THEATER FOR THE NEW CITY
155 First Avenue (between 9th & 10th Street)
New York, NY 10003 Directions
COMMUNITY SPACE
Campsite, set in the wilderness of Maine explores the effects of war, particularly PTSD, on 3 campers sharing a campsite. A father, a retired Colonel and Vietnam War Veteran, and his son, a newly graduated West Point Cadet about to be deployed are on a yearly camping trip. Another Vietnam Veteran–with severe PTSD and suicidal thoughts, wanders in and shares the campsite. Conflicts arise when deeply buried trauma confronts the Colonel and his damaged relationship with his son.
The play concludes with a powerful emotional moment, highlighting the shared pain and experiences of the characters, emphasizing the lasting impact of war on individuals and families.
Produced by AdLib Theater Company
CAST
Dwight Adams: Jack Wooten
Rocky Adams: Flavio Romeo
Troy Conlin: Dan Bellusci
Michael Ackerman (July 10, 1938 – Aug. 16, 2012) Playwright, earned a Master of Fine Arts from Yale University and worked in theater for many years as a playwright, stage manager and director.
His original play, Goldberg’s Kaddish, was produced in 1995 at the Edinburgh Festival in Scotland to wide acclaim. It received a New York Premier at the New York Theater Festival in June 2023 produced by AdLib Theater Company.
AdLib is currently workshopping another of Michael’s plays, Campsite.
Michael was politically active his whole life and known for his many letters to the editor.
At the end of his life, Michael, in deep depression, destroyed many of his plays. His sister, Judith Ackerman, managed to save these two plays and has publishing rights
to the two plays.
He was also known at blues festivals throughout the Northeast for his uninhibited dancing.
• John Torres, Director has performed and directed shows across metro New York area. His 2022 production of Sweat for The Collective was named Best Play by Broadway World Long Island and recognized for Best Direction of a Play. John has taught acting for teens and adults, and secured grants to fund productions for several nonprofit theater companies. John thanks this cast and crew for their time and talent. Theater isn’t for everyone, but when it’s for you, there’s simply nothing else like it! Much gratitude to Lucy, with whom, none of this ever happens.
THEATER FOR THE NEW CITY
Executive Director, Crystal Field, with
The LES Committee, Presents:
The 31st Annual LOWER EAST SIDE FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS
FREE!!!
Memorial Day Weekend
MAY 22, 23, 24, 2026 – Friday, Saturday, Sunday
THEATER FOR THE NEW CITY
155 First Avenue (btw E 9th and E 10th Street)
New York, NY 10003
212-254-1109 Directions
Listen to our LES promo on 1010 WINS!
Theater for the New City has currently scheduled over 200 performing arts organizations, independent artists, poets, puppeteers and film makers for its 30th annual Lower East Side Festival of the Arts.
Admission is free but donations will be gratefully accepted.
Indoor performances will take stage from 6:00 PM to midnight each day, utilizing two of TNC’s four theaters. From 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM Saturday, vendors and food sellers, including booths from nearby restaurants, will set up in the closed-off block of East Tenth Street between First and Second Avenues.
The festival has been presented annually since 1996, with a cohort of theater, dance, performance, music, film, literary and visual artists participating on all three days. This year, the festival is mounted with the theme “Courage Through the Arts: A Vote Against Tyranny.” The subject will be addressed in some of the playlets and acts written for the festival.
Multidisciplinary indoor performances will take stage from 6:00 PM to midnight each evening, utilizing two of TNC’s four theaters. From 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM Saturday, vendors and food sellers, including booths from nearby restaurants, will line the closed-off block of East Tenth Street between First and Second Avenues. On Saturday afternoon inside in the Johnson Theater, there will be performances by and for children, curated by T. Scott Lilly, Danielle Hauser and Miguel Loyola, emceed by John Grimaldi. A fine art show, curated by Carolyn Ratcliffe, will be displayed throughout the fest in the theater’s lobby gallery. A film program will be presented Saturday from noon to 10:00 PM in the Cabaret Theater, featuring works by auteurs from the Lower East Side/East Village along with works that reflect the essence of the neighborhood. Over 20 films curated by Burak Tatar will be screened, accompanied by talkbacks with a number of the film makers. On Saturday from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM, an Outdoor Stage adjoining the theater will offer music and multi-discipline performances curated by Richard West, assisted by Didi Champagne. On Sunday from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM in TNC’s Community Theater, there will be a “Poetry Jam with Prose on the Side” curated by Lissa Moira and emceed by Richard West and Didi Champagne.
The performers’ roster includes such luminary performers as David Amram and Penny Arcade. Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal and NY City Council Member Gale A. Brewer (6th District) will address the gathering on Saturday, May 23 at 8:00 PM.
Performing ensembles participating will include Bond Street Theater, Chinese Theatre Works, Cobu, The Drilling Company, Folksbiene National Yiddish Theater, Kinding Sindaw, New Yiddish Rep, Textile Theater Collective, Wise Guise, and many more.
There will be original writings (many penned exclusively for the festival) by Anne Lucas, Barbara Kahn, Douglas Lackey, Elizabeth Ruf, Larry Littany Litt, Miguel Loyola, Toby Armour, Tom Diriwachter, Stefan Diethelm, Briana Bartenieff and Victor Vauban Jr.
Excerpts of plays performed will include “Tortas Y Tacones” by JC Augustin (an excerpt of his “Detonation Rat Cabaret”), “Dana II” by Jasmine Hyman, projects of Mary Tierney’s TNC Theater Workshop, “Decay of a Rose” by Victor Vauban, and songs from TNC’s 2025 Street Theater production, “Home Sweet Home, or a Life In New York.”
Individual performers appearing will include Glitter Kitty (Emily Vetch and Jeff Davis), John Grimaldi, Stan Baker, Terry Lee King (Amazin’ Grace), Tym Moss, Zero Boy, David F. Slone Esq. and Ed Malin.
Dance performances will include works by Ashley Liang Dance Company, Carol Tandava, Rastro Dance Company (Julieta Valero), Rod Rodgers Dance Company, Thunderbird American Indian Dancers and aerial dance by Constellation Moving Co.
Musical performers appearing will include Alessandra Belloni, Art Lillard Quartet, David Amram, Joe Bendik, Louisa Bradshaw, Michael A Green, Mimi Block, Mister Pablo, Noam Fainegold’s Burning City Orchestra, Peter Dizozza, Richard West, Robert Gonzales Jr. and Yip Harburg Rainbow Troupe.
Comedy performers will include Joan Reinmuth, Fei Lin Yang and others TBA.
“Poetry Jam with Prose on the Side,” curated by Lissa Moira and hosted by Richard West and Didi Champagne, will take stage Sunday, May 24 from 4-7pm in TNC’s Community Space Theater. Wordslingers are TBA. An open mic will follow as time permits.
This year, the film program, curated by Barak Tatar, is screening over 20 projects, shorts, documentaries, and animations, all projects created by New York Artists or shot in New York, particularly emphasizing LES Artists. Talk backs follow each screening. (Saturday from noon to 10:00 PM.)
Throughout the festival, an art show curated by Carolyn Ratcliffe will grace the TNC lobby spaces. This exhibition will have its own free, special opening Wednesday, May 21 from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM. Participating artists are TBA.
In the Johnson Theater, emcees will be Crystal Field, Robert Gonzales Jr., Danielle Aziza, Melanie Goodreaux and Sabura Rashid. In the Cabaret Theater, emcees will be Tim Moss, Elizabeth Ruf and Wendy Stuart. The film program will be emceed by Burak Tatar.
Specialty curators of the festival include Lissa Moira (poetry), Burak Tatar (film), T. Scott Lilly and Danielle Hauser (kids’ performances), Carolyn Ratcliffe (visual art) and Richard West and Didi Champagne (outdoor theater-dance-music). The whole festival is organized by the LES Committee (see below) and chaired by Crystal Field.
Lower East Side Festival of the Arts Exhibit
LES: COURAGE IN THE ARTS: A VOTE AGAINST TYRANNY
SCHEDULE IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE
FRIDAY EVENING IN THE JOHNSON – MAY 22
6:00 – Cobu
6:22 – Artichoke Dance Company
6:34 – Penny Arcade
6:46 – Peter Dizzoza
6:58 – Briana Bartenieff
7:10 – The Rainbow Troupe
7:22 – Alison Cook Beatty (Dance)
7:34 – Tym Moss
7:46 – Julieta Valero
7:56 – Sylvian Laroux
8:08 – Drilling Company
8:20 – Thunderbird (Louis)*
8:32 – Melange
8:44 – Bradshaw/Nissen
8:56 – Glitter Kitty
9:08 – Street Theater Company
9:20 – Mister Pablo
9:32 – Inma Heredia
9:44 – Street Theater
9:56 – WilliAnn Gissendamer
10:08 – The Wise Guise
10:20 – Amy Coleman
10:32 – Miguel Loyola
10:44 – Nathan Fosbinder
10:56 – Zen Mansley
11:08 – Gravity
11:20 – Steve Epstein
11:32 – Rocco George
11:44 – Terry Lee King and Billy Little
FRIDAY EVENING IN THE CABARET – MAY 22
6:30 – Star ’69
6:52 – Leila Wright
7:04 – David Jacobson
7:16 – Anwar Suleiman
7:28 – Sheila Walsh
7:40 – Textile Theater Collective
7:52 – Wendy Stuart
8:04 – Evan Laurence
8:16 – Jason Carmichael
8:28 – Stefan Diethelm
8:40 – Viktoriya Papayan
8:52 – Lei Zhou
9:04 – Larry Litt
9:16 – Robert Greer
9:28 – Stan Baker
9:40 – Fei Lin Yang
9:52 – Lady Clover Honey
10:04 – Jasmine Hyman
10:16 – The Tierney Workshop
10:28 – Rew Star
10:40 – Mariposa Hernandez
SATURDAY AFTERNOON YOUTH PERFORMANCES
JOHNSON THEATER
Coordinators: Danielle Aziza & T. Scott Lilly
Hosted by John Grimaldi
2-5 PM
2:15 PM – THE ZYLIK BROTHERS
2:30 PM – MARTIAL ARTS FAMILY STUDIO
2:45 PM – ROCK BANDS FOR KIDS
3:00 PM – TNC ARTS IN EDUCATION
3:30 PM – COBU “NEXT GENERATION”
3:45 PM – MOVE. MAKE. BLOOM
4:00 PM – PS 166 AMAZING ATHLETE’S CIRCUS
4:15 PM – THE YIP HARBURG RAINBOW TROUPE
4:30 PM – FAIRY TALE MARIONETTES
SATURDAY FILM PROGRAM 12 PM – 11 PM
The Cabaret Theater (downstairs) seats about 65
Curator: Burak Tatar
Technical Director: Roy Chang
Hosted by Burak Tatar and Erdem Erdal Ülker Q&A After each block.
SATURDAY EVENING IN THE JOHNSON – MAY 23
6:00 – Mimi (Mother: Tomoko) Block
6:26 – John Grimaldi
6:38 – Douglas Lackey
6:50 – Varshini Krishnaswamy (India Center Dancer)
7:02 – Yara Arts Virlana Tkacz Yara Arts
7:14 – Lynnea (from Estelle) Benson
7:26 – Victor Vauban
7:38 – Zylik
7:50 – Shran (Sitar player)
8:00 – Gale Brewer
8:06 – Brad Hoylman
8:14 – Ashley Liang
8:36 – Carol Tandava
8:48 – Judy Gorman
9:00 – Chinese Theatre Works
9:12 – David Mandelbaum Folksbiene
9:24 – Sharif Bina
9:36 – Dunesical
9:58 – David Amram
10:20 – KT Sullivan
10:32 – Ellen Stier
10:44 – The Croquet player 1
10:56 – Robert Gonzalez
11:08 – The Croquet player 2
11:20 – Yenny Sanchez
11:32 – Toby Armour
11:46 – Lenin Alivante
SUNDAY EVENING IN THE JOHNSON – MAY 24
6:00 – Art Lillard Quartet
6:32 – Queer Big Apple Corps
6:44 – Susan MacEuan
6:56 – Riki Rose
7:08 – Tom Diriwatcher
7:20 – constellation moving company
7:32 – Zero Boy
7:44 – Anni Rossi
7:56 – Barbara Kahn
8:08 – Perri Sussman
8:20 – Richard West
8:32 – Alessandra Belloni
8:44 – Kinding Sindaw
8:56 – Caytha Jentis
9:18 – Melanie Godreaux
9:30 – Toni Renee Taylor
9:42 – Bennet Pologe
9:54 – Sarah Jamane Lily
10:06 – Tango Dance Works
10:18 – JC Detonation/What’s Tomorrow
10:30 – Elissa Blynn
10:42 – Asher Cohen
10:54 – Jose Ruiz
11:06 – Arley Trice
11:18 – Michael Christian
11:30 – Valery Oisteanu
11:42 – Darling Toby
11:54 – Doug Principato
12:06 – David Slone
SUNDAY EVENING IN THE CABARET – MAY 24
6:30 – Noem Feingold
6:52 – Matthew Moore
7:04 – Richard Weber
7:16 – J. Dolan Byrnes
7:28 – Lower East Side Performing Arts
7:40 – Darpin Joshi
7:52 – Samantha Mileski
8:04 – Burak Tatar
8:16 – India Stachyra
8:28 – Stephanie Vesina
8:40 – Beth Griffith
8:52 – Dante Jayce
9:04 – Joe Bendik
9:16 – Elizabeth Ruf
9:28 – Emilio Garcia
9:40 – Ed Malin
BACKGROUND
The first festival, presented June 14 to 16, 1996, was a three-day, indoor and outdoor multi-arts festival, organized by TNC and a coalition of civic, cultural and business leaders. The aim was to demonstrate the creative explosion of the Lower East Side and the area’s importance to culture and tourism for New York City. It employed two theater spaces at TNC plus the block of East Tenth Street between First and Second Avenues, featured over 100 attractions, drew favorable press and attracted crowds from all around the City. Its success prompted TNC to continue the festival annually on Memorial Day Weekend. For 28 years it has been presented free each year to an average attendance of 4,000. (In 2020 it was held online due to pandemic concerns).
The concept of the festival was developed by Crystal Field, Executive Artistic Director of TNC and Esther Cartegena (d. 2006), President of Loisaida, Inc., to portray the Lower East Side (LES) as a haven for artists and artistic creation. The region is a unique multi-ethnic community with an unusually high level of artistic vitality. Large populations with differing languages and cultures coexist there successfully and a large artistic population helps glue the neighborhood together. Its theaters are also an unprecedented source of tourism. Sam Shepard’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play, “Buried Child,” was commissioned and first produced by TNC. The committee envisioned an event that would demonstrate the region’s cultural fervor, its large artistic population and its multiplicity of ethnic influences to contradict the neighborhood’s stereotype as a dangerous refuge for drug dealers and criminal activity.
Disciplines presented have always included theater, music, dance, poetry, puppetry, cabaret, visual art, film and children’s programming.
THEATER FOR THE NEW CITY Executive Director, Crystal Field
Presents
A Rome Neal Banana Puddin’ Jazz Production
Jazzy Thespians Night: A Tribute to Woodie King, Jr.
Monday, April 27, 2026 at 7:00 PM
Tickets: $20 General Admission
THEATER FOR THE NEW CITY
155 First Avenue (between 9th and 10th Street)
New York, NY 10003 Directions
The theater community will come together on Monday, April 27, 2026, to honor the extraordinary life and legacy of Woodie King Jr., a pioneering force in Black theater and the founding director of the New Federal Theatre.
An invitation-only memorial celebration will be held from 3:00 to 5:00 PM at the historic Ethel Barrymore Theatre on Broadway, recognizing King’s enduring impact as a “Renaissance Man of Black Theater.”
Later that evening at 7:00 PM, the tribute will continue with a public celebration hosted by Rome Neal as part of his acclaimed Banana Puddin’ Jazz series. Titled “Jazzy Thespians Night,” the event will take place at Theater for the New City (155 First Avenue, NYC).
The evening will feature live jazz performances by an ensemble of acclaimed musicians alongside special guest performers, blending music, storytelling, and remembrance. Admission is $20, and guests will enjoy complimentary banana pudding as part of the experience.
Together, these events celebrate Woodie King Jr.’s profound contributions to American theater and his lasting legacy in championing Black voices on stage.
Main Event ( Invitation Only )
What: Celebration of the life and legacy of Woodie King Jr.
When: Monday, April 27, 2026 | 3:00–5:00 PM
Where:Ethel Barrymore Theatre
Details: Private event honoring King as a “Renaissance Man of Black Theater” and founder of the New Federal Theatre
🎷 Public Tribute Event (Evening)
What:Jazzy Thespians Night – tribute to Woodie King Jr.
Host:Rome Neal
Series:Rome Neal’s Banana Puddin’ Jazz
When: Monday, April 27, 2026 | 7:00 PM
Where:Theater for the New City (155 First Ave, NYC, 10003 between 9th and 10th Streets)
Admission: $20
Extras: Live jazz + complimentary banana puddin’
🎶 Performers
Andre Chez Lewis (piano)
Lonnie Plaxico (bass)
Patience Higgins (sax)
Nick Scheuble (drums)
Anthony Battle (percussion)
Plus special guest “Jazzy Thespians”
📌 Key Takeaways
Two events on the same day: a private Broadway memorial and a public jazz tribute.
Both celebrate Woodie King Jr.’s major influence on Black theater.
The evening event is open to the public, affordable, and performance-focused.
This tribute is made possible with the generous support of sponsors including Stephen McKinley Henderson, Jazz Foundation of America, Lamon Fenner, Stephen Davis, Nick and Leonieke Scheuble, John D. Smith, Tracy Appleton, Dr. Audrey and Gerry Baker, Sheryl Renee Productions, Dr. Mona V. Scott, Malaika M. Scott, MD, Black Repertory Group, Sean V. Scott, Commbs Brooklyn Printing, Black Spectrum Theatre, Dr. Brenda Greene, and Black Theatre Project.
In honor of Jazz Appreciation Month and Rome’s 23rd anniversary of producing banana puddin Jazz, your sponsorship or donation will be gratefully appreciated. Become a sponsor today: romeneal.com
THEATER FOR THE NEW CITY Executive Director, Crystal Field
Presents
Goodnight, Mrs. Calabash
May 28, 2026 – June 7, 2026
Thursday, Friday, Saturday at 8:00 PM, Sunday at 3:00 PM
Tickets – $20, Students & Seniors $15
Run time: 75 minutes, No intermission
CABARET THEATER
THEATER FOR THE NEW CITY
155 First Avenue (between 9th and 10th Street)
New York, NY 10003 Directions
Former actress Kitty Ralph has lived most of her 73-year-old life in the shadows of her long-gone Hollywood starlet mother and big shot producer father. One night, Arnold, an NYU graduate film student (and pupil of Kitty’s famous director ex-husband), knocks on her door unannounced, forcing her to confront her true desires in what may be the last few months of her life.
CAST
Kitty – Lisa Tracy*
Arnold – River Knight*
*Appearing courtesy of Actors’ Equity Association
PRODUCTION
Writer – India Marin Stachyra
Director – India Marin Stachyra
Stage Manager – Gabrielle Rodríguez Rivera
THEATER FOR THE NEW CITY Executive Director, Crystal Field
Presents
THREE WOMEN
April 16, 2026 – May 3, 2026
Extended May 6 – 10
Thursday, Friday, Saturday at 8:00 PM, Sunday at 3:00 PM
Tickets – $20, Students & Seniors $15
Run time: 55 minutes, No intermission
JOHNSON THEATER
THEATER FOR THE NEW CITY
155 First Avenue (between 9th and 10th Street)
New York, NY 10003 Directions
NASHVILLE COMES TO THE EAST VILLAGE: The Frog & Peach Theatre and Theater for the New City proudly announce the world premiere of THREE WOMEN, an exciting new country western musical by Ted Zurkowski. Under the direction of Lynnea Benson, this collaboration promises to deliver a unique blend of Nashville’s rich musical heritage with the vibrant energy of New York’s East Village.
THREE WOMEN explores love, betrayal, and the complexities of family against the backdrop of the country western music scene. The story follows Billy, a country star portrayed by composer and lyricist Ted Zurkowski, returning to Nashville after a grueling nationwide tour—only to find his carefully constructed life beginning to unravel. As long-buried secrets surface, the line between humor and heartbreak blurs, revealing the consequences of his impulsive choices. Caught between his wife Bonnie, the reserved Lady, and the free-spirited Ruby, Billy spirals through emotional turmoil that feels both intimate and explosive. With its rich storytelling and original score, the production echoes the spirit of classic country legends like Waylon Jennings, Tammy Wynette, and Buck Owens.
Ted Zurkowski, the creative force behind THREE WOMEN, is a seasoned artist with a rich background in music and theater. As the frontman for the rock band Honey West and a Lifetime Member of The Actors Studio, Zurkowski brings a wealth of experience to this project. His previous works, including the critically acclaimed comedy farce COLLEGE FUN, have established him as a significant voice in contemporary theater.
The production features a dynamic cast led by Ted Zurkowski as Billy, alongside Gina Simone Pemberton as Bonnie, Kaylyn Buehler as Lady, and Erica Cafarelli as Ruby. They are joined by Elizabeth Ruf and Steve Taylor as Billy’s parents, and DazMann Still as his brother Jake, bringing depth, humor, and emotional complexity to this richly layered story. The onstage band—Denny McDermott on drums and Paul Page on bass—underscores the action, infusing the production with the raw energy and authenticity of a live country western performance.
CAST
Ted Zurkowski* (Billy)
DazMann Still (Jake)
Steve Taylor (Dad)
Gina-Simone Pemberton (Bonnie)
Erica Cafarelli* (Ruby)
Elizabeth Ruf* (Mom)
Kaylyn Buehler (Lady)
*Appearing courtesy of Actors’ Equity Association
Denny McDermott (Drums/percussion)
Paul Page (Bass guitar)
PRODUCTION
Ted Zurkowski (Composer & Lyricist)
Lynnea Benson (Director)
Dennis Parichy (Lighting Design)
Ted Zurkowski (Billy, THREE WOMEN Composer & Lyricist) is the frontman for the rock band Honey West, which he formed with the late Ian McDonald (King Crimson, Foreigner). In 2024 his original comedy farce COLLEGE FUN enjoyed a critically acclaimed production at TNC. He is a Lifetime Member of The Actors Studio and has taught at Hunter College, NYU, and The Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute.
Lynnea Benson (Director) Ms Benson is a co-founder and The Artistic Director at Frog & Peach Theatre. Recent directing credits include Macbeth, Taming of the Shrew, College Fun (at TNC), King Lear (starring Greg Mullavey), and Verbatim (starring Estelle Parsons). She serves as the writer director for the Frog & Peach bilingual family show, Tinkerbell Theatre, and writes & directs the viral web series Tink Online.
THEATER FOR THE NEW CITY Executive Director, Crystal Field
Presents
A Package Full of Memories
Written and Directed by Barbara Kahn
April 30, 2026 – May 17, 2026
Thursday, Friday, Saturday at 8:00 PM, Sunday at 3:00 PM
Tickets – $20, Students & Seniors $15
Group (10+) rates available. TDF accepted
Run time: 80 minutes
COMMUNITY SPACE
THEATER FOR THE NEW CITY
155 First Avenue (between 9th and 10th Street)
New York, NY 10003 Directions
In present day, a package of photos and documents from two lives provide the stories of the play. A guide, along with actors, brings the memories to life. Maxene and Sarah in 1930’s Alabama face the dangers of racial prejudice in the Jim Crow South. Anya and Elina in a shtetl (village) in Eastern Europe are targets of the antisemitism and fascism of the 1930’s and 1940’s. Maxene and Anya meet in 1951, finding the hope and joy lost in their childhood.
CAST
Lenin Alevante
Kristen Gabrielle
Nikki Monzon
Sania Hyat
Sarah Teed
PRODUCTION
Original music by Allison Tartalia
Set and Prop Design by Lytza R. Colón
Lighting Design by Emma Wills-Umdenstock
Costume Design by Billy Little
Sound Design by Alison Nolan and Joy Linscheid
Graphic Design by Virginia Asman, illuminage studio
Stage Managed and board operation by Geoffrey Kinsey
Photos by Peggy Ryan
THEATER FOR THE NEW CITY Executive Director, Crystal Field
Presents
THE DECAY OF A ROSE
April 9, 2026 – April 26, 2026
Thursday, Friday, Saturday at 8:00 PM, Sunday at 3:00 PM
Tickets – $20, Students & Seniors $15
Run time: 70 minutes
CINO THEATER
THEATER FOR THE NEW CITY
155 First Avenue (between 9th and 10th Street)
New York, NY 10003 Directions
Written and directed by the award-winning playwright Victor Vauban Júnior, this theatrical production is premiering at the Theater for the New City on April 9th. The production explores crucial moments in lives of Graham and Leah, a biracial couple in love who contend with discrimination and the repercussions often encountered by interracial couples in similar circumstances. Additionally, the play addresses significant issues including mental health, police violence against Black men, racism, societal conditioning, and the complexities inherent in interracial relationships.
Dr. Martin Luther King once stated, “When a society denies me the right to marry someone, it denies a part of my freedom.” Love is a potent emotion capable of healing and transforming. Graham and Leah, a biracial couple in love, are facing a challenging separation. To what extent can love overcome the divide between life and death? Come and see how love can bridge the gap between life and death in this captivating new play by Victor Vauban Júnior. Don’t miss your chance to experience this limited engagement—it’s an event you won’t want to miss.
CAST
Dimitri C. Dewes Jr.
Donata O’Neill
PRODUCTION
Playwright/Director: Victor Vauban Júnior
Costume Designer: Everett Clark
Set Design: Victor Vauban Júnior
Set Design execution: Lytza Colón and Team
Set Supervision: Victor Vauban Júnior
Light Design: Alexander Bartenieff, Victor Vauban Júnior
Light and Sound: Victor Vauban Júnior
Voiceovers: Mary Tierney, Juanita Tyndall, Frank Craven, Larry Fleischman, Daniel Lugo, Lola Lukas
Victor Vauban Júnior (Playwright-Director)
August Wilson, Tennessee Williams, and Lorraine Hansberry are just some of the sources of inspiration for this playwright, who is always seeking ways to bring new energy and innovation to his work. He enjoys sharing his passion for the arts with his students, and others in the community.
THEATER FOR THE NEW CITY Executive Director, Crystal Field
Presents
FESTIVAL OF INDIA
Saturday, April 4, 2026 at 8:00 pm & 9:00 pm
Sunday, April 5, 2026 at 3:00 pm & 4:00pm
Tickets – $25
COMMUNITY SPACE
THEATER FOR THE NEW CITY
155 First Avenue (between 9th and 10th Street)
New York, NY 10003 Directions
Festival of India Dance Workshop Saturday, April 4, 8:00pm
Amulya Pilla, a Kuchipudi dancer with more than two decades of experience is a dedicated disciple of Smt. Padma Sonti and Smt. Bala Tripura Sundari.
Amulya has played lead roles in several dance-drama productions, has taught and choreographed traditional and fusion pieces, and is an ardent believer that passing sacred art forms to future generations requires deep respect to its origins and intentional evolutions to its details.
Amulya is also a singer-songwriter, educator, and event planner.
Holi – Indian Spring Festival Saturday, April 5, 9:00pm
Join us in welcoming the Spring and celebrate Holi – the Indian Festival of colors.
Time to clap your hands and tap your feet to some joyous traditional songs in six different Indian Languages with our amazing artists.
Om Guha has studied Hindustani Classical Music for sixteen years under the guidance of Shri Hemant Kulkarni. He performs Classical, Semi-Classical, Bhajans, and Light music in languages such as Hindi, Gujarati, Bengali, Telugu, Kannada, and Marathi.
Om has performed at National and International Venues like Zee Bangla Sa Re Ga Ma Pa in Madison Square Garden, the International Indian Icon in Chicago and Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Lil Champs North America in Mumbai, India.
Abhinav Acharya has studied Tabla for the last nine years under the tutelage of Shri Prabhakar Betrebet. He has performed with the Archana Joglekar Institute and artists like Naveen Kumar and Pt. Supratik Sengupta.
Srikar has studied Harmonium with Guru Hemant Kulkarni for over ten years and has performed solo pieces at numerous competitions. He has also accompanied Singers,Tabla Players and Kathak Dancers. He served as Music Chair of the University of Michigan’s Indian Classical Music and Dance Organization.
Saraswati and Natraj Arts Festival
Sunday, April 5, 3:00pm
Come join us for an afternoon of amazing performances by our rising stars.
Enjoy a wide array of Indian Classical Arts and Indian Folk Arts from various parts of India.
The event begins with a Saraswati Vandana in Raag Bhairavi by singer Oviya Gandhi and tabla player Argha Dev Paul followed by Classical Dance performances by students of Guru Liza Joseph’s Natyamudra Dance School and Folk Dance performances by students of Guru Sonal Jhaveri’s Khushi Dance School.
Oviya Gandhi is a 9th grader with a passion for Hindustani vocal classical music who has completed the Madhyama Pratham level through the Akhil Bharatiya Gandharva Mahavidyalaya Mandal. She trains under Guru Smt. Anjali Nandedkar of Swaranjali Music Institution. Oviya regularly participates in community events. She is also plays the flute for her school’s marching band. She has performed with her band at a University of Pennsylvania football game.
Argha Dev Paul’s passion for tabla started at the age of 3years and he began his training at the age of 7 under Guru Uchhal Banerjee. He has performed at at Columbia University as part of Dhwani Academy and performed solo at Mandra Saptak’s August Baithak. He is also a member of Dinesh Band at Sri Chinmoy Center. Argha has accompanied musical artists Sarod player, Puspen Dey.
Kiara Mahindru is an 8th grader who has been training in Bharatanatyam under Guru Liza Joseph at Natyamudra School of Dance since the age of 7 years. Apart from being a member of the National Junior Honor Society, Kiara is also a member of her school’s Drama Club through crocheting and sewing, crafting with the same patience and precision that defines everything she does.
Kavya Mahindru has been training with Guu Liza Joseph’s Natyamudra School of Dance since the age of 3 years and has performed at various cultural events . A Junior Kavya also competes in both Cross Country and Track and serves as Co-founder/Co-president of the school’s Psychology Club. A member of the National Honor Society and National English Honor Society, she enjoys writing poetry, listening to music.
Anvi Iyer is a 3rd grader at Ardsley Elementary School who has been studying Bharatanatyam with Guru Liza Joseph at Natyamudra School of dance.
Dahlia, a 3rd grader has been training with Guru Liza Joseph’s Natyamudra School of Dance. She expresses her creativity through singing, sketching and enjoys skating and swimming.
Festival of India Sitar Workshop Sunday, April 5, 4:00pm
Come and join us for a spectacular Sitar performance by a rising young artist Om Guha and Tabla Player Abhinav Acharya.
Om has studied Sitar for the last ten years under the tutelage of Pandit Supratik Sengupta Ji and Pandit Indrajit Banerjee Ji and has incorporated his Sitar into Music Therapy Research at local Medical Hospitals. He has performed Sitar at various venues in New York and New Jersey.
Abhinav Acharya has studied Tabla for the last nine years under the tutelage of Shri Prabhakar Betrebet. He has performed with the Archana Joglekar Institute and artists like Naveen Kumar and Pt. Supratik Sengupta.
THEATER FOR THE NEW CITY Executive Director, Crystal Field
Presents
Bike Shop: The Musical
With the right tools, you can fix anything.
April 30, 2026 – May 17, 2026
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday at 8:00 PM, Sunday at 3:00 PM
Tickets – $20, Students & Seniors $15
Run time: 90 minutes
CINO THEATER
THEATER FOR THE NEW CITY
155 First Avenue (between 9th and 10th Street)
New York, NY 10003 Directions
Set against the pulse of downtown Manhattan’s bike messenger era, the musical follows Bobby, a female bike messenger and fearless rider who suffers a life changing trauma. Twenty years later she is still unable to get back on her bike. She fixes and restores other peoples bikes as penance, all while turning away from her own bike still mounted on the wall.
PRODUCTION
Director – Gretchen Cryer
Musical Director – Timothy Splain
Book by Elizabeth Barkan and Caroline Murphy
Music composed by YounYoung Park
Lyrics by Caroline Murphy
Additional Music by Gerry Dieffenbach & Elizabeth Barkan
Abhinav Acharya has studied Tabla for the last nine years under the tutelage of Shri Prabhakar Betrebet. He has performed with the Archana Joglekar Institute and artists like Naveen Kumar and Pt. Supratik Sengupta.
Argha Dev Paul’s passion for tabla started at the age of 3years and he began his training at the age of 7 under Guru Uchhal Banerjee. He has performed at at Columbia University as part of Dhwani Academy and performed solo at Mandra Saptak’s August Baithak. He is also a member of Dinesh Band at Sri Chinmoy Center. Argha has accompanied musical artists Sarod player, Puspen Dey.
Kavya Mahindru has been training with Guu Liza Joseph’s Natyamudra School of Dance since the age of 3 years and has performed at various cultural events . A Junior Kavya also competes in both Cross Country and Track and serves as Co-founder/Co-president of the school’s Psychology Club. A member of the National Honor Society and National English Honor Society, she enjoys writing poetry, listening to music.
Anvi Iyer is a 3rd grader at Ardsley Elementary School who has been studying Bharatanatyam with Guru Liza Joseph at Natyamudra School of dance.
