Archives: Shows

THEATER FOR THE NEW CITY

EXECUTIVE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR, CRYSTAL FIELD

PRESENTS

WORLD PREMIERE OF

THE DARK OUTSIDE

BY BERNARD KOPS

November 6 to 28, 2021

Theater for the New City, 155 First Ave. (at E. 10^th Street)

Previews November 6 and 7, Opens Wednesday November 10.
Wednesdays through Saturdays at 8:00 PM, Sundays at 3:00 PM.
No shows Wednesday November 24 and Thursday November 25 Thanksgiving

Tickets $18 general admission. $15 Students & Seniors

Box Office: www.theaterforthenewcity.net, (212) 254-1109

Show’s website: https://www.thedarkoutsidenyc.com

Author’s agent: Katie Langridge at Knight Hall Agency Ltd. (London)

Runs 1:30.  Critics are invited on or after November 10.

In “The Dark Outside” by Bernard Kops, a birthday celebration for a one-armed East London tailor, who is in a life crisis, brings home his three grown children.  All are facing traumatic changes.  It falls to his wife–the family matriarch and unfailing strength–to hold the clan together.  Songs and poetic outbursts are inspired because plain speech is insufficient for the family’s powerful feelings.  This piece is the latest work for the stage by one of England’s greatest contemporary playwrights and is thematically similar to his most recent works of poetry.  Theater for the New City (TNC), 155 First Ave., will present its world premiere November 6 to 28, starring Austin Pendleton as the tailor and New York actress Katharine Cullison, for whom the part was written, as his wife.  Jack Serio directs.

Bernard Kops is an English playwright, novelist, and poet born on November 28, 1926, in London, England, known for his works of unabashed sentimentality.
Kops left school at the age of 13 and worked at various odd jobs before beginning to write. He established himself with his first play, The Hamlet of Stepney Green (1959), a reversal of the family relationships depicted in William Shakespeare’s Hamlet, ending happily in an affirmation of the human spirit. Among his other plays were The Dream of Peter Mann (1960), an apocalyptic drama in which much of the action occurs as a dream, and Playing Sinatra (1991), which centers on a brother and sister obsessed with the legendary performer. Kops’s early life of poverty and his Jewish background informs much of his work, including Enter Solly Gold (1961), in which a con artist convinces a Jewish millionaire that he is the Messiah in order to steal his money, the surrealistic drama Ezra (produced 1981), based on the personality of the American poet Ezra Pound, and Dreams of Anne Frank (1998).
Kops’s novels included Awake for Mourning (1958), The Dissent of Dominick Shapiro (1966), and The Odyssey of Samuel Glass (2012). He also wrote the autobiographies The World Is a Wedding (1963) and Shalom Bomb (2000) as well as several radio and television plays. Barricades in West Hampstead (1988) and Love, Death, and Other Joys (2018) were among Kops’s many collections of poetry.

Katharine Cullison (Helen) received her BA in Theatre at Grinnell College and studied classical American realism at HB Studios with Uta Hagen, Herbert Berghof, Anne Jackson, and Austin Pendleton. In London, she trained with the late Doreen Cannon, former head of acting at RADA.  Credits include Sandra in “Playing Sinatra” by Bernard Kops opposite Austin Pendleton (Theater for the New City), “Dirty Linen” directed by Edward de Souza (Arts Theater, West End), “Rogues and Vagabonds” (JW3, London), “Rumcake” (Trilogy Theater, Off Broadway); “Ways and Means” (Spectrum Stage), and numerous productions at HB Playwrights Foundation.  Ms. Cullison also gave voice to the Federal Theatre Project’s “Hallie Flannigan” (opposite Tim Robbins and Simon Callow) on Art for the Millions for BBC Radio 4.  In 2011, she served as a judge for the Irene Ryan Acting Scholarships for the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival, and in 2018 was a guest artist at Grinnell College.  She played Helen in the reading of “The Dark Outside” at London’s National Portrait Gallery.

Austin Pendleton (Paul) is an actor, a director, a playwright and a teacher of acting at HB Studio in New York, where he studied with Uta Hagen and Herbert Berghof.  His most recent New York appearance as an actor has been in “The Minutes” by Tracy Letts, which will reappear this spring.  His first Broadway appearance was as Motel in the original cast of Fiddler on the Roof; his first off-Broadway appearance was in “Oh Dad, Poor Dad…” by Arthur Kopit.  Both of these were directed by Jerome Robbins.  He is a member of the Ensemble in Chicago’s Steppenwolf Theater.  He has appeared in several hundred movies and on TV in such shows as “Homicide,” “Oz” and “Law and Order.”   He has directed Tony-nominated shows on Broadway (“Spoils of War,” “The Little Foxes”) and directed extensively at other theaters, notably the Williamstown Theatre Festival, where he apprenticed and got his start under the guidance of its Artistic Director, Nikos Psacharopoulos.  His plays are “Booth,” “Uncle Bob” and “Orson’s Shadow,” each of which has been published and produced extensively.

Ben is played by Jesse McCormick.
Sophie is played by Brenna Donahue.
Penny is played by Kathleen Simmonds.

Director Jack Serio most recently directed Misha Brooks in “solo happy & grateful” at Ars Nova. Born and raised in Boston, he was the founding Artistic Director of The Boston Teen Acting Troupe, a nationally recognized professional teen theatre company.  As an assistant director, he has worked under Austin Pendleton, Alex Timbers, Lee Sunday Evans, Jason Eagan, Knud Adams, Rory McGregor, Gabriel Barre and DJ Mendel.  He was an assistant in Tom Kirdahy Productions for the Broadway productions of “It’s Only A Play” and “The Visit” by Terrence McNally.  He is an artistic consultant to actor/comedian Aasif Mandvi and occasionally writes for HowlRound. He earned a BFA at NYU and is a member of the 2019 Lincoln Center Directors Lab and the 2019-2021 SDC Foundation Observership Class.

Scenic Designer is Walt Spangler.
Lighting Designer is Keith Parham.
Sound Designer/Composer is Nick T. Moore
Costume Designer is Ricky Reynoso.
Props Manager is Kathryn (China) Hayzer.
Stage Manager is Helen Thornton.
Production Coordinator / Assistant Stage Manager is Paulina Tobar.

COVID Protocol and Etiquette:
As of August 17 2021, people 12 and older are required to show proof they have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine authorized for emergency use by the FDA or WHO.
Proof of vaccination may include the NYC Vaccination Record, CDC Vaccination Card (or photo), Excelsior Pass or NYC COVID Safe App.

All patrons must be vaccinated in order to see shows. Please provide proof before purchasing tickets.
Everyone must wear a face mask for entry into the theater or when moving around.

THEATER FOR THE NEW CITY’S VILLAGE HALLOWEEN COSTUME BALL MOVES OUTSIDE OCTOBER 31

NEW YORK, September 24 — Theater for the New City (TNC) has presented its Village Halloween Costume Ball annually since 1976. With safety paramount this year, the fete will take place October 31 as an open-air celebration outside the theater, on East Tenth Street between First and Second Avenues.  A large tent will provide rain protection.  Performances, a costume competition and dancing to the music of swing and Latin bands are planned.  Events are scheduled from 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM.  Admission is free but donations will be gratefully accepted.  No reservations are necessary.  The entire public is invited.

LISTEN TO THEATER FOR THE NEW CITY’S HALLOWEEN PROMO

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

2:00 PM
A sizzling hour of entertainment begins with Cobu, the all-female Japanese Taiko drumming and dance troupe led by Yako Miyamoto with Ayaha Otsuka, Mayu Yamashita, Micro Fukuyama and Kana Matsui.  Also: musical selections from this summer’s TNC Street Theater; Belly Dance with Carol Tendava; Yip Harburg Rainbow Troupe; Elizabeth Ruf; Glitter Kitty; Justine J. Hall; Reverend Billy; Wycherly Sisters.  A table of face-painting will be provided to keep the children happy. Trick-or-treaters will receive wrapped candy.

3:00 PM
Dancing in the street with Art Lillard’s Heavenly Big Band, a 17 piece swing orchestra.

4:30 PM
Costume judging and prizes with the “Monsters and Miracles Costume Parade.” All costumed attendees are invited to march past a panel of celebrity judges.  Winners will receive one-year passes to TNC and a bottle of Moet Chandon champagne. Attendees will be judged in such categories as “Most Booster-Shot,” “Most Stimulus Packaged,” “Most Flood Controlled,” “Most Welcoming,” “Most Ozoned,” “Most Demilitarized,” “Most Solar,” “Most Herd Immunity” and “Most Economical.”  Emceed by T. Scott Lilly.

5:30 PM
Dancing with Mr. Pablo’s Latin Dance Band.

7:15 PM
“The Red and Black Masque,” an annual Medieval ritual show written by Arthur Sainer, scored by David Tice and directed by Crystal Field which is performed by torchlight.  The audience will be invited to participate.

7:30 – 10:30 PM
Chop Shop Theater– a succession of free, live, 10-minute performances staged in the theater’s set shop for audiences outside who watch through an open garage door on East Tenth Street.  The theater’s set shop is outfitted with an elaborate set by Mark Marcante and Lytza Colon, full stage lighting by Alexander Bartenieff and a four-mic sound system.  This attraction was invented last year for TNC’s Halloween celebration and played 23 weekly installments throughout the winter.  The growing list of performers includes Cobu, Peter Dizozza, Vinie Burrows, Lei Zhou, Ben Harburg, Bina Sharif, Inma Heredia, Ian Gordon, Katherine Adamenko, F Murray Abraham*, David Lewis, Lissa Moira, Carol Tandava, Zero Boy, Danielle Aziza.

10:15 PM
The Tell-Tale Heart: A Film by Danny Ashkenazi

 

REFRESHMENTS
From 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM, attendees can enjoy libations of beer, wine, cider and water (with or without chips) from an inside bar that will be selling through doors on East Tenth Street to the sidewalk, where a section will be roped off with chairs for revelers’ seating.

Neighborhood bars and restaurants are devising new original drinks–$3 to $5 TNC Halloween Specials–for patrons who can show a TNC Halloween Program.  TNC’s neighbors are always in the mix!

NEIGHBORHOOD GIVEAWAYS
Neighbors will display objects to be given away free, including children’s toys, baby clothes and household items.  Donations optional. TNC will have its own giveaway table.  Donations are always appreciated.

COME SEE AND BE SEEN AND CELEBRATE THE DAY OF DAYS AND NIGHTS OF NIGHTS!

Executive Artistic Director, Crystal Field

Presents

LIGHTEN UP, NYC!: A STAGED READING

As part of the City Arts Corps Awards Program

155 1^st Avenue, New York, NY 10003

A staged reading of four ten-minute plays from the production of Lighten Up, NYC! by Peter Zachari will be held at Theater for the New City on Monday, September 27, 2021 at 2pm. Free admission.

The cast includes Daniel Krstyen, Amanda Nicholas, Patrick Reidy and Jillian Vitko.

Have we all forgotten how to lighten up? Are we all so wound up that even the possibility of loosening up makes us uncomfortable? Peter Zachari explores this theme with four comedic and exploratory pieces:

Cellular Fun finds lascivious Max and frigid Susan on a crowded MTA bus.

My Father, My Friend discovers Celeste desperately trying to confess her sins after her bachelorette party to a priest who is having none of it.

Can You Please Passive the Aggression presents two New Yorkers dining at a restaurant who find fault with everything.

Coming In explores a family whose child must summon the courage to reveal a hidden secret about themselves.

 

This program is made possible by the New York City Artist Corps. Members of the public can participate in City Artist Corps Grants programming by following the hashtag #CityArtistCorps and @NYCulture on social media. 

COVID Protocol and Etiquette: 
As of August 17 2021, people 12 and older are required to show proof they have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine authorized for emergency use by the FDA or WHO.

Proof of vaccination may include the NYC Vaccination Record, CDC Vaccination Card (or photo), Excelsior Pass or NYC COVID Safe App.

All patrons must be vaccinated in order to see shows. Please provide proof before purchasing tickets.

Everyone must wear a face mask for entry into the theater or when moving around.

THEATER FOR THE NEW CITY
Crystal Field, Executive Artistic Director, Presents:

ELECTRIC’S WEST SIDE STORY (On The Lower East Side)

Thursday, October 14 – Sunday, October 24
Thursday – Saturday @ 8PM; Sunday @ 3PM
Tickets $18; Students & Seniors $15

Conceived, Performed, and Directed by William Electric Black

ELECTRIC’S WEST SIDE STORY (ON THE LOWER EAST SIDE) – Seven-time Emmy award winner William Electric Black is presenting a one-man show inspired by the famous musical. “Electric’s West Side Story (On The Lower East Side)” is the well-known playwright, director and performer’s take on the famous play, its place in history, role today and issues it presents. An entertaining, innovative and immersive tour de force, Electric’s production presents his view of the classic show and story in which audience members can become part of the performance.

Inspired by John Leguizamo’s one man shows, Electric becomes an array of characters from the original West Side Story, mixing improvisation with writing and audience participation. This one man show, with audience immersed in the production will have you wondering whether you truly know how to snap, whistle, or fill in the missing lyrics, Ok by me in______________? Electric will also be passing out Twinkies and candy cigarettes to get you in the 1950s mood.

Electronic Drums & Sound Design – Jim Mussen
Stage Manager/Social Media – Marissa Johnson
Lighting Design – Alex Bartenieff
Set Design – Lytza Colon
Set Coordinator – Mark Marcante
Costumes/Props – Susan Hemley
Puppet Consultants – Loco7

Website: www.williamelectricblack.com
Instagram: @electricblackexperience
*Press Queries — electricswestsidestory@gmail.com

65 minutes.

COVID Protocol and Etiquette:
As of August 17 2021, people 12 and older are required to show proof they have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine authorized for emergency use by the FDA or WHO.
Proof of vaccination may include the NYC Vaccination Record, CDC Vaccination Card (or photo), Excelsior Pass or NYC COVID Safe App.

All patrons must be vaccinated in order to see shows. Please provide proof before purchasing tickets.
Everyone must wear a face mask for entry into the theater or when moving around.

THEATER FOR THE NEW CITY
Crystal Field, Executive Artistic Director, Presents:

CRITICAL CARE, or REHEARSALS FOR A NURSE
July 31 – September 12
Free! In The Streets!
Saturday and Sundays @ 2 PM; Friday Performance in Coney Island @ 6:30 PM (full schedule below)

Writer and Director, Crystal Field
Composer, Joseph Vernon Banks

CRITICAL CARE, or REHEARSALS FOR A NURSE is about a young lady named Flora, who is studying to be a Nurse. She takes a job in a Nursing home so that she will be able to pay her tuition, books, and living expenses. But COVID-19 rears its Ugly Head, and Rose has a big fight on her hands, to help to save her city and her own future as a pediatric nurse. In this beautiful Street Theater Story, the old and the new, the old and the young, all come together, to assure us that this Pandemic will end, and together, we shall survive. Like the phoenix, we will rise from the ashes. As the juggler/clown, working in the local Hospital Clown Care Unit predicts: “When we wear our masks and wash our hands – grab that vaccine and deeply care for each other, we are unstoppable.”

THEATER FOR THE NEW CITY
Crystal Field, Executive Director, Presents:

SURVIVING COVID Virtual Visuals: An Art Exhibit
Zoom Opening with Q&A to follow
Saturday, May 8 @ 7 PM EST

Join Art Loisiada Foundation and Theater for the New City for a Zoom Opening of SURVIVING COVID, on May 8 @ 7 PM EST for a virtual online art experience where the exhibiting artists will speak about their work with Q & A to follow.

Join Zoom Meeting:
https://NewSchool.zoom.us/j/91405754402?pwd=T1k0YmdUbDkxWW9peHhyOHNXc3AvZz09
Password: 391385

THEATER FOR THE NEW CITY
Crystal Field, Executive Director, with
The LES Committee, Presents:

The Lower East Side Festival of the Arts 
26th Annual LES

FREE! Memorial Day Weekend @ TNC
Friday, May 28
Saturday, May 29
Sunday, May 30

LES is home again! to celebrate its return to live audiences and the reopening of TNC’s performance complex. Over 180 artists of all disciplines will be participating in the three-day event.

Friday, May 28: Johnson Theater Performances 6PM – 11PM; Cabaret Theater Performances 7PM – 11PM.

FRIDAY — Johnson Theater Schedule
6:00 pm COBU
6:22 pm Emily Quant
6:34 pm The Fold of His Hip and the Rock of His Snore”
Written by Andrea Fulton
Starring: Shireen Donner, Amelia Huckel-Bauer, Larry Stephen Hines, & Sheikh Muhtade
6:46 pm The Yip Harburg Rainbow Troupe
6:58 pm “El Diablo” Written by Alicia Foxworth
Starring: Kenya Wilson
7:10 pm Thunderbird American Indian Dancers
7:30 pm The Cell Heather Mo’Witz (a.k.a. Madame Ovary)
7:42 pm “Untitled” by Rod Rodgers Dance Company
Starring: Jendaya Dash, Jamal Green, Nami Kagami, Lauren Sion,
& Kaitlyn Nelson
8:04 pm Citizens United Protest Band
8:16 pm Chinese Theatre Works presents
“Tang Ma” Performed by Sousen Lyu and
Excerpts from “The Peony Pavilion” Performed by Shijun Cheng
& Kuang-Yu Fong
8:28 pm Toby Armour, Jenne Vath, & Joe Batista
8:40 pm Matt Baker on Jazz Piano
8:52 pm “Your Planet or Mine? Earth: Coming Full Circle” (Chapter 3)
Written by Lissa Moira
Starring: William Broderick, Susan Mitchell, Zen Mansley,
Marlena Mack, Briana Bartenieff, Anthony Cedeno, & Lissa Moira.
9:04 pm Gregory Dubin a.k.a “The Great Dubini”
9:16 pm Bill Zeffiro
9:28 pm Tommie Moore
9:40 pm Ego Actus presents
“Love the One You Are With” Written by Bruce A! Kraemer
Directed by Joan Kane
Starring: Sara Minisquero & Christopher Jumper
9:52 pm Alessandra Belloni
10:04 pm Zero Boy
10:16 pm Justine J. Hall
“Georgia” Written, Directed, and Performed by Justine J. Hall
10:28 pm Penny Arcade
10:40 pm Tym Moss
10:52 pm M. Lamar
Selection from “The Lynching Suite”

FRIDAY — Cabaret Theater Schedule
7:00 pm Robert Varkony and his Band “Star 69”
7:32 pm Will Wills
7:44 pm 13th Street Rep presents
“The Tell Tale Heart” Written by Edgar Allen Poe
Directed by Joe John Battista; Starring: Daniel Yaiullo
7:56 pm Dawoud Kringle
8:08 pm “Obligation” Written by Peter Welch
Directed by Lei Zhou
Starring: Lei Zhou & David Slone
8:20 pm Judy Krause & Cheryl E Grant
“Not I: Covid Addition” Written by Cheryl E. Grant
Starring: Judy Krause & Cheryl E Grant
8:32 pm “Of Privilege and Property” Written by Anthony Pennino
Directed by Stephan Morrow
Starring: Brian Childers, Jim Dimunno, David F. Gow, Lydia
Jordan, Sachi Parker, Shawn Robinson, John Roney, & Jessica Washington
8:44 pm Oasis.NY Theater Group presents
“The Wonderer” Written by by Lynda Crawford
Directed by Albert Insinnia; Starring: Byron O’Hanlon & Albert Insinnia
8:56 pm Evan Laurence
9:08 pm Peter Dizozza
9:20 pm From Scratch Performance Company presents
“The Old Normal” Written and directed by Robert Liebowitz
Featuring: Monique Romero, Madison Smith, & Izzy Durakovic
9:32 pm Lower East Side Performing Arts
Performers: Andrew Bolotowsky & Mary Hurlbut
9:44 pm Loretta Auditorium
9:56 pm “One Eyed King” Written and Directed by Roman Primitivo
Starring: Stefan Bandic & Selear Duke-Williams
10:08 pm Eric Purkis

Saturday, May 29: Cabaret Theater Film Festival 12PM – 6PM; Johnson Theater Music and Multi-Discipline Performances 1PM – 5PM; Johnson Theater Performances 6PM – 11PM.

SATURDAY — Film Festival Line-Up
Curated by Eva Dorrepaal
Technical Director & Creative Advisor: Roy Chang
Hosted by John David West and Eva Dorrepaal

12:00 pm
The Little House That Could – Directed by Mars Roberge – documentary – 90 min
Starring:  Patricia Field, Codie Ravioli, Amanda Lepore,  Kenny Scharf, Chi Chi Valenti, Susanne Bartsch, Paul Alexander, Gazelle Paulo, Lauren Pine, Richard Alvarez, Connie Girl, Jojo Americo, Her Royal Highness Princess Diandra and others.
An unconventional family of drag queens, club kids, transsexuals, butch-dykes, gay teenagers and other misunderstood outsiders single-handedly change the world of music, art and fashion. Sex and the City stylist Patricia Field gave them a home in her iconic NYC clothing boutique that started on West 8th Street and eventually closed on the Bowery across from CBGB’s.

1:37 pm
Lunch with Laura – Directed by Alison Chernick – comedy – 16 min
Starring: Juliette Bennett, Marisa Ryan and Gibson Frazier.
Laura’s quest for a social life at a New York diner gets terribly messy. 

1:54 pm
Off The Deep End – Directed by Lei Zhou produced and written by Joe Davidson – drama- 28 minutes.
Starring: DJ Sharp, Catherine Taormina, Michelle Macau and Vilma Hodo.
An alcoholic wife and an abusive husband, trapped in a marriage with a terrible secret. There’s only one way out. 

2:23 pm                                  
1 out of 8 – Directed by Jacqueline Kennedy – documentary – 5 min
Starring: Rose Sias. Brought to you by The Kennedy Project.
The short highlights a woman in construction, working extremely hard to break barriers and stereotypes in NYC and in the construction business. Over 20 years she has been working to challenge new heights.

2:29 pm
Hearts & Daggers – Written and directed by Izzy Church – comedy noir – 9 min
Brought to life by the Single Life sketch team: Frank Logan, Kevin Hippler, Laura Logan, Kevin Janaway, Izzy Church, Natalie Hunter and Saturday Lawson.
When Roger receives a series of disturbing Valentine cards, he seeks out the help of a private detective to solve the case of the hearts and daggers. 

2:39 pm
Foreign Nationals – Directed by Louis J. Guerra – drama – 18 min
Starring: Ninoshka De Leon Gill, Athena Alexis, Johann Flores, Edna Lee Figueroa and others.
A troubled recently divorced officer struggles with the new agenda of the government and the lives of foreign nationals, choosing to secretly work with a headstrong, sexually fluid immigration attorney to track high profile criminals and help innocent immigrants in NYC.

3:02 pm
Lucid – 25 min – Written and directed by Mary Carl – drama – 25 min
Cinematography by John Carl Edited by Won Novalis
Starring: Katy Rea, Matthew Goodrich, Jose Duran, Lauren Switzer
A girl is lured into the surreal world of lucid dreaming which makes her question her reality.  

3:32 pm
Maddie – Written and directed by Arlee Chadwick – horror – 3 min
Starring: Michael Lester
A man buys a haunted doll online.
In the Clown’s Head – Written and Directed by Gemma Ibarra – mystery – 3 min
Starring: Gemma Ibarra and Jason Snider
A mysterious package arrives at her door… but whom is it for?
Timeless – Written, Directed and Performed by Francisco Cardozo – drama – 3 min
A heartbroken New Yorker wonders how different things would be if time didn’t exist.
The Beach– Written and Directed by Eva Rogelj – comedic personal documentary – 2 min
Starring – Eva Rogelj
An awkward moment on the beach.

3:50 pm
The Other Woman – Written by Cornelia Ravenal, directed by Mikael Södersten – drama – 16 min
Starring: Juliette Bennett, Christian Pedersen, Katarina Huldt and Chris Stack.
A young woman thinks she knows who she is… until she becomes fascinated by the exotic older woman with whom her fiancé is having an affair.  

4:13 pm
Joe_iMDb vs Frankie Truffles – Written and directed by William George-Louis – comedy – 17 min
With: Brian W Smith, Brian Agamie, Caveh Zahedi, Peter Rinaldi, Onur Tukel, Ariel Kavoussi, Leah Shore.
A battle of wits between NYC cinephiles.

4:36 pm
Planet Rose – Writer/director/editor: Celine Dayan-Bonilla – comedy – 5 min
Starring: Jessica Barrish & Lou Lasher.  Cinematographer: David Rafailovich
Not your average quarter life crisis.
The Virgin Barry – Written and Directed by Christopher D’andre Williams – comedy – 8 min
Starring: Byron C. Saunders, Tatiana Perry, Malcolm Jerod and Giovanni Jackson
A struggling young artist can’t decide who he should give his virginity to. 
Why I Couldn’t Finish My Film – Directed by Ann Esther Manov – personal documentary – 7 min
Starring: Ann Esther Manov
Nervous about becoming a corporate lawyer, a young woman has affairs with two avant-garde filmmakers and attempts to make a documentary about fur.

5:02 pm
Camp Video – Written, produced and directed by August Polite – animation – 3 min
After a failed suicide attempt, a young filmmaker visits his old summer camp in the hope to find solace.
Collective Immunity – Directed and edited by Peter Welch – documentary – 6 min
Filmed on Election Day 2016 and edited the week before Election Day 2020, COLLECTIVE IMMUNITY is a visual examination of the election process, especially in regard to its limitations in protecting the citizens who participate.  
horreur fatigue – Directed and edited by Edwin Brienen – drama – 7 min
Starring: Eva Dorrepaal Camera: Jimmy Napoli & Francisco Cardozo Visual Concept: Suzanne Jansonius
In a pandemic state of emergency, an opera star finds a homebound audience on her balcony theater stage before fleeing to the waters of the Hudson River. Soon she will find her own “horreur fatigue”.
Thank You for the Music – Directed by Rachel Myers and Par Parekh – dark comedy –  7 min
Starring Tony Award nominee Tom Hewitt (CHICAGO, DR. ZHIVAGO) and Tonatiuh (VIDA, SHOPLIFTERS OF THE WORLD). Written by Alberto Ferreras (HABLA Y VOTA, B AS IN BEAUTY).
One neighbor confronts another about his generous sex life — but the sex isn’t his problem. 
Benediction – Directed by John Carl & Jonathan Kirk – drama – 6 min
Starring: Alexandria Collins, Matt Gold, Jonathan Kirk, Mary Rebekah
In the middle of the night a girl receives a mysterious phone call from an inmate with a haunting secret.

5:34 pm
Hungry Ghosts – Written and directed by Mark Borkowski – drama – 18 min
Starring: David McKittrick, Melisa O’ Donnell, Aprella Godfrey Barule, Karen Giordano, Gabe Moran, and Marisa Vitali. Cinematographer – Vadim Aynbinder
A man’s desperate search for his drug addicted wife forces him to live with his own demons or die with hers

SATURDAY — Johnson Theater Afternoon Line-Up
Curator, Richard West
Special Guest
Phoebe Legere
Music
Joe Bendik
William Brown
The Head Peddlers
Evan Laurence
Marta and the Muses
Melange
Susan Mitchell
Psycho Positive
Comedy
Stan Baker
Poetry
Austin Alexis
Amy Barone
Peter Dolack
Jim Feast
Bonny Finberg
Dorothy Friedman August
Thomas Fuculoro
Bibi Hansen
Dave Huberman
Mathew Hupert
Jennifer Juneau
Ron Kolm
Jane Le Croy
Linda Kleinbub
Tsaurah Litzsky
Lissa Moira
Ronnie Norpel
Valery Oisteanu
Wanda Phipps
Lola Rodriguez
John Silver
Chocolate Waters
Francine Witte
Richard West
Belly Dance
Carol Tendava
Performance Art
Zero Boy

SATURDAY — Johnson Theater Schedule
6:00 pm Apple Bonkers Band
Conductor Michael David Gordon
6:22 pm John Grimaldi
6:34 pm Joseph Keckler from LaMaMa
6:46 pm “Good Morning” Written by Anne Marilyn Lucas
Directed by Joe Battista
Starring: Mary Tierney & Alex Ehmaleh
6:58 pm Michael Laderman
performing “The Suite for Flute Alone” by Walligford Riegger
7:10 pm Dominic Frigo
7:20 pm Carlina Rivera
7:22 pm Robert Gonzales Jr.
7:34 pm “This is How Successful People Talk” Written by Bina Sharif
Starring: Kavin Matin & Bina Sharif
7:46 pm “Among My Brethren” Written by Peter Welch
Starring: Larry Fleischman and Peter Welch
7:58 pm Yara Arts presents
Singer: Susan Hwang
Percussionist: Marlon Cherry
8:10 pm The Drilling Company presents excerpts from “Shakespeare in the
Parking Lot” Directed by Hamilton Clancy
Starring: Jane Bradley, Mary Linehan, Remy Souchon, Peter Killy,
& Jarrod Bates
8:22 pm Judy Gorman
8:34 pm “The Road Ahead”
Written and Directed by Barbara Kahn
Justin Rodriguez, Natasha Velez, & Robert Gonzales Jr.
8:46 pm “The Boy Who Listened to Paintings”
by Dean Kostos and Paul Kirby
Directed by Lissa Moira
Featuring: Moore Theobold and William Broderick
8:58 pm David Amram
9:20 pm Art Lillard
9:34 pm New Yiddish Rep
Starring: David Mandelbaum
9:46 pm Bobbie Horowitz
Accompanied by David Lewis
9:58 pm David Lewis
10:10 pm Louisa Bradshaw
10:22 pm Trav S.D.
10:34 pm “Project Rapture” Written and Directed by Sabura Rashid
Starring: Stan Burtula and Alicia Foxworth
10:46 pm Terry Lee King as “The Legendary Amaz’n Grace”

Sunday, May 30: Poetry Program 4PM – 7PM; Johnson Theater Performances 6PM – 11PM; Cabaret Theater Performances 7PM – 11PM

SUNDAY — Poetry Program Line-Up
Curator, Lissa Moira

Austin Alexis	Ron Kolm	Lola Rodriguez
Stan Baker	Tsaurah Litzky	Bob Rosenthal
Amy Barone	Fran Luck	Elizabeth Ruf
Briana Bartenieff	David Mills	Tom Savage
Patricia Carragon	Lois Kagan Mingus	J. F. Seary
Mitch Corber	Lissa Moira	Bina Sharif
Peter Dolack	Stephan Morrow	Mira J. Spektor
Evan	Larry Myers	Ellen Steier
Jim Feast	Valery Oisteanu	Chocolate Waters
Bonny Finberg	Rochelle Pashkin	Richard West
David Huberman	Howard Pflanzer	Ernest Woodley
Hillary Keel	Wanda Phipps	Malik Work
Linda Kleinbub	Sabura Rashid

SUNDAY — Johnson Theater Schedule
6:00 pm COBU
Starring: Ayaha Otsuka, Mayu Yamashita, Kana Matsui, Micro
Fuluyama, and Yako Miyamoto
Director, Composer, and Choreographer: Yako Miyamoto
6:22 pm Poetry by Faceboy & Choreography by Lucas ti Amore
6:27 pm “Sunday Afternoon in the Car”
Written by Patricia Passeltiner
Directed by Wallace Norman
Starring: Ariana Johns and Greg Mullavey
6:39 pm “…just…” Choreographed by Kaoru Ikeda
Starring: Kaoru Ikeda (Dance) & Wick Simmons (Cello)
6:51 pm “Speakout: Protest Dances”
Starring: Jennifer Chin, Madeline Jafari, Oscar Antonio Rodriguez, Sierra Christine Sanders, & Richard T. Sayam.
Choreographed by Jennifer Chin
7:03 pm Arthur Abrams
7:15 pm Glitter Kitty presents “Das Spacehaus 8000”—Blast off!
Starring: Sebastian Braz, Jeff Davis, Emily Vetsch & Surprise
Guest
Choreography: Jeff Davis & Emily Vetsch
7:27 pm “Heal the Cracks in the Bell of the World” Written by Martin
Espada & Performed by Frances Key
“The Children of the World” Written by Frances Key and
Performed by Naomi Jane Voigt
7:37 pm Commissioner Casals
7:39 pm Kinding Sindaw
7:51 pm Ben Pologe presents
“E Sogno O Realta?” From Verdi’s Falstaff
Accompanied by Richard Nechamkin
8:03 pm Ashley Liang Dance Company
Dance #1: “Fantasia on Western China Themes”
Starring: Ashley Liang, Kathy Xia, Cathy Qu, Joey Liu, Julia Wang, Tiffany Wu, Angela Xi
Musicians: Judy Yeh & Wenting Wu.
Dance #2: “Chinese Red” Starring: Stephanie Zheng
8:15 pm “14 Days” Written by Lewis Schrager 631-324-0407
Directed by Robert Kalfin
Starring: Robert Kalfin, Lewis Schrager, & Marilyn Chris
8:32 pm Ashley Liang Dance Company
Dance #3: “Silk Road”
Starring: Kathy Xia, Angela Xi, Joey Liu, Julia Wang, Tiffany Wu, & Cathy Qu
8:39 pm Wise Guise: The Juan, Scot, and Dan Show
8:51 pm Senator Brad Hoylman
8:53 pm “Good Money After Bad” Written by Tom Diriwachter
Directed by Jonathan Weber
9:05 pm “Turnaround” Performed & Choreographed by Akiko Tokuoka
9:17 pm Excerpts from“Strange Roots” Performed by John Jiler
9:29 pm Richard West
9:41 pm “The Great Bread Fiasco” Starring Mike Zettler
9:53 pm “Charting the Musical Genome” Starring Gregory Nissen
10:05 pm “Not Broken”
Choreographed & Performed by Katherine Adamenko
10:17 pm Lex and the Cult of Spirits
10:29 pm “In the Blink of An Eye” by Valery Oisteanu
10:41 pm “Pieces of Picasso” Starring Danielle Aziza
10:53 pm Le Squeeze Box Cabaret
Starring David F. SLone, Esq. and a cast of surprise guests!

SUNDAY — Cabaret Theater Schedule
7:00 pm Ellen Steier
7:12 pm Eve Packer performing with Daniel Carter
7:24 pm Melange
Guitar: Richard West; Violin: Susan Mitchell
7:36 pm “Not Broken”
Choreographed & Performed by Katherine Adamenko
7:48 pm Lorcan Otway
8:00 pm “Spinder” by Katharine Dreves
Starring Beth Griffith, LaVora Perry, & Steven Rice
8:12 pm Travel Fun by Malcom Boyd
Starring Malcom Boyd & Sandra Bilu
8:24 pm Ellen Steier
8:36 pm Maude Lardner Burke
8:48 pm “The Betty Kiss”
Written by Derek Murphy
Featuring Rhonda Keyser & Ken Forman
9:00 pm Xoregos Performing Group presents
“Passing Fancies” Written by Donna Spector
Directed by Shela Xoregos
Featuring: Gabe Girson & Rachel Emmanuela Frost
9:12 pm “Triangle Tribute” by Elizabeth Ruf
with Music by Arthur Abrams
9:24 pm Tanya Solomon
9:36 pm Malik Work
9:48 pm Stan Baker
10:00 pm Richard Weber with Roy Chang
10:04 pm Hollie Harper

SPECIAL GUESTS
James Rado (composer of “Hair”), Penny Arcade, Phoebe Legere, Vinie Burrows, and Reno. David Amram, Art Lillard, Mister Pablo, and Rob Varcony/Star 69 will head the list of 36 musical acts. There will be over 25 works of theater, 30 mixed-performance events, and 11 modern dance events. Eleven films, curated by Eva Dorrepaal, will be screened. A “poetry jam with prose on the side,” curated and hosted by Lissa Moira, will offer readings by 36 literary artists. There will be various cabaret, comedy, and magic acts. Works by 40 visual artists, curated by Caroline Ratliffe, will be displayed in the lobby. Elected officials appearing will include Brad Hoylman (State Senator, 27th District) Friday at 8:15, Harvey Epstein (State Assembly Member, 74th District) Friday at 9:00 PM, Carlina Rivera (City Council Member, 2nd District) Saturday at 7:15 PM, and Gonzalo Casals (NYC Commissioner of Cultural Affairs) Sunday at 7:30 PM.

SPECIAL CREDITS
Festival Director, Crystal Field. Assistant Directors: Katharine Dreves, Milton Tran, Devorah Shubowitz, J.C. Augustin and Anika Prager. Emcees of the 2021 Festival are: Crystal Field, Robert Gonzales Jr., Melanie Goodreaux, Susan Hemley, Alberto Minero, David Slone Esq., John David West, and Eva Dorrepaal.

The LES Festival is created and organized by The LES Committee: David Aronson, Alex Bartenieff, Briana Bartenieff, Bill Bradford, Roy Chang, Walter Corwin, Eva Dorrepaal, Myrna Duarte, Carol Dudgeon, Crystal Field, Matthew Fitzgerald, Andrea Fulton, Robert Gonzales Jr., Melanie Maria Goodreaux, Robert Greer, Susan Hemley, Barbara Kahn, Dan Kelley, Anne Lucas, Donna Mejia, Lissa Moira, Stephan Morrow, Brian Park, Emily Pezzella, Carolyn Ratcliffe, Liana Rosario, Ramiro Sandoval, Ed Shea, Jonathan Slaff, David F. Slone, Esq., Claude Solnik, Mackenzie Surbey, Mary Tierney, Jenne Vath, Jimmy Walker, Jonathan Weber, Richard Weber, Peter Welch, John David West, and Richard West. Press Representative is Jonathan Slaff.

COVID Protocol and Etiquette:
If not vaccinated, we require a negative Covid-19 test result taken within the past 3 to 5 days of arrival. The members of the audience will need a printed-out version of test results, or vaccine card, in hand in order to expedite prompt show openings.

Temperatures will be taken at the door. Masks and social distancing are always required.

 

THEATER  FOR THE NEW CITY
Crystal Field, Executive Director, presents

Love N’ Courage Celebrates Spring

18th Annual Virtual Benefit for Theater for the New City’s Emerging Playwrights Program Celebrating 50 Years of TNC

On-Demand thru April 5th, 2021 @ 7:00PM EST
Presented Virtually via Stellar Tickets
Tickets: $200
Please RSVP

Hosted by Crystal Field, Founder and Executive Artistic Director of TNC

PERFORMANCES by:

-COBU (all-female Japanese Taiko drumming and dance troupe of Yako Miyamoto, Ayaha Otsuka, Mayu Yamashita, Micro Fukuyama and Kana Matsui)
-Mr. Pablo (Pablo Raul)
-The Legendary Amazn’ Grace
-Cheryl Gadsden
-Carol Tandava (Belly Dancer)
-British Music Hall (Mark Marcante and Crystal Field)
-Arthur Abrams
-Thunderbird American Indian Dancers
-Michael David Gordon
-Justin Rodriguez and Natasha Velez (Song from TNC’s Street Theater)
-Phoebe Legere
-TNC After School Cultural Arts Program
-The Yip Harburg Foundation Rainbow Troupe
-David Amram, F. Murray Abraham, Phoebe Legere, Vinie Burrows with Nelson Lucena on percussion, Robert Gonzales, Jr., Charles Busch, 

RUN OF PROGRAM:

• Statement of Support by TNC’s local Councilperson, Carlina Rivera
• Statement of Support by Manhattan Borough President, Gale Brewer
• Song from the TNC’s After School Cultural Arts Program, Intro by Michael David Gordon, Arts-in-Education Program Director
• The Deer Dance from the Thunderbird American Indian Dancers, Intro by Louis Mofsie
• Selections from Open Tho’ Shut, Intro to Open Tho’ Shut by Phoebe Legere
• Intro to Performances by Off-Off-Broadway stars by Crystal Field: David Amram, F. Murray Abraham, Phoebe Legere, Vinie Burrows with Nelson Lucena on Percussion, Robert Gonzales, Jr., Charles Busch, Tim Robbins
• Goodbye but Not Farewell by Crystal Field
• Rolling Credits Printed List with musical accompaniment

Working Love N’ Courage Committee Members:
Tom Attea, Alexander Bartenieff, Janet Cooper-Piontek, Carol Dudgeon, Crystal Field, Andrea Fulton, Robert Greer, Philip Hackett, Deena & Ernie Harburg, Anne Lucas, Mark Marcante, Alberto Minero, Stephan Morrow, Richard Ploetz, Edward Shea, Mary Tierney, Jenne Vath, Jonathan Weber

Honorary Love N’ Courage Committee Members:
Murray Abraham, David Amram, Vinie Burrows, Charles Busch, Myrna Duarte, Matthew Fitzgerald, Assembly Member Deborah Glick, Robert Gonzales Jr., Alan Hanna, Celia Kornfeld, David Lewis, Eduardo Machado, Nancy Manocherian, Audrey Heffernan Meyer, Louis Mofsie, Lissa Moira, Matt Morillo, Council Member Carlina Rivera, Tim Robbins, Liana Rosario, Gerald E. Rupp, Esq., Michael Scott-Price, David F. Slone, Jean-Claude van Itallie, Betsy von Furstenberg (In Memoriam), Joel Vig, Patricia & Dr. Jay Weiner, Frank Zuback

Technical, Design, and Administrative Support for Love N’ Courage:
Crystal Field, Executive Artistic Director; Katharine Dreves, Assistant Dir.; Jon Weber, General Manager; Emily Pezzella, Admin. Exec. Assistant; Bill Bradford, Admin. Assistant; Alexander Bartenieff, Audio Recording; Brian Park and Milton Tran, Audio Assts.; Roy Chang, Editing; Jonathan Slaff, Press; Mackenzie Surbey, Website Coordinator; John David West, Social Media Manager; Dan Kelley, Open ‘Tho Shut

• Montage of images of TNC “On The Air” hosted by John David West
• Montage of images of TNC’s shows before COVID

The First Avenue Retail Market in 1984, two years prior to TNC’s arrival.

The present entrance to TNC on 1st Avenue.

THEATER  FOR THE NEW CITY
Crystal Field, Executive Director

Arts-in-Education After School Program
presents

7 ROOMS

Sunday, February 21 @ 4PM EST
Online
theaterforthenewcity.net
facebook.com/theaterforthenewcity

A group of school children, attending a normal school day, go on an unexpected (zoom) journey of discovery.
asking questions.. in pursuit of answers..

Written By & Starring:
Emilie Gutierrez
Emmanuel Burke
Heera Gandhu
Ivan Yu
Mahan Gandhu
Marissa Katchen
Neil Yu
Oliver Bromberg
Puran Ekya
Seva Gandhu

Program Director: Michael – David Gordon
Teachers: Celestina Bradsher, Justin Rodriguez, Michael Sanders, T. Scott Lily
Administration/Tech: Natasha Velez
Technical Director: John David West
Theater For The New City Artistic Director: Crystal field

*A Special Dedication to former program director Juan Villegas whose prior leadership and guidance proved invaluable to this project, and whose artistic spirit is embedded within this work.

 

THEATER  FOR THE NEW CITY
Crystal Field, Executive Director, Presents:

Open ‘Tho Shut Finale

Saturday, April 17 @ 2PM EST
Free! Pop-Up Performances
The ChopShop Theater @ TNC
(10th street between 1st and 2nd Ave)
LIVE In-Person and Streaming Online!

On Saturday, April 17 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM, Theater for the New City (TNC), will present a mixed music and performance lineup for the twenty-third and final installment of “Open ‘Tho Shut,” its afternoon of “walk-by theater” that is staged in its set shop and visible from East Tenth Street between First and Second Avenues.

The theater will resume indoor performances on April 22. So April 17 will be the finale for the “Open ‘Tho Shut” series, which has been mounted every Saturday since November 14, 2020.

You can watch all installments of Open ‘Tho Shut by clicking on this link!

TNC requires all “Open ‘Tho Shut” performers to be tested before their appearances. Temperatures are taken as they arrive to perform.  Hand sanitizer is provided and microphones are sanitized between performances.  Masks are provided to any audience members who arrive without their own.  Master of Ceremonies has a separate mic.

These live performances will also be streamed live on TNC’s website and Facebook page.

Schedule of 4.17.21 
-Mistress of Ceremonies: Crystal Field
– COBU (all-female Japanese Taiko drumming and dance troupe of Yako Miyamoto, Ayaha Otsuka, Mayu Yamashita, Micro Fukuyama and Kana Matsui)
– Kenya Wilson in an excerpt from a play by Alicia Foxworth
– Songs by Justin Rodriguez and Natasha Velez
– Phoebe Legere and Crystal Field sing “Being Who You Are”

Streaming Host, Roy Chang
Sound and Lightning Director, Alex Bartenieff
Sound Engineer and Assistant Technical Director, Brian Park
Sound Assistant, Roy Chang
Audience and Actors Liaison, Bill Bradford and Richard Weber
Set Design, Mark Marcante
Set Painter, Lytza Colon
Press, Jonathan Slaff