Durang, Swados, Etc. Pen Short Plays for Flea's 'Night'

The Flea Theater and The Chelsea Art Museum will present the world premiere of  'Twas the Night Before, featuring ten-minute works by playwrights Christopher Durang, Len Jenkin, Roger Rosenblatt, Elizabeth Swados and Mac Wellman. 

"The Flea commissioned this group of award winning writers to create short works using the famous holiday poem 'Twas the Night Before Christmas by Clement Clark Moore (1779 - 1863) as their inspiration. This evening of spirited riffs on the holidays will feature a new company of Bats, the resident company of emerging artists at The Flea. Jim Simpson, Artistic Director of The Flea, annually auditions close to 1000 young actors for the company which this season will feature 40 new and returning Bats," state production notes.

'Twas the Night Before Christmas includes "Not a Creature was Stirring" by Christopher Durang, "Christmas Song" by Len Jenkin, "Away in the Manger" by Roger Rosenblatt, "Holiday Movies" by Elizabeth Swados and "Before The Before and Before That" by Mac Wellman. The plays will premiere at a gala event held at The Chelsea Art Museum, originally the home of the poet.

"While Durang takes us places 'Twas the Night Before Christmas never imagined, Jenkin recalls a Christmas eve as only Jenkin can. The political pundit and social commentator Rosenblatt gives us a manger scene unlike any other.  Swados sends up every holiday movie ever made and every toy ever given.  Finally, the 'reigning Dark Prince of the Abstract' Wellman explores the notion of before. Get ready for an evening of holiday cheer Flea style."

Jenkin and Swados will direct their own pieces and The Flea will welcome up-and-coming directors Kip Fagan (directing Durang), Jason Podplesky (directing Rosenblatt) and Amanda Wright (directing Wellman).  'Twas the Night Before will feature sets and lights by Kyle Chepulis, and costumes by Sarah Beers and Heather Dunbar. 

The Flea Theater, under Artistic Director Jim Simpson and Producing Director Carol Ostrow, is one of New York's leading off-off-Broadway companies. Winner of a Special Drama Desk Award for outstanding achievement, Obie Awards and an Otto for political theater, The Flea has presented over 80 plays and numerous dance and live music performances since its inception in 1996.

The show premieres December 4 at special gala performance and dinner at The Chelsea Art Museum  (556 West 22nd Street); tickets are $1000. There will be 2 additional performance at the Museum on December 9 at 4pm and 8pm; tix are $20. For tickets call 212-226-0051 ext. 101.

'Twas the Night Before then moves to a limited engagement at The Flea Theater running December 13-16 at 10pm and December 20-30, Wednesday - Saturday at 8pm & 10pm. The Flea Theater is located at 41 White Street (between Broadway & Church Streets -- accessible from the A,C,E,N,R,Q,W, 6,J,M,Z to Canal or 1 to Franklin Street). Tickets are $20. For tickets call 212-352-3101 or visit www.TheaterMania.com.