PLANET CONNECTIONS THEATRE FESTIVITY
2011 SHOW LINEUP
The Planet Connections Theatre Festivity, New York's eco-friendly/socially-conscious theatre festival, includes new works, musicals, adaptations, one-acts, solo shows and more.
Each show will partner with a not-for-profit organization and will implement green-theater sensibility into their productions. (See below for a list of 38 participating organizations.)
This year’s Festivity, including over 50 productions, will run June 1 - June 26, 2011 at the Robert Moss Theater (440 Lafayette Street), and the Gene Frankel Theatre (24 Bond Street).
I know at least two of the authors, and they are both writers to watch with shows to see. Mike Poblete, the author of ANTENORA, is also the author of "Flaccid Penis Seeks Vaginal Dryness," one of the most interesting shows in this year’s NYC Fringe Festival. Yvette Heyliger, a rising author, has a very interesting play in CODE NAME: OPERATION LYSISTRATA
FULLPRODUCTIONS
ANTENORA
Written by: Mike Poblete
Directed by: Ruis Woertendyke
A Backyart Production’s performance benefiting Amnesty International
Two ordinary men are ripped out of their lives and thrown into an anonymous prison where torture is part of life. This darkly comic but poignant work draws the audience in to share its thoroughly contemporary story of survival, companionship and imagination.
Running Time: 75 mins.
Performance Location: The Robert Moss Theater, 440 Lafayette Street, 3rd Floor
Performance Dates: Thurs. June 2nd 4pm | Sat. June 4th 3:40pm | Sun. June 5th 9pm Thurs. June 9th 8:30pm | Sat. June 18th 8:40pm | Mon. June 20th 6pm
*
BOMB SHELTER
Written by: Kimberly Pau
Directed by: Eric Mercado
For the benefit of NY Public Library (Brooklyn)
A scavenger play about one family’s honor and the right to kill.
Running Time: 80mins
Performance Location: The Gene Frankel Theatre, 24 Bond St.
Performance Dates: Thurs. June 2nd 5pm | Fri. June 3rd 8:30pm | Sun. June 5th 9pm Sat. June 11th 1pm | Sun. June 12th 9pm
*
CARRY ON
Written by: Jim Tierney
Directed by: Diánna Martin
For the benefit of CEDARS
A lonely NYPD officer and a trauma nurse are stranded together on the infamous night of a former Beatle’s death. Although an unlikely pair, they are able to find a glimpse of hope in one another amidst a night of tragedy.
Running Time: 70mins
Performance Location: The Gene Frankel Theatre, 24 Bond St.
Performance Dates: Wed. June 1st 7:30pm | Sat. June 4th 3pm | Sun. June 5th 5pm Fri. June 10 9:30pm | Tues. June 21st 5pm | Thurs. June 23rd 8:30pm
*
CECILE
Written by: Jean Anouilh
Translated and Directed by: Victoria Crutchfield
For the benefit of the NY Public Library (Brooklyn)
Fashions change but sexual intrigue is always in. In this delightful “piece brillante”, the great French playwright Jean Anouilh dresses up his natural cyncism in the style of a Moliere farce. Dressed up in the fantastically frivolous outfits of this era - a modern take on a modern take.
Running Time: 75mins
Performance Location: The Gene Frankel Theatre, 24 Bond St.
Performance Dates: Wed. June 1st 9:30pm | Thur. June 2nd 7pm | Sat. June 4th 11am Mon. June 6th 5pm | Fri. June 10th 7:45pm | Sat. June 12th 3pm
*
CODE NAME: OPERATION LYSISTRATA!
Written and Directed by: Yvette Heyliger
Music by: Larry Farrow
Choreographed by: Yvonne Farrow
A Twinbiz production benefiting adoptaplatoon.org
First Lady Laura Bush tries to enlist wives of the architects of the impending war in Iraq in a preemptive sex strike—will she succeed?
Running Time: 2hrs.
Performance Location: The Robert Moss Theater, 440 Lafayette Street, 3rd Floor
Performance Dates: Tues. June 7 8:15pm | Fri. June 10 4:30pm |Sun. June 121:30pm Mon June 13th 4pm | Thurs June 16 6pm | Sat June 18 6:10pm
*
A CORDIAL INVITATION
Written and Directed by: J.C. Svec
A Tribe Productions performance benefiting the National Disaster Search Dog Foundation
For the bride and groom, a wedding reception is the culminating celebration with family and friends. It can also be a time of social stress, produced by romantic anticipation, second guesses and ill-fated dates. You are cordially invited to witness three such incidents.
Running Time: 90mins
Performance Location: The Gene Frankel Theatre, 24 Bond St.
Performance Dates: Mon. June 13th 6:30pm | Wed. June 15th 8pm | Sat. June 19th 12pm Tues. June 21st 7pm | Thurs. June 23rd 4:30pm | Sat. June 25th 8:30pm
*
THE DECLARATION
Written and Directed by: Rick Leidenfrost-Wilson
An Off Sides Entertainment Production benefitting Marriage Equality New York
Spurred by the anti-marriage vote, a gay teacher decides to run for the New York Senate. As this unlikely candidate campaigns to change a broken system and champion the lives of others, his own life comes under fire and he finds himself fighting to protect his career, friendships, and family.
Running Time: 125mins
Performance Location: The Robert Moss Theater, 440 Lafayette Street, 3rd Floor
Performance Dates: Weds. June 1st 6:30pm | Mon. June 6th 6:30pm | Sun. June 12th 8p Sun. June 19th 5:45pm | Sat. June 25th 8pm | Sun. June 26th 1pm
*
ETHAN’S PEOPLE
Written by: Richard L. Gaw
Directed by: Rose Ginsberg
For the benefit of the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research
On the day of an American tragedy a young boy composes a nursery rhyme, words that form the centerpiece of a story about lives shattered in the wake of unspeakable horror.
Running Time: 75mins
Performance Location: The Gene Frankel Theatre, 24 Bond St.
Performance Dates: Sat. June 4th 7pm | Sun. June 5th 9pm | Sun. June 12th 11am Mon. June 13th 4:30pm | Fri. June 24th 6pm | Sat. June 25th 1pm
*
THE FATHER
Written by: August Strindberg
Directed by: Oscar Mendoza
A The Mush-Room Theatre Design production benefitting CEDARS
In order to win an argument over how to raise their daughter, a woman tricks her husband into thinking that he is not the biological father.
Running Time: 90mins
Performance Location: The Robert Moss Theater, 440 Lafayette Street, 3rd Floor
Performance Dates: Sat. June 11th 12pm | Mon. June 13th 6:30pm | Sun. June 19th 1:30pm Tues. June 21st 6pm | Fri. June 24th 8:45pm | Sat. June 25th 2:00pm
*
FIDELITY
Written and Directed by: Larry Schwartz
For the benefit of RAINN
Tom and Alison are married and decimating their relationship...maybe even each other. A dark, comedic thriller about a modern relationship—with deceit, betrayal, and the need to feel wanted…all at any cost.
Running Time: 80mins
Performance Location: The Gene Frankel Theatre, 24 Bond St.
Performance Dates: Fri. June 10th 4pm | Sat. June 11th 11am | Sun. June 12th 7pm
*
FINDING ELIZABETH TAYLOR
Written by: Elizabeth Taylor
Directed by: Morgan Gould
For the benefit of Hollaback! NYC
What does it feel like to be the most beautiful woman in the world? THIS Elizabeth Taylor certainly doesn’t know. Between skinny, blond roommates, monstrous treadmills and an infamous pair of ill-fitting Bongo jeans, it’s a wonder she can make it to her Overeaters Anonymous meeting on time. Will Elizabeth ever find her true self because of, and despite, a legendary name?
Running Time: 75mins
Performance Location: The Gene Frankel Theatre, 24 Bond St.
Performance Dates: Wed. June 15th 6:00pm | Thur. June 16th 5:00pm | Sun. June 19th 4:00pm Mon. June 20th 8:30pm | Wed. June 22nd 5:30 pm | Sat. June 25th 6:30pm
*
GOLIATH
Written by: Rivera Takeo
Directed by: Alex Mallory
A Poetic Theater Productions performance benefiting Veterans of Foreign Wars
Goliath is a choreopoem addressing the Iraq war’s effect on American idealism. An exploration of manhood and war, of violence at home and abroad, Goliath paints an intimate portrait of a soldier who has lived a life “too big, too real, too normal” to allow him peace.
Running Time: 80 mins
Performance Location: The Robert Moss Theater, 440 Lafayette Street, 3rd Floor
Performance Dates:
Weds. June 1st 9:05pm | Sat. June 4th 9pm | Sun. June 5th 1:15pm | Tues. June 7th 6:15pm | Sat. June 11th 6:15pm | Sat. June 18th 2:00pm
*
HE’S NOT HIMSELF
Written by: Marc Silverberg
Directed by: Michael Pantone
For the benefit of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids
Gene has a problem: he is living a double life, involved in a diamond heist, wanted as a fugitive, and has no idea that any of this is happening! HE’S NOT HIMSELF is a musical comedy inspired by George Gershwin’s PARDON MY ENGLISH.
Running Time: 90mins
Performance Location: The Robert Moss Theater, 440 Lafayette Street, 3rd Floor
Performance Dates: Weds. June 1st 4:30pm | Fri. June 3rd 8:10pm | Sun. June 5th 5:00pm Sat. June 11th 2:00pm | Sun. June 12th 4:00pm | Fri. June 17th 6:00pm
*
HELL IS WHERE THE HEART IS
Written by: Melissa Skirboll
Directed by: Thom Fogarty
For the benefit of MCC Homeless Youth Service- Sylvia’s Place
A comedic look at sibling rivalry and dysfunctional families, fueled by bad dreams and unreliable psychic gifts. As circumstances force the sisters to confront their past, long buried family secrets surface. This family comedy meets theatre of the absurd, as reality shifts.
Running Time: 90mins
Performance Location: The Gene Frankel Theatre, 24 Bond St.
Performance Dates: Fri. June 3rd 6:00pm | June 4th 1:00 pm | Thur. June 9th 4:00pm Tues. June 14th 8:00pm | Thur. June 16th 7:00pm | Sat. June 18th 4:00pm
*
HUMMINGBIRDS
Written by: Jonathan Wallace
Directed by: Karen Raphaeli
For the benefit of Amnesty International
Hummingbird and Holly love computer games, Micky D’s french fries, and their day job, flying pilotless drones for the CIA.
Running Time: 90mins
Performance Location: The Gene Frankel Theatre, 24 Bond St.
Performance Dates: Wed. June 1st 7:30pm | Sun. June 5th 7:00pm | Fri. June 17th 5:00pm Sun. June 19th 2:00pm | Fri. June 24th 8:00pm
*
I AM SINGLE
Written by: Michelle Slonim and Adrienne Sterm
Directed by: Michael Schiralli
A Date My Jewish Friend, Inc. production benefitting Eldridge Street Synagague
Everyone knows, you’re more likely to meet someone when you’re either not looking, unavailable or at a wedding. It is Michelle's wedding day, and instead of having a wedding reception Michelle is hosting a dating show to help the singles in the house find love, too. But, as Michelle soon learns, sometimes before we can help others find love we have to first help ourselves.
Running Time: 90 Mins
Performance Location: The Robert Moss Theater, 440 Lafayette Street, 3rd Floor
Performance Dates: Mon. June 20th 4pm | Wed. June 22nd 6pm |Thurs. June 23rd 8:10pm Sat. June 25th 4pm
*
LOOSE WOMEN OF LOW CHARACTER
Written by: Mary Belmont
Directed by: Shauna Horn
For the benefit of Girls Inc.
On the edge of a desert town, passing strangers tell this mosaic of humor, pain, pleasure and confessions of being “loose women of low character”.
Loose women of low character (noun): a female of low moral regard, referred to in a sexual nature as bad, naughty, slut, slammy, ho, hussy, tramp or trick.
Running Time: 75mins
Performance Location: The Gene Frankel Theatre, 24 Bond St.
Performance Dates: Tues. June 7th 6:00pm | Sat. June 11th 7:00pm | Mon. June 13th 8:30pm Sat. June 18th 12:00pm | Thurs. June 23rd 6:30pm | Fri. June 24th 4: 00pm
*
THE OTHER DAY
Written by: Mark Jason Williams
Directed by: Valentina Fratti
For the benefit of the Hetrick-Martin Institute
After the sudden death of his longtime boyfriend, Mark travels to Amsterdam to fulfill a promise. But when Mark’s luggage-containing his lover’s ashes-turns up missing, he embarks on a journey filled with heartbreak, humor and unexpected romance that will redefine his life-- with surprising results.
Running Time: 75mins
Performance Location: The Robert Moss Theater, 440 Lafayette Street, 3rd Floor
Performance Dates: Thurs. June 2nd 8pm | Sat. June 4th 7:15pm | Sun. June 5th 3:15pm Sat. June 18th 12:00pm | Tues. June 21st 4:00pm | Weds. June 22nd 8:00pm
*
OUT OF ASKJA
Written by: Drew Larimore
Directed by: Jesse Edward Rosbrow
A Small Pond Entertainment Production benefiting tbd.
Caroline Miller fell off a volcano, not just any volcano, Askja, in the middle of Iceland. Torn between her research for her latest project and a budding romance with the volcano’s cowboy overseer, Caroline is attempting to do the impossible-- get out of Askja before Askja gets her.
Running Time: 90mins
Performance Location: The Robert Moss Theater, 440 Lafayette Street, 3rd Floor
Performance Dates: Sat. June 4th 1:40pm | Sun. June 5th 7:00pm | Thurs. June 9th 6:30pm Fri. June 10th 9:00pm | Thurs. June 16th 4:00pm | Thurs. June 23rd 6:10pm
*
THE SLOW, TORTUROUS LOVE AFFAIR OF STATEN ISLAND & PERTH AMBOY
Written by: Alexis Kozak
Directed by: Jesse Edward Rosbrow
A PCTF intern production
When Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox eat their way across the country from California to Perth Amboy, NJ, what’s to stop them from devouring NYC’s most underrated borough, Staten Island?! Special appearances by Staten Island, Perth Amboy, an earthquake, Benjamin Franklin, a flock of seagulls, and some crabs!
Run Time: 1hr
Performance Location: The Robert Moss Theater, 440 Lafayette Street, 3rd Floor
Performance Dates: Wed. June 22nd 4:00pm | Sat. June 25th 6:00pm
*
SWEETER DREAMS
Written and Directed by: Duncan Pflaster
For the benefit of the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation
A rising independent filmmaker must choose between the two men she loves: her husband and her star actor. Meanwhile, a critic with a grudge is attempting to spoil her success.
Running Time: 90 mins
Performance Location: The Gene Frankel Theatre, 24 Bond St.
Performance Dates: Thur. June 2nd 9:00pm | Sat. June 4th 9:00pm |Sun. June 5th 1:00pm Tues. June 7th 4:00pm | Sat. June 11th 5:00pm |Sat. June 18th 6:00pm | Tue. June 21st 9:00pm Sat. June 25th 3:00pm
*
THE TRAMAINE EXPERIENCE: AN URBAN DRAMEDY
Written by: Tramaine Montell Ford
Directed by: Bill Johnson
For the benefit of the United Way of NYC
A fresh, hip, art-house theatrical work emerging from a burgeoning generation of thought performance art. Tramaine Montell Ford takes us on a hilarious journey to The Carbrini Green Projects and highlights the humanity we all share beyond stereotypes, in this one-man dramatic comedy!
Running Time: 75mins
Performance Location: The Gene Frankel Theatre, 24 Bond St.
Performance Dates: Tues. June 14th 6:00pm | Thur. June 16th 9:00pm |Sun. June 19th 9:00pm
*
TULUPA, OR ANNE&ME
Written by: Shawn C. Harris
Directed by: Sara Lyons
Produced by the Crossroads Theatre Project benefiting The People’s Institute for Survival and Beyond
A strange friendship begins with an artist whose lonely world gets turned upside down when Anne Hathaway crawls out of her television. As the friendship blossoms, they begin to examine how race impacts their lives as women, as friends, and as human beings.
Running Time: 90mins
Performance Location: The Robert Moss Theater, 440 Lafayette Street, 3rd Floor
Performance Dates: Thur. June 2nd 6:00pm | Fri. June 3rd 4:00pm | Thur. June 16th 8:00pm Sun. June 19th 8:15pm
*
TWO DAYS ‘TIL DAWN
Written by: Tyler Ham Pong
Directed by: Laura Sisskin-Fernandez
For the benefit of the Lower East Side Ecology Center
A troubled writer risks his grasp on reality in search of inspiration. Disconnecting from his family, and with potentially more at stake, he seeks salvation through the advice given by the ghosts of three literary figures.
Running Time: 50mins
Performance Location: The Gene Frankel Theatre, 24 Bond St.
Performance Dates: Wed. June 8th 9:30pm | Sat. June 11th 3:00pm | Sun. June 19th 6:00pm Wed. June 22nd 7:00pm | Sat. June 25th 5:00pm
*
WANDERLUST
Written and Directed by: Leslie Guyton
A production by Movement Workshop Group benefiting the New York Blood Center
WANDERLUST (fire) ignites life into a story of cosmic love, inner conflict and forgiveness. Through a landscape of light bulbs, a live rock band and five extraordinary actors/dancers bring to life Movement Workshop Group’s newest work, WANDERLUST.
Running Time: 90mins
Performance Location: The Robert Moss Theater, 440 Lafayette Street, 3rd Floor
Performance Dates: Wed. June 8th 6:30pm | Sun. June 12th 11:30am | Mon. June 13th 8:30pm Mon. June 20th 8:00pm | Fri. June 24th 4:30pm | Sat. June 25th 12:00pm
*
WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE
Written by: Maria Alexandra Beech
Directed by: Michelle Bossy
For the benefit of Hogar Bambi (Venezuelan Orphanage)
As an actress performs a play about a woman’s relationship, she is unexpectedly confronted by her ex-boyfriend in the audience. As the actress struggles with her thoughts, both the actress and the character grapple with unresolved love.
Running Time: 90mins
Performance Location: The Gene Frankel Theatre, 24 Bond St.
Performance Dates: Sat. June 4th 5:00pm | Sun. June 5th 3:00pm | Mon. June 6th 7:00pm Thurs. June 9th 8:00pm | Sat. June 11th 9:00pm |Sun. June 12th 1:00pm
EVENINGS OF MULTIPLE PRODUTIONS
A EVENING OF ONE ACTS:
For the benefit of the World Wildlife Foundation
GALILEO THE MUSICAL Written by Marisol Tirelli Rivera Directed by Jenny Fersch
After an interrogation by Conservative Senators on climate change research, NASA Administrator, Dr. John Holden embarks on a soulful journey to the past in the life of Galileo Galilei in his quest to save the environment and preserve intellectual freedom.
THE GOD PARTICLE Written by Christina Gorman Directed by Joan Kane
On a winter’s night in Switzerland, Gavin and Izzy collide in what appears to be sexual attraction. They quickly find out that it is something much different, and much more scientific. With particles flying, not even they know what’s in store for them.
THE MATRA INDIA Translated, Adapted and Directed by Roi “Bubi” Escudero
The matra’s textile arose from thousand-year-old indigenous cultures. In Argentina, this small blanket has been a component of the gauchos’ vestments for centuries. It’s been used on top of the horse as part of the apero (mount), and at night it gives shelter to the gauchos arrieros (riders).
Running Time: 1 hr 45mins
Performance Location: The Robert Moss Theater, 440 Lafayette Street, 3rd Floor
Performance Dates: Weds. June 8th 8:30pm | Sat. June 11th 4pm | Weds. June 15th 6:30pm Sun. June 19th 3:30pm | Sat. June 25th 12pm
*
INFLUENCES and FREEDOM TOWER
For the benefit of St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital
INFLUENCES
Written by Fidel Fontenboa
Taking place over the course of one week, INFLUENCES is a study in how friends can change the dynamics of a family. Sometimes for the better and sometimes now.
FREEDOM TOWER
Written by Gabrielle Fox
FREEDOM TOWER: A couple struggles with the right way to grieve the loss of their children post-9/11
Running Time: 75 mins
Performance Location: The Robert Moss Theater, 440 Lafayette Street, 3rd Floor
Performance Dates: Fri. June 10th 7:00pm | Sat. June 11th 8:15pm | Tue. June 14th 8:40pm Wed. June 15th 4:30pm
*
FACE DIVIDED & THE MUTILATION OF ST. BARBARA
FACE DIVIDED
Written by: Edward Allen Baker and Mark Brokov
Directed by: Karen Giordano
THE MUTILATION OF ST. BARBARA
Written and Directed by: Mark Borkowski
An Indies Lab Production benefiting the Actor’s Fund or Rehabilitation Through the Arts
Two character driven pieces exploring the dynamic between couples clinging to one another, long after the relationships’ expiration date.
Running Time: 80 minutes
Performance Location: The Robert Moss Theater, 440 Lafayette Street, 3rd Floor
Performance Dates: Sat. June 4th 5:30pm | Mon. June 6th 9:00pm | Weds. June 8th 4:30pm Sun. June 12th 6:00pm | Fri. June 17th 8:00pm | Sun. June 19th 11:30am
*
MONSTER and HOLD
MONSTER
Written by: Sabrina M. Patterson, Directed by: Gregory Allen
For the benefit of RAINN
Annie’s mind is broke. The sole witness to the brutal murder of her father, can she put the pieces back together and identify the killer? Who is the victim and the perpetrator in this story of unthinkable acts and damage that can’t be undone?
HOLD
Written by Ruben Carabajal, Directed by: Kelly Johnston
For the benefit of the Suicide Prevention International
A dark, absurdist comedy about a man who calls into a suicide prevention hotline for help and keeps getting put on hold. Each successive person he encounters is stranger, funnier and more disjointed than the next, until he encounters his worst fears over the phone.
Running Time: 75mins
Performance Location: The Gene Frankel Theatre, 24 Bond St.
Performance Dates: Tues. June 7th 8:00pm | Wed. June 8th 4:00pm | Sun. June 12th 5pm Sat. June 18th 2:00pm | Sun. June 19th 7:30pm | Mon. June 20th 6:30pm
*
THE STRANGER TO KINDNESS and ROPE OF SANDS
Two one-acts dealing with non-communication, tragedy and loss by award winning playwrights David Stallings and Toni Seger.
THE STRANGER TO KINDNESS
Written by David Stallings
Directed by: Heather Cohn
A Goode Production benefiting the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program
Years of routine bind Lena and Nance, two lonely senior women from the Upper West Side. When Nance no longer answers her door, Lena take on herself to call the police and her friend’s family. What arrives is a strange dose of animosity and generousness from unlikely places.
ROPE OF SANDS
Written by Toni Seger
Directed by: Reneé Rodriguez
A Curious Frog Theatre Company production benefiting the Coalition for Hispanic Family in Queens.
Running Time: 90mins
Performance Location: The Robert Moss Theater, 440 Lafayette Street, 3rd Floor
Performance Dates: Fri. June 3rd 6:00pm | Sat. June 4th 11:30am | Tues. June 14th 6:30pm Weds. June 15th 8:45pm |Sat. June 18th 4:00pm | Thurs. June 23rd 4pm
*
WOMAN IN THE DARK and BECOMING EMMA GOLDMAN
WOMAN IN THE DARK
Written by Elizabeth Murray
Directed by Erika Iverson
For the benefit of Amnesty International
Dangling between hilarity and terror, a young woman is trapped in an elevator above Grand Central Station during the Blackout of 2003. Elizabeth Alice Murray takes on multiple characters as she recounts her journey from panic and anxiety to resentment and optimistic mania as she befriends and alienates her elevator fellows and reflects upon the larger questions and possibilities of “being in the dark.”
BECOMING EMMA GOLDMAN
Written and directed by Maggie Surovell
For the benefit of Madre
When Anna finds Emma Goldman’s autobiography on her grandmother’s bookshelf and then Eygpt, Wisconsin, and Japan hit the news, her New York City reality unexpectedly shatters. How will she support Emma’s fight for unions, anarchism, and free love with a daily deal from Groupon in her inbox?
Running Time: 75mins
Performance Location: The Gene Frankel Theatre, 24 Bond St.
Performance Dates: Fri. June 10th 6:00pm |Tue. June 14th 4:00pm |Sat. June 18th 8:00pm
READINGS
All readings will be followed by a talk-back in the lounge.
ALL’S FAIR (Six Western)
Written by: Sergei Burbank
Directed by: Leah Bonvissuto
A Conflict of Interest Theater Company’s production benefitting Reporters without Borders
Emily’s Patterson’s husband is held captive in Palestine. Working for his release, she discovers an ongoing affair with his ex-wife. When he seemingly returns out of thin air, Emily must turn to her rival for help discerning truth from fiction, as her wildest dream becomes a nightmare.
Running Time: 90mins
Performance Location: The Robert Moss Theater, 440 Lafayette Street, 3rd Floor
Reading Date: Mon. June 13th 2:00pm
*
BECKY NEEDS TO GET LAID
Written by: Olivia Lilley
For the benefit of the LGBT Center of NY
Becky, the kind of girl never far from a leopard print anything, is tired of having crazy adventures, every other night, that often result in her banging some extremely hot guy. Tonight, she’s got a date with the bassist of emo band, “One More Cut”.
Quint, the kind of boy determined to be a husband and father by the time he’s twenty-four, lives in the apartment next door and just proposed to his girlfriend of three years, Lucy.
When Becky finds out about Quint & Lucy, she decides the only way she can go through with this date is if it's a party...
Running Time: 90mins
Performance Location: The Gene Frankel Theatre, 24 Bond St.
Reading Date: Tuesday June 21st 2pm
*
DIALING FOR DONNA
Written by: Pam Monk and Stacy Glen Tibbetts
Director: TBD
Music Director: Markus Hauck
An Original Theatre Works production benefitting Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids
Flamboyant radio advice show host Donna Corleone enjoys the support of her loyal Brooklyn-Italian listeners. But what will she do when her scheming ex-lover returns to the neighborhood, hoping to buy out her station? Loyalty and community bonds are tested in this family-friendly new musical. “Melodious!” – Peter Filichia
Running Time: 90mins
Reading Location: The Robert Moss Theater, 440 Lafayette Street, 3rd Floor
Reading Date: Friday June 24th 12:00pm
*
DISENCHANTED
Book, Lyrics and Music by: Nikki M. Jenkins
Directed by: Aaron M. Pratt
Music Director: Brad Gardner
For the benefit of Play for Pink
Once upon a time, in a far-away land called Manhattan, there lived a socialite named Mandi. Blonde, beautiful, and unbelievably rich, this paparazzi princess led a fairytale life. But alas! Unbeknownst to Mandi, she had been living under the spell of a terrible white lie, and her world was about to come tumbling down.
Running Time: 90mins
Reading Location: The Robert Moss Theater, 440 Lafayette Street, 3rd Floor
Reading Date: Tuesday June 21st 2:00pm
*
FRACK YOU!
Written by: Laura Jacobs Cunningham
Directed by: Katherine Bacon
A Parlor City’s Players production benefitting the Sierra Club
Molly, a fire-breathing environmentalist, opposes fracking the Catskills because it could jeopardize Manhattan’s water supply. Nozmo wants his land fracked for big bucks. Frick and Frack, gay welders for Henley Drilling, are just happy to have jobs. Add Joe, Molly’s boyfriend, and clueless Charlie to the toxic mix and stand back!
Running Time: 40mins
Reading Location: The Robert Moss Theater, 440 Lafayette Street, 3rd Floor
Reading Date: Thursday June 9th 2:30pm
*
FRONTIER
Written by: Robin Rice Lichtig
Directed by: Joan Kane
An Ego Actus production benefiting the Lower East Side Ecology Center
After an environmental tragedy, Aurora turns to activism. Following years of futile effort, she falls in love and abandons her efforts to make a home with her tv-addicted husband. Things go from bad to worse. Would howls warnings. Mother Nature rumbles. Political leaders are obtuse. Mankind balances on the edge.
Running Time: 90mins
Reading Location: The Robert Moss Theater, 440 Lafayette Street, 3rd Floor
Reading Dates: Thursday, June 23rd at 12:00pm
*
FULANA
Written by: Felippe Ossa
Directed by: Leah Bonvissuto
A production benefitting the Nonprofit Enterprise and Self-Sustainability Team
Fulana is a young foreigner with a shady identity who finds work serving two dinner parties in a wealthy Upper East Side co-op. But there are problems. The hostesses are hostile neighbors, the dinners are at the same time, and Fulana’s entrées are so good they might just be criminal.
Running Time: 120mins
Reading Location: The Robert Moss Theater, 440 Lafayette Street, 3rd Floor
Reading Dates: Wednesday June 8th 2:00pm
*
HOWLING HILDA
Book and Lyrics by: Anne Berlin
Music By: Andrew Bleckner
Directed By: Valentina Fratti
For the benefit of The All-American Girls Professional Baseball League
Set on the eve of the Brooklyn Dodgers’ last season in New York, Howling Hilda, a solo musical, tells the story of Hilda Chester, the team’s greatest and most colorful fan. Thwarted in her dream to play baseball, she spent a lifetime cheering. Hilda became an institution at Ebbets Field, notorious for her clanging cowbells, frying pan and iron ladle.
Running Time: 80mins
Reading Location: The Robert Moss Theater, 440 Lafayette Street, 3rd Floor
Reading Date: Friday June 16th 2:00pm
*
INVERSION OF THE BABY SNATCHERS
Written by: Ed Malin
Directed by: TBD
For the benefit of the National Council for Adoption
Babies are kidnapped and disappear everyday. Some of these children are put up for adoption in the West under false pretenses. Computer jobs also disappear – to India. Join some STAR TREK fans East and West as they search for a missing child.
Running Time: 45mins
Reading Location: The Gene Frankel Theatre, 24 Bond St.
Reading Date: Friday, June 17th 3:30pm
*
LATE NIGHTS WITH THE BOYS: CONFESSIONS OF A LEATHER BAR CHANTEUSE
Written by: Alex Bond
Directed by: Steven Yuhasz
For the benefit of PFLAG
Alex Bond and David Carson read from Ms. Bond’s novel. A hit at numerous festivals in the U.S. this book reading transports listeners back to Dallas 1977 with delightful and poignant tales of a Southern Chanteuse and her gay family of friends in this pre-AIDS wildly magical era.
Running Time: 80mins
Reading Location: The Gene Frankel Theatre, 24 Bond St.
Reading Date: Friday June 17 at 7:00pm
*
MARTIRIO
Adapted from Federico Garcia Lorca’s The House of Bernarda Alba and Directed by: Glory Kadigan
A G-Money Productions performance benefitting WIN
From a distance, all appears to be in perfect order in the house of the wealthy Bernarda Alba. Her daughters are the pillars of society. But behind the white closed doors of this 1930’s Spanish home, are five jealous sisters with loyalty to no one but their own individual ambitions.
Running Time: 2hrs
Reading Location: The Robert Moss Theater, 440 Lafayette Street, 3rd Floor
Reading Date: Tuesday June 14th 2:00pm
*
MAYDAY! MAYDAY!
Written and Directed by: Dale Wakonen
For the benefit of EMBARQ
The gasoline car is the thrill of the new century as Clarence plots to take his sweetheart, Anita, for a ride, knowing that she despises the dirty dangerous Pierce Arrow. World War I is on the doorstep and propaganda is the word of the day. Clarence must choose between his work and his family – can Anita save him and the world as she knows it? Mayday! Mayday!
Running Time: 90mins
Reading Location: The Gene Frankel Theatre, 24 Bond St.
Reading Date: Monday, June 20th 2:00pm
*
THE ORANGE PERSON
Written by: Brian Rady
Directed by: Jeremy Bloom
A production benefitting the LGBT Center of NY
This is a play about a guy turning orange.
Running Time: 90mins
Reading Location: The Robert Moss Theater, 440 Lafayette Street, 3rd Floor
Reading Date: Tuesday June 14th 4:30pm
*
PIECES
Written by: Kristen Penner and Lorelel Mackenzie
Produced by Violet Productions for the benefit of isurvive.org
How did I get here? Who are you? What did I just say? No answer, just darkness. This is Tabby’s life as a multiple. The clock ticking out her confusion and shame. Can she maintain a normal life while uncovering the horrors of her past? Only time will tell.
Running Time: 120 mins
Reading Location: The Gene Frankel Theatre, 24 Bond St.
Reading Date: Monday, June 22nd 2:00pm
*
PUSHING DAISY
Written by: Lauren Epsenhart
Directed by: TBD
For the benefit of Sloan-Kettering Cancer Research
Daisy Miller has just graduated from college. After moving back home with her parents, Larry and Shannon, Daisy is diagnosed with cancer. Once surgery and treatments begin, Daisy explores her spiritual identity while Larry and Shannon question why this is happening and struggle with what will happen if Daisy dies.
Running Time: 90mins
Reading Location: The Gene Frankel Theatre, 24 Bond St.
Reading Date: Thursday, June 23rd 2:00pm
*
THE RECESSION CLUB
Written by: Christina Quintana
Directed by: Tyne Rafaeli
For the benefit of Hospice of NY
Yolanda loses her job as a petroleum engineer and forms a support group via craigslist. The unlikely cohorts, including a former college professor, a former retail employee and a woman of questionable background, face an identity crisis. Together, they learn that what you do is not who you are.
Running Time: 90mins
Reading Location: The Gene Frankel Theatre, 24 Bond St.
Reading Date: Wednesday, June 15th 4:00pm
*
STANLEY’S WORLD
Written by Alexandra Klausner
Directed by Ryan Emmons
For the benefit of the Gynecologic Cancer Foundation
Stanley’s world is turned upside down when father dies. He believes he is a visitor from another planet made entirely of Jelly Beans. Stanley’s new alien identity confronts a number of characters in New York City, some of whom could be from another planet themselves. With humor and pathos, STANLEY’S WORLD explores death and its affect on a little boy and his mother.
Running Time: 45mins
Reading Location: The Robert Moss Theatre, 440 Lafayette Street
Performance Dates: Wednesday, June 15th 2:00pm
*
SWEET, SWEET SPIRIT
Written by: Carol Carpenter
Directed by: Cristina Alicea
A Carol Carpenter & Christina Alicea production benefitting PFLAG
When a gay teen’s father beats him to near-death in a small Republican town, his conservative family members square off in a battle for custody: Who is best to care for this child and can they find a place for him in their world?
Running Time: 90mins
Reading Location: The Robert Moss Theater, 440 Lafayette Street, 3rd Floor
Reading Date: Friday June 24th 2:00p
THE PLANET CONNECTIONS THEATRE FESTIVITY BIO:
The Planet Connections Theatre Festivity is New York's premiere eco-friendly/socially-conscious theatre festival. Fostering a diverse cross-section of performances, the festival seeks to inspire artists and audiences both creatively and fundamentally, in a festive atmosphere. At the heart of the festivity are like-minded individuals striving to create professional, meaningful theatre, while supporting organizations, which give back to the community at large.
SPONSORS: Blue Dolphin, Build It Green NYC, Whole Foods Market
MEDIA PARTNERS: nytheatre.com, Review Fix, Theatre Is Easy
Theatre for a cause.
Organizations that will benefit from the productions at the festivity include
- National Disaster Search Dog Foundation,
- Brooklyn/NY Public Library,
- Cedars,
- Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research,
- RAINN,
- Hollaback NYC,
- MCC Homeless Youth Service-Sylvia’s Place,
- Amnesty International,
- PFLAG, Girls, Inc,
- Christopher and Dana Reed Foundation,
- United Way of NYC,
- Lower East Side Ecology Center,
- Hogar Bambi (Venezuelan Orphanage),
- LGBT Center of NY,
- National Council for Adoption,
- EMBARQ,
- http://isurvive.org/isurvive.org,
- Sloan-Kettering Cancer Research,
- Gynecologic Cancer Foundation,
- Adoptaplatoon.org,
- World Wildlife Foundation,
- Children’s Aid Society,
- Veterans of Foreign Wars,
- Broadway Cares/ Equity Fights AIDS,
- GrowNYC,
- Marriage Equality New York,
- CEDARS,
- Suicide Prevention International,
- People’s Institute for Survival and Beyond,
- Coalition for Hispanic Families in Queens,
- Retired and Senior Volunteer Program,
- The New York Blood Center,
- Reporters Without Borders,
- Play For Pink,
- Sierra Club,
- Nonprofit Enterprise and Self-Sustainability Team,
- The All-American Girls Professional Baseball League, and
- WIN.
