THEATER FOR THE NEW CITY
Executive Director, Crystal Field

Presents

COLLEGE FUN

SEX! VENGEANCE! EARTHQUAKES! HUMAN RESOURCES! 

FROG & PEACH THEATRE COMPANY TO PRESENT WORLD PREMIERE  PERFORMANCE OF  “COLLEGE FUN” By TED ZURKOWSKI

November 29, 2024 – December 15, 2024
Thursday, Friday, Saturday at 8:00 PM, Sunday at 3:00 PM
Wednesday performance on December 11 at 8:00 PM

Tickets: $18
Run Time: 40 minutes
CABARET SPACE

THEATER FOR THE NEW CITY
155 First Avenue (between 9th and 10th Street)
New York, NY 10003
Directions

The Frog & Peach Theatre Company announced that New York’s critically acclaimed & revolutionary ensemble has teamed with Theater for a New City to present a full production of “College Fun” a startling new comedy by Ted Zurkowski. Directed by Lynnea Benson, the “College Fun” performances will open on Friday, November 29 at 8 PM at the Theater for the New City’s Cabaret space. The cast includes popular performers from Frog & Peach’s recent smash hit, KING LEAR.

Join the charming but hapless Professor Jones (DazMann Still) in the slightly mad Office of Diversity & Inclusion at an elite university in Southern California. His Inquisitors include the seductive & deranged Dr. Ram (Amy Frances Quint), the flamboyantly vigilant Dr. Queeg (Jonathan Reed Wexler), and the widely feared Dr. Pane (Anuj Parikh). The Production Stage Manager is Matthew Seepersad. Photo by Maria Baranova.

Ted Zurkowski (Playwright) is also a singer, composer, musician, & actor. He is the frontman for the rock band Honey West, which he formed with Ian McDonald (King Crimson, Foreigner). He is currently developing “Unhappy Jack, the High School Self-Medicating Rock Opera” into an Off-Broadway musical production for 2025. He is a Lifetime Member of The Actors Studio and has taught at Hunter College, NYU, and The Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute. Thanks Lynnea and Cast!

Amy Frances Quint (Dr Ram) is honored to be working with Frog & Peach again, and grateful to both F&P and Theatre for the New City for providing a home for new and thought-provoking theatre. Amy was born and raised in Rome, Italy and studied at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts and The Stella Adler Conservatory. She has acted, written and produced at venues including La MAMA, the NYC Fringe, the Ohio Theatre, the Connelly Theatre, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the Dublin Fringe Festival, Baltimore Arts Project, The West End Theatre and Chashama. She is also a voiceover artist and co-founder of Quattro Gatti Theatre Company. Favorite roles with Frog & Peach include Rosalind in As You Like It, Katarina in The Taming of the Shrew, Beatrice in Much Ado About Nothing, Constance in King John, and Titania in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. She’d like to thank her husband Matthew, daughter Cassandra, and her partners in crime at Frog & Peach.

Anuj Parikh (Dr Pane) is a happy guy originally from Vancouver. Fun recent roles include Duke of Cornwall (King Lear, Frog & Peach Theatre); Dromio of Syracuse (Comedy of Errors, Hip to Hip Theatre); Badger (Wind in the Willows, Phoenix Theatre Ensemble); Titus Andronicus (noted in the New York Times); Rev. Duckworth (premiere of Alice Again, by The Lifespan of a Fact’s G. Farrell). He has a PhD in experimental nuclear astrophysics from Yale and was a professor in Barcelona and expert on thermonuclear stellar explosions. He is particularly interested in developing theatre that explores the interface between physics and poetry. More at anujparikh.com!

DazMann Still (Professor Jones) is a newcomer to the Frog &Peach Theatre Company! Some previous credits include: Manifest (Kory), Bill and Ted Face the Music (Jimi Hendrix), Blue Bloods (Marcus), Maybe I Do (Jonah), and the stage play The Royale (Fish). He also loves doing voiceover work! In addition to having done some voice work on the animated show Solar Opposites, his client list includes: White Castle, AT&T, NBC Sports, CBS Sports, Nissan, American Express, Bounce, Maryland Health and more. Thanks to everyone who’s coming out to see the show, and he hopes you enjoy!

Jonathan Reed Wexler (Dr Queeg) is a native New Yorker. He played Edmund in Frog & Peach’s King Lear last winter. He studied The Method (with Ted) at The Lee Strasberg Theater and Film Institute and is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin. Theater: The Braggart of Bourbon Street (NYCFringe), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Gorilla Rep), Playdate (Dixon Place), A Tale of Two Cities (Roxy Regional Theatre). Film: Last Supper, The Stand Up, Macbeth , Hamlet, Richard III (post-production), Evil Weed. Television: The Mysteries of Laura, Rockaway. He is a company member of The Metropolitan Opera where he is currently acting (and playing percussion) in Il Trovatore and will be performing in the highly anticipated new production of Aida, opening New Year’s Eve.

Pedro Vierre ((u/s, QUEEG) played Jonah in Open at The Tank, Stanley in If I Did, You Deserved It at Under St Marks, Paul in Replaced! at the NY Theater Festival, and Mack The Knife in The Threepenny Opera at Hunter College. He can’t wait for COLLEGE FUN!

Lynnea Benson (Director) Ms Benson is a co-founder and The Artistic Director at Frog & Peach Theatre. Recent directing credits include King Lear (starring Greg Mullavey), As You Like It, 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.

Mathew Seepersad (Stage Manager) is a stage manager and actor who has been with Theater for the New City for over 3 years now and has worked on many different shows. He is a York College graduate and acquired a Bachelor’s degree with a major in Speech Communication and Theater Arts and a minor in Communication Technology. Mathew wants to pursue a career in voice acting, as well as video production and editing. Instagram: soundboard3000. Website: mathewseepersad.com

Frog & Peach Theatre Company founded in 1996 by members of The Actors Studio, the critically acclaimed Frog & Peach Theatre is widely known for gripping new works & daring productions of Shakespeare’s plays. 2025 will include Verbatim starring Estelle Parsons, and Taming Of The Shrew. Watch for the musicals Unhappy Jack & Three Women this spring. Frog & Peach is also widely beloved for the zany, bilingual children’s program, Tinkerbell Live & the viral comedy web series Tink Online. The Frog & Peach Arts Ed program serves high quality arts education every week to New York’s most vulnerable-formerly homeless adults with serious mental illness at sites throughout Brooklyn and the Bronx.

THEATER FOR THE NEW CITY
Executive Director, Crystal Field

Presents

THE GIGGLING GRANNY

January 9, 2025 – January 26, 2025
Thursday, Friday, Saturday at 8:00 PM, Sunday at 3:00 PM

Tickets: $18.00, Students & Seniors $15.00
Run Time: 90 minutes
COMMUNITY SPACE

THEATER FOR THE NEW CITY
155 First Avenue (between 9th and 10th Street)
New York, NY 10003
Directions

Drama Desk and Obie award winner MARILYN CHRIS is Nannie Doss AKA THE GIGGLING GRANNY, a world premiere solo show opening JANUARY 9th for three weeks at THEATER FOR THE NEW CITY.

THE GIGGLING GRANNY is a true story about the most mesmerizing, innocent and likable serial killer (looking for true love) that you are ever going to meet! The show was written especially for Marilyn by PBS’ Theater in America writer Marsha Lee Sheiness, and is directed by Jim Semmelman.

MARILYN CHRIS is also know from her many years as WANDA WEBB WOLEK on television’s ONE LIFE TO LIVE.

THEATER FOR THE NEW CITY
Executive Director, Crystal Field

Presents

A Shift of Opinion

December 19, 2024 – January 5, 2025
Thursday, Friday, Saturday at 8:00 PM, Sunday at 3:00 PM

Tickets: $20.00, Students & Seniors $15.00
Run Time:
JOHNSON THEATER

THEATER FOR THE NEW CITY
155 First Avenue (between 9th and 10th Street)
New York, NY 10003
Directions

“A Shift of Opinion” is a play based entirely on historical characters and events.

Jacob Schiff, a Jewish American banker and philanthropist, having heard of Jewish massacres in the Russian Empire, declares himself a personal enemy of the Russian Czar. Soon an opportunity for revenge presents itself.

The play features a parade of historical characters, from Teddy Roosevelt to Leo Tolstoy, and explores various historical parallels, including the subjects of antisemitism, immigration, and Russian expansionism.

CAST

PRODUCTION

THEATER FOR THE NEW CITY
Executive Director, Crystal Field

Presents

BREAD + PUPPET

The Beginning After the End of Humanity Circus and The Possibilitarian Imperative Everything Show & Gray Lady Cantata #9

December 4 – 15, 2024
Tickets $18, Students, Seniors, Children $15
Run Time: Both shows are over 1 hour
JOHNSON THEATER

No one turned away for lack of funds. We mean it. If you need assistance with a ticket, please email breadandpuppetreservations@gmail.com.

THEATER FOR THE NEW CITY
Executive Director, Crystal Field

Presents

an Axial Theatre, Oberon Theatre Ensemble, & Strindberg Rep. in association with Fortify.Space & Michael Howard Studios
Production of

Orson’s Shadow

Theater for the New City presents a remount of “Orson’s Shadow” by Austin Pendleton, directed by Mr. Pendleton and David Schweizer

Originally Conceived by Judith Auberjonois

November 8 – December 1, 2024
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday at 8:00 PM, Sunday at 3:00 PM
No performance Wednesday, November 13
No performance Thursday, November 28 (Thanksgiving)
No performance at 2 PM, Saturday, November 30
ONLY 22 PERFORMANCES

Tickets: $25, Students & Seniors $18
Tuesdays Pay What You Can
Run Time: 2 hours with one 15-minute Intermission
JOHNSON THEATER
Photos: https://photos.app.goo.gl/sS1dXqHDPS6jp1ep6

THEATER FOR THE NEW CITY
155 First Avenue (between 9th and 10th Street)
New York, NY 10003
Directions

“Orson’s Shadow,” based on true events, takes place on the stage of the Gaiety Theatre in Dublin and later on the stage of the Royal Court Theatre. Orson Welles is directing a production of Eugène Ionesco’s “Rhinoceros,” starring Laurence Olivier and Joan Plowright. Olivier is fresh from his triumphant theatrical portrayal of vaudevillian Archie Rice in John Osborne’s “The Entertainer” and is about to reprise the role in its film adaptation. He and Plowright are in the early stages of a romantic liaison and his turbulent marriage to Vivien Leigh is all but ended. The noted critic Kenneth Tynan becomes entangled in the conflicts between Welles, Olivier, and Leigh, adding tension and complexity to their relationships and influencing their decisions and perceptions. The play debates the merits of stage versus screen, the internal struggle that theatrical performers endure when contemplating a leap to films, and the ways the studio system frustrated the careers of individual artists. It is also a study of theatrical egos, each of the protagonists living more on the stage than in real life, each one feeling insecure while jockeying for power.

The piece, originally conceived by Judith Auberjonois and scripted by Austin Pendleton, received critical note during its first production at Steppenwolf in 2000 and its New York debut at Barrow Street Theater in 2005. Its sharp writing and engaging performances contributed to its favorable reception, establishing it as a noteworthy work in contemporary theater. Since that time, Mr. Pendleton has worked on the play, making revisions and further developing the script. This production is historic, as it is not often that TNC productions are remounted.

Austin Pendleton is an actor, director, and playwright. He has acted in about 250 movies and appeared several times in such TV shows as “Homicide,” “Oz” and the different versions of “Law And Order.” Onstage in New York he has acted on Broadway (“Choir Boy” at Manhattan Theatre Club, “The Diary Of Anne Frank” with Natalie Portman, and as Motel the Tailor in the original cast of “Fiddler on the Roof”), Off-Broadway (Obie winner for “The Last Sweet Days Of Isaac,” “Rosmersholm” at Manhattan Theatre Club, “Up From Paradise,” a musical by Arthur Miller and Stanley Silverman at Jewish Rep; “Educating Rita” with Laurie Metcalf), and Off-off Broadway (title roles in “King Lear,” “Hamlet,” “Richard The Third,” “Richard The Second”; new plays including “City Girls And Desperadoes,” “Dress Of Fire,” “Consider The Lilies”). As a director he has been represented by the premiere productions of “A Thousand Pines” by Matthew Greene, “Between Riverside And Crazy” by Stephen Adly Giurgis, which went on to win the Pulitzer Prize; “Fifty Words” by Michael Weller with Elizabeth Marvel and Norbert Leo Butz; Chekhov productions at Classic Stage Company such as “Three Sisters” (for which he won the Obie, and which starred Maggie Gyllenhaal, Peter Sarsgaard, and Jessica Hecht), “Ivanov” starring Ethan Hawke, and “Uncle Vanya with Mamie Gummer; “A Lovely Sunday For Creve Coeur” by Tennessee Williams with Kristine Nielsen and Annette O’Toole, “War Of The Roses” (Shakespeare, at HB Studio), “Hamlet” (also at CSC, with Peter Sarsgaard), “The Little Foxes” on Broadway with Elizabeth Taylor and Maureen Stapleton (five Tony nominations, one for direction and three for actors including Ms. Taylor and Ms. Stapleton). He has written three plays: “Orson’s Shadow” (NY/London), “Uncle Bob” (NY/Paris) and “Booth,” which was done in New York starring Frank Langella and has just now been substantially revised.

David Schweizer, co-director, has been devising and directing new theater work, performance art, and opera theater since he emerged from Yale Drama School to make his 1974 debut mentored by Joseph Papp opening the Mizi Newhouse Theater in Lincoln Center with Shakespeare’s “Troilus And Cressida” starring Christopher Walken. Subsequently, based in both New York City and Venice, California he has traveled the country and the world with his productions of new and old plays and new and old operas. These include “The Mines Of Sulphur” by Richard Rodney Bennett at New York City Opera, “The Greater Good” by Stephen Hartke at Glimmerglass Opera and “Powder Her Face” by Thomas Ade at Long Beach Opera, among many others. His work in New York City includes “God Created Great Whales,” an OBIE Award winner by Rinde Eckert, “Winter Time” by Charles Mee Jr at Second Stage Theater starring Marsha Mason and Michael Cerveris, and “Horizon” at New York Theater Workshop also by Rinde Eckert. His intense creative friendship with Austin Pendleton was launched with a production of Pendleton’s play “Booth” in 1994 at the York Theater starring Frank Langella.

TNC’s Executive Artistic Director Crystal Field has been a fan of Austin Pendleton and followed his career since their time together as young actors in the Lincoln Center training program and the opening of Lincoln Center under the direction of Robert Whitehead and Elia Kazan.

“This production of ‘Orson’s Shadow’ is one of the high points of my artistic life, and I’m so happy that it just keeps rolling along,” says Austin Pendleton. “I’ve worked several times over the years at Theater for the New City. Every single one of those times I had a productive, enriching, and exciting time. Crystal provides loving, comprehensive, and productively stern support. It’s wonderful just knowing that her theater is there. And I’ve never seen a show there, either, that wasn’t eminently worth seeing.”

“While co-directing the spring run, it was very clear that this witty, passionate play was making an immediate and acute connection with its audiences,” adds co-Director Schweizer. “The excitement was palpable. It’s a play that deals so entertainingly with the foibles of live theater, but also probes beneath the surface for their heart-breaking consequences.”

CAST
Brad Fryman* as Orson Welles
Patrick Hamilton as Kenneth Tynan
Luke Hofmaier* as Sean
Natalie Menna as Vivien Leigh
Cady McClain* as Joan Plowright
Ryan Tramont* as Laurence Olivier

PRODUCTION
Co-Director: David Schweizer
Set Design: David Schweizer
Lighting Design: Alex Bartenieff
Sound Design: Nick Moore
Costume Design: Billy Little
Stage Manager: Bill Carlton
Assistant Stage Manager: Quinn Warren
Press Representative for Strindberg Rep: Jonathan Slaff
Press Representative for Axial Theatre: Dan DeMello

1. https://lavenderafterdark.com/2024/11/21/austin-pendletons-orsons-shadow-returns-to-nycs-theatre-for-the-new-city/
2. https://splashmags.com/index.php/2024/11/orsons-shadow-by-austin-pendleton-an-historic-remounting-at-theater-for-a-new-city-off-broadway/
3. https://saysmesaysmom.blogspot.com/2024/11/theater-thursday-orsons-shadow-tammy.html
4. https://theaterpizzazz.com/orsons-shadow-maintaining-artistic-relevance/
5. https://nitelifeexchange.com/orsons-shadow-six-actors-in-search-of-a-plot/

VILLAGE HALLOWEEN COSTUME BALL

Thursday, October 31, 2024
Outdoor attractions (Free) 3:30 PM to 7:00 PM
Indoor attractions ($20) 7:00 PM to Midnight
Costume or Formal Wear are requested.

THEATER FOR THE NEW CITY
155 First Avenue (between 9th and 10th Street)
New York, NY 10003
Directions

To delight its community and celebrate the creativity that comes with the season, Theater for the New City (TNC), 155 First Ave., will present its annual Village Halloween Costume Ball October 31. A large outdoor festivity will be held from 3:30 PM to 7:00 PM outside the Theater on East Tenth Street between First and Second Avenues (or if it rains, in a big tent), featuring performances and a costume competition for kids. This will be followed by indoor performances from 7:00 PM to 11:00, ballroom dancing to Art Lillard’s Heavenly Swing Band and Mister Pablo (Latin Dance band), and an aerial dance concert by Constellation Moving Company. An indoor restaurant (The Witch’s Cauldron) opens at 7:00 PM, where guests can eat dinner for $4 with delightful gourmet dishes donated by local restaurants. Admission is free for the outdoor program and $20 for the indoor festivities. Costumes or formal wear are requested.

TNC has presented a Village Halloween Costume Ball annually since 1976. Traditionally, the celebration has taken up the entirety of TNC’s multi-theater complex at 155 First Avenue (the former First Avenue Retail Market building) and adjoining outdoor spaces. In 2020, due to the Covid shutdown, TNC maintained its Halloween tradition by presenting the entire event virtually. In 2021, with safety paramount, it was mounted entirely outdoors. In 2022 and 2023, TNC made the event hybrid, bringing some of it back inside while presenting an impressive set of offerings outside in the fresh air. The aim was to capture the event’s intensity and traditional magic while facilitating Covid safety for both performers and attendees. Now, TNC is bringing back the original format, complete with indoor dancing, dining and an extended performance schedule.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
(as of October 4)

PART 1 – OUTDOOR EVENTS

3:30 – 7:00 PM

ADMISSION FREE

ATTRACTIONS
Variety performances by Bond Street Theater, Joe Bendik, Peter Dizozza, Yip Harburg Rainbow Troupe, Carol Tendava, Arley Trice, Robert Varkony and others. Emceed by Mary Tierney.
Children’s Costume Contest judged by Crystal Field, Terry Lee King and Emily Pezzella. Winners will receive prizes.
Giveaway Table with gifts and racks of clothing.
The Red and Black Masque: an annual Medieval ritual ensemble theater piece which is performed by torchlight with audience participation. (6:45 – 7:00)
At 7:00, the celebration goes inside the four-theater complex for food, fun, and exciting new theater works, culminating with a costume contest at 11:00 PM whose winners will each receive a bottle of Moët & Chandon Champagne and a year’s free pass to TNC.

PART 2 – INDOOR EVENTS

7:00 – 11:00 PM

ADMISSION $20

CABARET PERFORMANCES (7:00 PM to 11:00 PM)
A succession of live, 10-minute performances staged in the Community Theater. Performing artists will be, among others, Austin Pendleton, Mimi Block, Peter Dizozza, John Grimaldi, Hollie Harper, Rome Neal, Bryce Payne, Elizabeth Ruf, Bina Sharif, TNC Street Theater Ensemble, Carol Tendava (Belly Dance) and Wise Guise. There will be over 30 playlets including works by Toby Armor, Briana Bartenieff, Joan Kane, New Yidddish Rep and Stefan Morrow, among many others. At 9:30, there will be a scream contest run by Lissa Moira. Emceed by Melanie Maria Goodreaux and Crystal Field.

BALLROOM DANCING
Art Lillard’s Heavenly Big Band, a 17 piece swing orchestra performing an extensive repertoire of songs from swing to samba to jazz ballad to Bossa Nova with a swinging singing soloist (8:00 – 9:30)
Aerial Dance with Constellation Moving Company, performing high over our heads in exciting new challenges to eye and ear (9:30 – 9:45)
Mr. Pablo’s Latin Dance Band, a five-piece fusion band with vocalist, mixing Salsa, Samba and Flamenco with Rock, Reggae and Funk (9:45 – 11:00)

DINING IN THE WITCHES’ CAULDRON
Downtown’s most sensational Halloween café, featuring a variety of American and international delicacies at peoples’ prices ($4 buys you entrée and dessert). Holiday dishes are contributed by neighboring East Village restaurants, some with celebrity chefs. You can gobble couscous from a coffin lid beginning at 7:00 pm while enjoying spine-tingling performances by performance artists, songwriters, poets and variety artists. (7:00 – 11:00)

MONSTERS AND MIRACLES COSTUME PARADE
The annual costume contest. 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 Politically Relevant,” “Most Gluten Free,” “Most Uncompromised,” “Most Visionary” and “Most Oxygenated.” Judged by Joe Batista, Crystal Field, Phillip Hackett, Lissa Moira, Rome Neal, Emily Pezzella, Barry Primus and Jenne Vath. (11:00 to Midnight)

VAUDEVILLE PERFORMANCES
Vaudeville in The Womb Room (Basement Cabaret Theater). Performers include JC Augustine, Danielle Aziza, Stan Baker, Joe Bendik, Dr. Sue, Larry Litt, Alex Sisk, Claude Solnik, Richard West, Lei Zhou and more. (8:00 – 10:00)

LOBBY EVENTS
Performances by Cobu (all-women Taiko drum group), Hellsouls, flute-playing goblin Kahley Mitchell, tap dance with Laraine Goodman and The Mad Tappers, Fish Pond (casting for giveaway gifts), Fortune Teller Penny Diora (free readings), Champagne Bar served over a coffin with a live vampire inside.

HALLOWEEN DECOR
Murals painted by Olga Castillo, Gilma Diaz, Sean Finnerty and many others.

BACKGROUND
Since its beginning in 1976, TNC’s Halloween extravaganza has been a point of origin for many of the City’s most original entertainers. Six full-length plays have grown out of playlets written for the fest and it is probable that the theatrical movement in Performance Art began there. It has been a launching pad for such formative artists as Paul Zaloom, Alice Farley, Bloolips, The Red Mole, Penny Arcade, Basil Twist and Alien Comic Tom Murrin. Each year, many acts, skits, sketches, and skadoodles go on to become the basis of larger theater works. It is also interesting to note that TNC originated the Village Halloween Parade as part of its annual Halloween Ball. The procession wound its way through the Village from TNC’s second home at the corner of Jane and West Streets to Washington Square Park. In its second year, TNC won an Obie for this parade.

THEATER FOR THE NEW CITY
Executive Director, Crystal Field

Presents

Woman on a Ledge

November 7 – 24, 2024
Thursday, Friday, Saturday at 8:00 PM, Sunday at 3:00 PM

Tickets: $18, Students & Seniors $15
Not recommended for children under 12
Run Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
CABARET THEATER

THEATER FOR THE NEW CITY
155 First Avenue (between 9th and 10th Street)
New York, NY 10003
Directions

World Premiere of “Woman on a Ledge,” starring celebrated harpist Rita Costanzi

What happens when a sensitive artist, a woman destined to become an acclaimed world-class musician, has her journey of self discovery and liberation cruelly interrupted by old world Italian Catholic Patriarchal ideas of female place and obligation, and by her own obsessive all-consuming love for a man she meets on his one way street? You get “Woman on a Ledge,” a story of Life, Art, Love, Beauty, Devotion, Betrayal, Conflict and Loss- all told and acted through spoken word and the glorious strains of her heart and soul- her harp. Will she jump or will she break free and fly? Come see “Woman on a Ledge” and find out.

The play includes musical excerpts by: Debussy, Tournier, Bach-Gounod, Puccini, Albinoni, Liszt, Paganini/Mchedelov and Traditional Irish and Scottish Folk Songs.

“Rita Costanzi’s performance of Woman on a Ledge during the Sunflower Music Festival 2021 was easily one of the best theatrical performances I have seen in my life. The depth of emotion conveyed by Costanzi throughout her performance had me by my soul during the entirety of the show, and her distinctive features are delightful and necessary for the full effect of the piece. The plight of an artist is conveyed so honestly, with the struggle of art versus family versus one’s own fulfillment presented passionately, yet entertainingly, that I can’t imagine anyone not completely going on this journey with Costanzi. Interestingly, the premiere was in front of an incredibly diverse crowd of all sorts of demographics, a near perfect focus group, and the entire crowd was full and into it. Absolutely riveted by the performance. As I was there for the entire festival, for days after the performance I heard many people praising all different aspects of Woman on a Ledge. By far the most discussed performance.
Do not miss this!”

 

-Matthew Nyquist
Filmmaker and Assistant Professor – Department of Mass Media, Film and Video
Executive Director of the WIFI Film – Washburn University

CAST
Rita Costanzi and her Harp Maria

PRODUCTION
Writer: Hershey Felder
Director: Lissa Moira
Set Design: Lytza Colon
Lighting Design: Marsh Shugart
Stage Manager: Rachel Drummer
Assistant Stage Manager: Alisa Ermolaev
Light and Sound Op: Marsh Shugart

BIO
Rita Costanzi is an internationally recognized and award-winning classical harp soloist, teacher, actor and writer. Formerly Principal Harp of the Vancouver Symphony and CBC Radio Orchestra, she relocated to New York City in 2007 and worked with Hal Prince’s Associate, Arthur Masella, on a One-Woman Show with Harp that was presented in New York, Canada, Australia and Brazil.  She has taught and performed at Music Festivals in North and South America and Europe. Winner of the Hershey Felder Presents Arts Prize (2020) for her Covid Documentary, her latest CD, Amoroso, (2023) streamed two million times in its inaugural year.
www.ritacostanzi.com

PLAYWRIGHT BIO
Hershey Felder is a pianist, actor, producer, playwright and director. He is known to audiences for his “composer plays,” Chopin, Debussy, Tchaikovsky, Gershwin, Bernstein, Berlin, Beethoven, and Rachmaninoff. He has directed and produced plays in the United States and the United Kingdom focusing on great music and musicians. In 2020, Hershey Felder established LIVE FROM FLORENCE, An Arts Broadcasting Company that broadcasts high quality musical programming throughout the world, directly from his studios in Florence, Italy.

THEATER FOR THE NEW CITY
Executive Director, Crystal Field

and

FULTON ARTS FOUNDATION

Presents

The Prior 55

ANTHEM AWARDS 2024 WINNER

December 19, 2024 – January 5, 2025
Thursday, Friday, Saturday at 8:00 PM, Sunday at 3:00 PM
Talkbacks every Sunday

Tickets: $18, Students & Seniors $15
Run Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
CINO THEATER

THEATER FOR THE NEW CITY
155 First Avenue (between 9th and 10th Street)
New York, NY 10003
Directions

In a rural part of southeastern Louisiana, Mahala, raised by her parrain Takoda, became an upwardly-mobile professional and upon losing him realizes all she has worked so hard to achieve has not satiated her. Wanting to connect on a deeper level and live the values he instilled in her, she became a psychiatric nurse and set her sights on a French Quarter bluesman she realizes is unhoused and wants desperately to help. But as she seeks to get to the bottom of his trauma, what does one do when they realize the one helping them needs help too?

Post-show talk-back including the playwright, director, actors and subject matter experts, moderated by John David West every Sunday that the show runs.

CAST
Michael Green
Martine Fleurisma*

PRODUCTION
Playwright – Andrea J. Fulton
Director – Patricia Floyd
Set Design – Ulric O’Flaherty
Light & Sound Design – Ken Coughlin
Costume Design – Omar Sama’ey
Stage Manager – Lawrence Floyd
Asst. Stage Manager – Megan Zammit
Producer – Fulton Arts Foundation
Associate Producer – Allen Craig Harris

THEATER FOR THE NEW CITY
Executive Director, Crystal Field

Presents

Rome Neal’s Banana Puddin’ Jazz’s

ROME NEAL @ 72

*A BIRTHDAY PARTY AND ALL THAT JAZZ*

Monday, September 30, 2024 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

Rome Neal’s 72nd Birthday Celebration & New Season of Rome Neal’s Banana Puddin’ Jazz Series

Featuring an ALL STAR Open Mic Jam Session

&

complimentary Banana Puddin’ for ALL

Your Support Is Appreciated!!!
To help make this night unforgettable and kick off our new season, I’m asking for your support: Make a contribution or become a sponsor

About Rome Neal’s Banana Puddin’ Jazz
* Running for nearly 22 years
* Originally started at the Historic Nuyorican Poets Cafe

Celebrated artists across generations:
Pre-teens: Jelena and Isis Watts (Jeff Watts’ daughters), Desmond Austin (Clarence Mosley’s grandson), Angelo Lewis (3-year-old son of Andre Chez Lewis)
Teens: Mimi Block and Leonieke Scheuble
Legends: Dr. Randy Weston, Bill Lee, Dr. Barry Harris, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Mary Wilson of the Supremes and more!

I’ve had the honor of presenting my Shakere award to many of these legends at various Banana Puddin’ Jazz events.

A Night of Reciprocation
This year, I want to see all my friends at this magical night combining my birthday celebration with the launch of our new jazz series. For those who have enjoyed and benefited from our events over the years, now’s your chance to give back! Let’s reciprocate the love and support that has made Banana Puddin’ Jazz a staple in our community for over two decades.

In Closing
I would like to thank those of you who have been supportive over the past 22 years and have made the difference. Your unwavering support has been the backbone of Banana Puddin’ Jazz, allowing us to celebrate and nurture jazz talent across generations. This journey wouldn’t have been possible without you.

Peace & Blessings,
Rome Neal (Libra, September 25th)

Sponsors: Stephen Mckinley Henderson, John D. Smith, Kenneth White, Tracy Appleton , Sheryl Renee Productions, Dr. Mona Vaughn Scott, Dr. Monika Davis, Malaika M.Scott MD., Black Repertory Group Berkeley, Commbs Brooklyn Printing, Eric Frazier, Black Theatre Project (Documentary)
Become a Rome Neal Banana Puddin’ Jazz SPONSOR today: ROMENEAL.COM

Rome Neal
For well over 30 years, Neal held down the title of the Artistic Theatre Director of the Nuyorican Poets Café theatre program. Mr. Neal received an Obie Grant with Café founder Miguel Algarin for excellence in theatre. Over those years he has received five Audelco Awards for his direction of Pepe Carril’s “SHANGO de IMA” and Samuel Harp’s “DON”T EXPLAIN” Mr. Neal also received two Audelcos for his acting: one for Lead Actor in Gabrielle N. Lane’s “SIGNS,” at Theater For The New City and one for Solo Performance in his critically acclaimed “MONK,” by Laurence Holder.
Neal also received the National Black Theatre Festival’s coveted Lloyd Richards Director’s Award.

His fifth Audelco Award was a technical award for his light design of “SHANGO de IMA.” Mr. Neal received a Triumph Award for his acting in Alex Mc Donald’s “PRISM” and a Monarch Merit Award for his outstanding contributions in New York Theatre. His directorial credits includes his adaptation of William Shakespeare’s “JULIUS CAESAR SET IN AFRICA,” Sekou Sundiata’s “THE CIRCLE UNBROKEN IS A HARD BOP” Amiri Baraka’s “MEETING LILLIE,” “SHANGO de IMA,” “Prism,” Ishmael Reed’s “THE C ABOVE C ABOVE HIGH C” and Amiri Baraka’s “PRIMITIVE WORLD: AN ANTI- NUCLEAR JAZZ MUSICAL,” all performed at the Nuyorican Poets Cafe and National Black Theatre Festival in Winston Salem North Carolina.

Rome directed Wesley Brown’s “LIFE DURING WARTIME” at the Cafe and The National Black Arts Festival in Atlanta Georgia. His production of Alex McDonald’s “PRISM” was performed at the Ex-Ponto Festival in Slovenia, Eastern Europe.

His acting credits include Dan Owen’s “FOREVER MY DARLIN’,” directed by Daune Jones at the Richard Allen Center, and later by John Amos, and Judi Ann Mason’s “A STAR AIN’T NOTHIN BUT A HOLE IN HEAVEN” directed by Mikel Pickney.

Rome’s film acting credits include Michael Almereyda’s “HAMLET” Spike Lee’s “SUMMER OF SAM” and Leon Ichaso’s “PINERO.”

As a Jazz vocalist/producer, Rome has performed at Town Hall on Broadway, The Metropolitan Room, The Museum of the City of New York, Lenox Lounge, Joe’s Pub, Saint Nick’s Pub, Minton’s Playhouse, Showman’s, 966Jazz, Baker’s Keyboard Lounge in Detroit, The Nuyorican Poets Cafe, The Jazz Spot, and has performed around town as the lead vocalist for the Bill Lee Mo’ Better Quintet (Spike’s father). As a producer Mr. Neal has a CD entitled: “A Brighter Crooner”, and his live concert “All in The Puddin'” released on DVD along with his “Rome Neal’s Banana Puddin’ Jazz Jam… A Night To Remember”. He has produced and directed two Jazz documentaries (966 Jazz: Forever Young and Patience Higgins and his Sugar Hill Quartet’s Last Night at St. Nick’s Pub.

He is also the recipient of the B-Free Award and two Fresh Fruit awards for producing shows about greats in Jazz who were in the LGBTQ community!

THEATER FOR THE NEW CITY
Executive Director, Crystal Field

Presents

THE GOLDBERG – VARIATIONS

a play by GEORGE TABORI

September 19 – October 6, 2024
Thursday, Friday, Saturday at 8:00 PM, Sunday at 3:00 PM

Tickets: $18 General, Students & Seniors $15
Run Time: 2 hours
COMMUNITY SPACE

THEATER FOR THE NEW CITY
155 First Avenue (between 9th and 10th Street)
New York, NY 10003
Directions

This is the Amerian premiere of “The Goldberg-Variations” by George Tabori, a major play by a master of experimental theater who confronted the darkest aspects of human history with wit, insight and innovation.

The piece is a backstage comedy set in Jerusalem, where a play based on disasters in the Old and New Testaments is being rehearsed. The director of this play, Mr. Jay, is deliberately named with the initial of Jehovah. His assistant, Goldberg, is a Jew and an Auschwitz survivor. They enact the Creation, the Fall of Man, the near-sacrifice of Isaac, the Golden Calf and the Crucifixion with a satirical combination of seriousness, farce and unashamedly bad jokes.

The play is named after Bach’s famous musical composition, “Goldberg Variations.” Like the music, it explores variations on a theme, delving into the different ways in which individuals cope with trauma and loss.

George Tabori’s plays customarily deal with the Holocaust, Jewish identity, human suffering, and the absurdity of existence. They are deeply reflective and often unsettling, pushing audiences to confront difficult truths about history, humanity, and the self.

Director Manfred Bormann is now regarded as America’s primary interpreter of Tabori.

CAST
Jeff Burchfield*
Jee Duman
Derrick Peterson*
Alyssa Simon
Matt Walker*
Dana Watkins*

*these Actors are appearing courtesy of Actors’ Equity Association. Equity Approved Showcase.

PRODUCTION
Set Design: Mark Marcante
Lighting Design: Alexander Bartenieff
Costume Design: Holly Pocket
Props Design: Lytza Colon
Sound Design: Cliff Hahn
Stage Manager: Mathew Seepersad
Production Associate: Defne Halman
Public Relations: Jonathan Slaff/jsnyc.com
Graphics: Julie Mardin

This production is funded in part by the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs (DCLA) and the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA)