Cast of Alzheimer's Play A HOMECOMING Set for Reading Today

Cast members of Joe Beck's drama A Homecoming, which heartbreakingly details the emotional devastation of Alzheimer's on one already-fractured family, and which was most recently presented as a staged reading at the Lott Center for Assisted Living on October 5th, will reunite once more for another staged reading of their work at the Frederick Loewe Room at The Dramatists Guild, located at 1501 Broadway (between 43rd and 44th Streets), Suite 701, today, November 5 from 7-9pm.

"We are delighted for the chance to present A Homecoming at The Dramatists Guild," noted Beck. "The continual and growing enthusiasm for the play is a testament to how affecting its story truly is, as it uses an affliction of Alzheimer's as a catalyst for a broken family being forced together under terribly trying circumstances. Hopefully we will be able to present another full production of the show in the near future." A Homecoming had its world premiere at the New York International Fringe Festival (FringeNYC) this past August.

In A Homecoming, James, a former heavy drinker and a man whom by his own admission was not a good father to his three children, watches his beloved wife Lee, now in the advanced stages of Alzheimer's, slip further and further away. In an attempt bring his family together, Nurse Jill Callahan, who takes care of both Lee and James, suggests a final birthday party for Lee, to celebrate her life before the shadow of her condition takes her forever into a world of darkness. But the couple's children are not ready to forgive past hurts, waiting for the slightest excuse to lash out & destroy the happy illusion James & Jill are trying to create.

Among those cast members of A Homecoming who are reuniting for the performance at The Dramatists Guild are Kevin Gilmartin*, Neal Lerner*, Renee Claire Bergeron*, Alicia Fitzgerald, Nicholas Masson* and Nicole Greevy*. The production team for A Homecoming included Amanda Clegg Lyon (Lighting Design), Summer Lee Jack (Costume Design), Jana (AJ) Mattioli (Set and Props), Jim Armstrong (Stage Manager) and Tika Sara Lahne (Intern). Edited by Tom Philbin, A Homecoming was directed for FringeNYC by TRoy Miller, and presented by Adam Weinstock and Creative Concept Productions. Among those in attendance at The Dramatist Guild reading of A Homecoming will be representatives from the National Alzheimer's Association.

Joseph Beck (playwright): Previous plays include Saddam The Musical, Fuel, Thanksgiving, Don't Leave Tracks, Dictators for Hire and Murderous Huntington. For 25 years he's written for national and international consumer magazines and newspapers. He's the author, coauthor, collaborator and ghostwriter of nearly a dozen books, and a member of The Dramatists Guild and The Writers Guild.

The Dramatists Guild of America was established over eighty years ago, and is the only professional association which advances the interests of playwrights, composers, lyricists and librettists writing for the living stage. Through a variety of activities, the Dramatists Guild of America works to ensure that theater in America will continue to flourish and that the voices which give it life will continue to reflect and celebrate the richness and diversity of the American experience. Some of their programs include the Dramatists Guild Fellows Program, DG Academy seminars, Director/Dramatist Exchanges, Songwriter/Bookwriter Exchanges, Friday Night Footlights, and town hall member meetings across the country.

Admission to the reading of A Homecoming is free and people will be let in on a first-come, first-served basis. For further information please contact The Dramatists Guild at 212-398-9366, ext. 10.

* - member of Actors' Equity