you were going to invite 5 people (from the past or present) to see your show – who would you invite … and why?

Kristen:
Stephen Sondheim because he is the inspiration for a lot of the music.
Michael Galanes, the host of Little Miss Perfect, because he was a big inspiration for the show itself.
Christopher Guest because he was not only an inspiration with his movies but is, in our humble opinion, absolutely brilliant.
Bette Midler, because her career is an inspiration to the struggling actor/writer/composer types…and she would be a great producer for this show!
Anyone who has ever been in the crazy world of pageantry because this show is dedicated to them.

Antonio Minino’s Question
What is the biggest sacrifice you’ve made for your art and was it worth it?
Kristen: I don’t consider anything I do for my art a sacrifice because I love it so much. The time spent composing and writing with the people closest to me is a gift, living in NYC is insane but there’s never a dull moment, and any other struggle that I have had or will have in the future is more fun than I would have doing anything else in the world.

Geoffrey Paddy Johnson’s Question
Was there any unexpected discovery made during the development of this production and can you share it with us?
Kristen: We learned how to use Finale (a computer program that supposedly transcribes your sheet music). If anyone reading this ever has issues with Finale, give us a call because we went through 3 months of hell trying to learn it.
Michelle Augello-Page’s Question
What do you hope the audience receives from the experience of seeing this show?
Kristen: I hope they laugh. And I hope that they walk away feeling the same thing they would feel after watching a reality TV show: less screwed up.

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Planet Connections runs from May 30 – June 24 at The Bleecker Street Theater located at 45 Bleecker Street, New York, NY. To purchase tickets to this or any of the shows click here.

WEBEIME – 5 Things To Know About The Show Before You Go (2012 Planet Connections Festivity)

The Happiest Medium — Tue, 22 May 2012 17:28:28 +0000

WEBEIME

Benefiting: Male Survivor
Produced by The Layon Gray Experience & The Black Gents Of Hollywood
Written by Layon Gray

“WEBEIME is a journey, an emotional excursion of one man, dealing with the demons of his past that contributed to his present predicament. The nameless protagonist takes his audience on a path down memory lane, filled with child abuse, mental isolation, domestic violence and becoming a man”

Show Times:

Thur 6/7/12 – 5:00pm
Fri 6/8/12 – 8:00pm
Sun 6/10/12 – 3:30pm
Fri 6/15/12 – 10:00pm
Sun 6/17/12 – 12:00pm
Wed 6/20/12 – 6:30pm

Answers by Layon Gray

(Writer)

Karen Tortora-Lee’s Question
How did you come up with the title for your show?
Layon: I always get asked this question because many people pronounce the title wrong. lol. The correct way to say it is WE – BE – I – ME. I created this to symbolize that although each human being in the world is different we have some kind of common factor. In WEBEIME although the protagonist is an African American male his issues are universal.

Diánna Martin’s Question
If you were going to invite 5 people (from the past or present) to see your show – who would you invite … and why?
Layon: This play is based off another show I wrote in 2003 called “Diary Of A Catholic School Dropout” which featured a diverse all female cast. My childhood friend who died inspired me to write the piece. I know she would appreciate her story being told on stage from the female and male perspective. I would also invite as many people who have suffered from mental, physical, and child abuse, and let them know its okay to talk about it.

Antonio Minino’s Question
What is the biggest sacrifice you’ve made for your art and was it worth it?
Layon: Breaking off a wedding engagement to move to LA from Louisiana to be an extra on Days Of Our Lives. I apologized years later.

Geoffrey Paddy Johnson’s Question
Was there any unexpected discovery made during the development of this production and can you share it with us?
Layon: Wow! This is a very good question. You have to understand the show is dealing with sexual child abuse amongst other things. Its always a tough subject matter, then you throw in 8 African American men, where if it does (or has) happen it’s just not really talked about amongst African Americans. Watching these actors go from hesitant about being raped on stage (stylized), and breaking down in tears/becoming this child was an incredible moment for me as a writer/ director and artist to witness the transformation. The actors really have to trust the director’s vision, and these men who were sheltered at first slowly let their guards down and reveled something unique and free on stage.

Michelle Augello-Page’s Question
What do you hope the audience receives from the experience of seeing this show?
Layon: Interesting. Here you have a man who is on death row for brutality murdering his wife. In his last 2 hours before he’s executed he is trying to find peace. From a writer stand point my goal is for audience to understand murder is not good, and for some people they live by the saying “an eye for an eye” . However for those 2 hours of the show I want the audience to walk in his shoes, his path and then make up their decision on his fate.

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Planet Connections runs from May 30 – June 24 at The Bleecker Street Theater located at 45 Bleecker Street, New York, NY. To purchase tickets to this or any of the shows click here.

A Dance For Rylie – 5 Things To Know About The Show Before You Go (2012 Planet Connections Festivity)

The Happiest Medium — Tue, 22 May 2012 03:32:37 +0000

A Dance For Rylie

Benefitting: Ali Forney Center
Produced by Stephan Davis
Written/Composed by Stephan Davis

“Rylie meets Matthew. Their lives are altered, for better and worse. They love through sickness and health. But when Rylie’s health declines, hospital policy keeps them apart.”

Show Times:

Fri 6/1/12 – 9:00pm
Sun 6/3/12 – 8:00pm
Fri 6/8/12 – 4:00pm
Sun 6/10/12 – 10:00pm
Wed 6/13/12 – 5:00pm
Tues 6/19/12 – 6:00pm

Answers by Stephan Davis

Karen Tortora-Lee’s Question
How did you come up with the title for your show?

Stephan: I came up with the title for the show based on a song that the character sings at the end of the show, thanking his partner for the beautiful romance that they have shared and encouraging him to continue to be open to love again.

Diánna Martin’s Question
If you were going to invite 5 people (from the past or present) to see your show – who would you invite … and why?
Stephan: 1. Harvey Milk because I greatly admire the work he did to advance gay and lesbian rights. 2. Dustin Lance Black because I am a huge fan of his work. 3. Mariah Carey as her music from the 90′s has definitely influenced my style on saxophone and as a composer. 4 & 5, My Mom and Dad as the show would hopefully change their minds about gay and lesbian relationships and issues of equality.

Antonio Minino’s Question
What is the biggest sacrifice you’ve made for your art and was it worth it?
Stephan: I left Washington D.C. where I was pretty comfortable and established to move back to New York to pursue this show at full speed. Yes, it was absolutely worth it!

Geoffrey Paddy Johnson’s Question
Was there any unexpected discovery made during the development of this production and can you share it with us?
Stephan: Not so far!

Michelle Augello-Page’s Question
What do you hope the audience receives from the experience of seeing this show?
Stephan: I hope to advance consciousness around issues of HIV/AIDS and equality.

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Planet Connections runs from May 30 – June 24 at The Bleecker Street Theater located at 45 Bleecker Street, New York, NY. To purchase tickets to this or any of the shows click here.

Bed – 5 Things To Know About The Show Before You Go (2012 Planet Connections Festivity)

The Happiest Medium — Mon, 21 May 2012 23:00:43 +0000

BED

Benefiting: WIN [Women in Need]
Produced by Renegade Theatre Troupe
Written by Dana Sumner-Pritchard
Directed by Nick Martin

“A young couple is in the throes of a life changing event that threatens to ruin their relationship. Both heartbreaking and hilarious, “Bed” asks us to examine what exactly would tear us away from the loves of our lives.”

Show Times:

Sat 6/2/12 – 8:00pm
Mon 6/4/12 – 9:30pm
Thur 6/7/12 – 6:00pm
Wed 6/13/12 – 4:00pm
Tues 6/19/12 – 6:30pm
Sat 6/23/12 – 11:00am

Answers by Dana Sumner-Pritchard

(Playwright, Actress)

Karen Tortora-Lee’s Question
How did you come up with the title for your show?

Dana: The bed is the only set piece in the play. For a couple, there are a lot of implications surrounding their bed–the intimacy level is so high, any changes to routine can make it seem hostile. It made sense in this play about a couple that is desperately trying to stay together.

Diánna Martin’s Question
If you were going to invite 5 people (from the past or present) to see your show – who would you invite … and why?

Dana: My mother. I learned about poetry from her, and while the play is prose, her influence is all over it.

My first love. Our relationship inspired a lot of this piece (the good stuff, mostly!).

Jason Robert Brown. The play has drawn comparisons to his musical, “The Last Five Years,” and I’d love to hear his thoughts.

And you know, I wish Wendy Wasserstein was alive. I’d invite her for sure. My aunt always said I reminded her of her. Her sensibility when writing women is pretty inspiring to me as a lady playwright.

I love “The Children’s Hour” and I’d so invite Lillian Hellman if I could. She wrote such amazing work.

Antonio Minino’s Question
What is the biggest sacrifice you’ve made for your art and was it worth it?
Dana: I moved from my hometown in Northern California to New York so that I could be near the theatre scene here. It was a huge loss for me–I love where I’m from. But it’s been so worth it because now my play is being produced. The gamble paid off!

Geoffrey Paddy Johnson’s Question
Was there any unexpected discovery made during the development of this production and can you share it with us?
Dana: The play started out very autobiographical, and I thought I’d stay in that realm. But the big discovery for me was that I could write this story that was deeply personal without actually being about me. Its a rookie play-writing realization, but hey, I’m a rookie playwright, and it really does change the way you look at your writing.

Michelle Augello-Page’s Question
What do you hope the audience receives from the experience of seeing this show?
Dana: I hope they come to terms with what it means to love somoene fully. I hope that some people leave ready to forgive. I hope that others leave ready to fight. I hope that everyone leaves knowing a little bit more about how they love.

___

Planet Connections runs from May 30 – June 24 at The Bleecker Street Theater located at 45 Bleecker Street, New York, NY. To purchase tickets to this or any of the shows click here.

Entrevista: Island To Island – The Photography Of Marielle DeLuna

Antonio Miniño — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 15:56:22 +0000

Marielle DeLuna & Antonio Miniño in front of her photographs | photo by Decia Bodden

In she walks wearing one of New York based Dominican fashion designer Peter Hidalgo‘s latest creations for Spring/Summer 2012, a turqouise Mosquito dress that asserts her readiness to conquer the world and create all opportunities. She has a lot to celebrate, a dream come true to most artists and even bigger accomplishment for someone from the small pond of Dominican Republic to the mecca of Art and Design.

Marielle DeLuna is an emerging photographer who said yes to living her passion later in her life. From being an American Airlines employee to owning Marielle DeLuna Photography, she has broken molds with her unique personality and love for the obscure in a land where this practice is most unconventional.

She is not a stranger to adversity having received “shade” from purists for her radical views and tell-it-like-it-is personality. Sticks and stones that will never affect an outstanding mother raising a beautiful family, an anchor that reminds her of what is really important at the end of the day. Judging by their participation in one of the photographs being displayed at the Broadway Gallery in SoHo they support her passion wholeheartedly.

Marielle took some time to answer some questions for The Happiest Medium.

When did you fall in love with the lens? what inspires you?
Marielle: Since I was a child I love Art… My inspirations come from old and romantic paintings; the paintings are a dream to me, a secret or a mysterious kind of beauty.
Beauty can be created and represented by a dream, or fantasy, sometimes romantic and sometimes repugnant.

How did you get involved with Broadway Gallery and this exhibit?
MDL: Thanks to my dear friends Chloe Fernandez and Peter Hidalgo, both in fashion actually.

Marielle DeLuna

How has being a native of the Dominican Republic influence your Art? how does it add to it and how does it make it challenging?
MDL: In Dominican Republic traditional photographers and art buyers are mostly interested in folkloric Art and Destination Photography, which is why I think I’ve been mostly influenced by International artists, but there is a part of our history that really inspires me and makes me dream of the past and the people of yesteryear forcing me to look for other ways of expression…. Our Colonial Zone is full of history and very rich in untold stories that I try to catch with my eye and translate with my lens.

What is next for Marielle DeLuna?
MDL: A Fantasy Book.

~~~

Marielle DeLuna’s photos were on display through February 2nd at the Broadway Gallery in SoHo NYC.

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