Ars Nova Announces August Programming

Ars Nova (Jason Eagan, Artistic Director; Jeremy Blocker, Managing Director) announces its August lineup featuring exciting new comedy, music and theater programming.
Coming up in August:
(All shows are at 8pm unless otherwise noted)

Travis (Friday 8/15, 8/16; $15)
Lace up your party shoes, untangle your headphones, and prepare for the greatest contest of your life! The elusive DJ Travis Buchanan is looking for New York's finest party people, and he's engineered an elaborate competition to test your skills. Grab your mp3 device, dial up the night's playlist and try to keep up as Travis guides you via headphones through a series of challenges that will spill out of the theater and onto the streets of Manhattan. So show up ready to rumble – a night out with Travis never ends where you expect... Created by Zackary Grady, directed by Peter James Cook.
Part of Ars Nova’s Project Residency initiative to help artists get unique projects off the ground

Chrysalis (Monday, 8/20; Free)
**7pm Reading**
Fourteen-year-old Violet is convinced of her own perfection. The only problem is, the rest of the world still needs convincing, particularly her stepbrother Ian, who has been left to take care of her in the wake of their parents’ sudden disappearance. With Ian and her butterfly collection by her side, Violet attempts to piece together a nascent sense of identity. But when a young woman enters the picture and compromises Violet’s relationship with Ian, Violet is forced to grow up fast or lose everything. Written by Josh Allen, directed by Hal Brooks.
Part of Ars Nova’s Out Loud initiative to provide developmental support and public readings to emerging playwrights

The Bush Is Back, Starring Collette Hawley (Tuesday, 8/21; $15)
Returning to the Ars Nova stage for one night only, the fearless and razor sharp Colette Hawley offers the best of her songs and comedic observations on sex, love, porno and other complications. Created & Performed by Colette Hawley with special guests Dan Finnerty & Pete Dominick.

Deconstructed: The Last Queen of Canan (Wednesday, 8/22; $15)
In this concept concert of their full musical, The Last Queen of Canan, up-and-coming duo Melocik and Yandura take us on a nitty gritty trek through the Depression Era South in this evening of rock, folk and blues-tinged songs. Music & Lyrics by Rebekah Melocik & Jacob Yandura.
Part of Ars Nova’s Uncharted initiative to develop and present new work from emerging musical theater artists

Anna K. Jacobs (Monday, 8/27 and Wednesday, 3/28; $20)
Rising composer Anna K. Jacobs plays favorites from her songbook in this evening of pop-infused contemporary musical theater. With help from her band, Jacobs will present selections from her ode to Andy Warhol, POP!, and her soulful musical, Harmony, Kansas, with help from Broadway's Alyse Alan Louis (Mamma Mia), Eric William Morris (Mamma Mia), and Brian Charles Rooney (The Threepenny Opera). Music by Anna K. Jacobs, musical direction by Katya Stanislavskaya and directed by Stephen Santa.
Part of Ars Nova’s Uncharted initiative to develop and present new work from emerging musical theater artists

Isaac Oliver: Intimacy Idiot (Tuesday, 8/28; $15)
Hailed as “a monstrous new talent” by New York Magazine, gay playwright and pale neurotic Isaac Oliver returns to his adoring fans at Ars Nova for another night of hilarious and heartfelt stories, love poems, rants and other new musings from his blog, He Who Laughs, or The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Intimacy. Written & Performed by Isaac Oliver, directed by Jason Eagan.