EST Presents New Play RiddleLikeLove, Jan. 4-29

Ensemble Studio Theatre will present the Off-Broadway premiere of RiddleLikeLove (with a side of ketchup), as part of Ensemble Studio Theatre's 35th Anniversary season. 

Written by EST Member Julie Fitzpatrick and Doug Anderson, RiddleLikeLove (with a side of ketchup) will begin performances Thursday January 4th, and continue through January 29th only.

"In the new play RiddleLikeLove (with a side of ketchup), actor/writer Julie Fitzpatrick tells the true story of this unusual and deeply touching friendship," as press materials describe.  "A true story: they were the best of friends. Elizabeth was hearing-impaired, but that didn't stop the endless discussions about boys and school and life over ice cream sundaes.  The bond loosened a little when Julie went off to become an actor, and not long after, Elizabeth passed away.  In RiddleLikeLove (with a side of ketchup) singer/actor Julie Fitzpatrick returns to the relationship that changed her life.  In this hilarious and often, deeply emotional, musical journey, Elizabeth reaches across time to comfort her longtime friend, and inspire audiences who are meeting her for the first time. Julie was creative and always late. Elizabeth was organized and sharp as whip.  Julie wanted to be an actress.  Elizabeth happened to be deaf."

"Music is at the heart of the piece: Fitzpatrick presents songs that resonate deeply with memories of her best friend, and lead to scenes from their lives:  Elizabeth lying on the floor with a cassette player pressed to her ear, or the night when the two of them sang and signed their way to stardom in their high school talent show. The two would meet regularly at a local restaurant, where they'd devour the only thing that was free: ketchup.  The restaurant scenes are studies of the high comedy of high school life.  And while Julie felt a responsibility to protect her 'handicapped' friend, in the end, when Elizabeth is confronted with one challenge she simply can't overcome."

Julie Fitzpatrick's recent credits include the E.S.T. Marathon production, Breakfast and Bed, and Sarah Kane's Crave at CenterStage with Bosley Theatricals.  She recently appeared at the NY International Fringe Festival in I Coulda' Been a Kennedy, a production of the rUDEmECHANICALS Theatre Company.

RiddleLikeLove (with a side of ketchup) is co-produced by Matt Lawler with additional support from the rUDEmECHANICALS Theatre Company.

Every performance will include an ASL interpreter. Performances will be January 4th through 29th, with Opening Night set for January 8th at 7 PM. Performances will be Monday evenings at 7 PM, Thursday, Friday and Saturday at8 PM, with matinees on Sundays at 3 PM Tickets will be  $30 and may purchased by calling 212-352-3101 or online at www.theatermania.com.

Ensemble Studio Theatre is located at 549 West 52nd Street, between 10th and 11th Avenues.  For more information, visit www.ensemblestudiotheatre.org.