Midtown International Theatre Fest Announces 2009 Season, 7/13-8/2

The Midtown InterNational Theatre Festival (MITF) announces the 2009 Season, running from July 13 - August 2, 2009. 43 plays and musicals have been chosen, as well as three Studio Series shows and five readings. Selected plays for SHORT SUBJECTS, a new division for plays that run under 60 minutes, will be announced at a later date. Tickets are available at www.midtownfestival.org or by phone at 866-811-4111.

2009 SEASON

The American Black Box, By Scott Pardue, Produced by Vincent Scott & Scott Pardue
July 15 - July 28, The Dorothy Strelsin Theatre, 312 W. 36th Street, 1st floor, NYC
A sudden disappearance and hotbed of rumors spur questions about habeas corpus, the Military Commissions Act of 2006 and the social forces that pave the way for our terrorist policies.

Approaching America, By James Evans, Produced by Theatre for a Big Country
July 16 - August 2, The Dorothy Strelsin Theatre, 312 W. 36th Street, 1st floor, NYC
After a lifetime of waiting, will brothers Toby and Florida be ready when their pretty neighbor shows up seeking excitement?

Assholes and Aureoles, By Eric Pfeffinger, Produced by InterAction Theater, Inc. & Off The Leash Productions
July 27 - August 2, The Jewel Box Theater, 312 W. 36th Street, 4th floor, NYC
taboo...taboo...taboo...taboo...taboo...taboo...taboo...taboo...taboo...taboo...taboo...taboo...taboo.

Bartholomew Fair, NJ, Written and directed by Billy Mitchell, Produced by The Theater Company / David Zimmerman
July 17 - July 28, The MainStage Theater, 312 W. 36th Street, 4th floor, NYC
A twisting, madcap knot of deceit, disguises, puppets... and New Jersey!

Benny, By Suzanne Bachner, Directed by Trish Minskoff, Produced by John Montgomery Theatre Company
July 16 - August 1, The June Havoc Theatre, 312 W. 36th Street, 1st floor, NYC
"The future of theatre." - BroadwayWorld.com

Body Language, By Jennie Contuzzi, Directed by Nathaniel Shaw, Produced by Active Theater Company and Rick Joyce
July 14 - August 2, The Dorothy Strelsin Theatre, 312 W. 36th Street, 1st floor, NYC
How do you love another when you can't love yourself?

The Broken Jug, By Heinrich Von Kleist, Produced by Stephen Wisker
July 18 - August 1, The June Havoc Theatre, 312 W. 36th Street, 1st floor, NYC
Judge and witnesses know more than they dare say in this riot of an antique roadshow.

Checking In, Written and produced by Brian Hampton, Directed by Richard St. Peter
July 15 - August 1, The June Havoc Theatre, 312 W. 36th Street, 1st floor, NYC
Only one rule for the weekend: No boys. No babies. Six high school friends reunite for a weekend in Atlantic City...and new truths spill out.

Christmas Guest, Written and produced by James V. O'Connor
July 25 - August 2, The Dorothy Strelsin Theatre, 312 W. 36th Street, 1st floor, NYC
An unshuttered look at the subtleties of dark family secrets and betrayal between parents and children.

Connect / Disconnect, Music by Jan-Erik Sääf, Book and Lyrics by Owen Robertson, Based in part on a Swedish version by Jan-Erik Sääf and Ola Hörling, Produced by Teater Omen
July 21 - August 2, The June Havoc Theatre, 312 W. 36th Street, 1st floor, NYC
One man. One Woman. Four Stories.

Crossroads, By Meri Wallace, Produced by Howling Moon Cab. Company
July 16 - August 2, The MainStage Theater, 312 W. 36th Street, 4th floor, NYC
The place to get a cut, a perm or change your life.

Eve and Lilith - Adam's Temptation, By Johannes Galli, Produced by Galli Theater NY
July 15 - August 2, The Jewel Box Theater, 312 W. 36th Street, 4th floor, NYC
When Adam's wife and mistress meet up, they discover more about each other--and their man--than they ever expected.

EXPOSED! The Curious Case of Shiloh and Zahara, By Kate Gersten, Produced by Stage 13, Inc.
July 15 - July 30, The MainStage Theater, 312 W. 36th Street, 4th floor, NYC
What do you do when Mom's a Tomb Raider and Dad's in a Fight Club? The story of two media darlings, all grown (and screwed) up.

FaceSpace, By Talia Gonzalez and Bisanne Masoud, Produced by Lucky Penny Productions, Inc. / Penny Landau
July 18 - August 1, The MainStage Theater, 312 W. 36th Street, 4th floor, NYC
What if your Facebook account came with a life coach full of bad advice - that only you could see?

Family Symmetry, Written, directed and produced by Adam Samtur
July 13 - August 1, The Jewel Box Theater, 312 W. 36th Street, 4th floor, NYC
A couple struggles to survive the challenges of obsessive compulsive disorder in this story of the rocky nature of love and acceptance.

Forgive Me?, By Esther Armah, Produced by Take Wing and Soar Productions
July 23 - August 1, The MainStage Theater, 312 W. 36th Street, 4th floor, NYC
One couple, one relationship, one break-up, one last conversation. Sometimes the end is the beginning.

Gentleman's Wish, By Lawson Caldwell, Co-produced by Lawson Caldwell and Anthony Francavilla
July 30 - August 2, The MainStage Theater, 312 W. 36th Street, 4th floor, NYC
A play about the ever-changing world of politics, sexuality, love and integrity.

How to Make an American Family, By Jeff Seabaugh, Produced by Frederick Street Productions
July 15 - August 2, The Jewel Box Theater, 312 W. 36th Street, 4th floor, NYC
Follow one man's journey toward creating a family of his own.

I Hate Love, By Kyle Baxter & Jon Crefeld, Directed by Mark Duncan, Produced by The Collective Objective
July 13 - August 1, The Dorothy Strelsin Theatre, 312 W. 36th Street, 1st floor, NYC
Shakespeare Remixed!

Insecurity! The Recession-Proof Musical!, Book, Music and lyrics by Mickey Zetts, Produced by Oberon Theatre Ensemble
July 14 - August 1, The MainStage Theater, 312 W. 36th Street, 4th floor, NYC
From the Creator of Apathy-The Gen X Musical, an unlikely romance blooms when a motley crew of recession victims scheme to save their jobs. Who knew being a Security Guard was this much fun?

Las Escenas de la Cruz (Scenes of the Cross), By iDo Theater! and Daniel Carlton, Produced by iDo Theater!
July 17 - August 1, The Dorothy Strelsin Theatre, 312 W. 36th Street, 1st floor, NYC
At the border between the United States and Mexico, a line is crossed between dreams and reality.

The Lincoln Continental, By Kathy Kafer, Directed by Steven Yuhasz, Produced by Shadow Productions & Kramis Productions
July 18 - August 2, The MainStage Theater, 312 W. 36th Street, 4th floor, NYC
A father, a daughter and the car that drives their relationship through three decades.

Love, Humiliation and Karaoke, By Enzo Lombard, Produced by DQDI
July 30 - August 1, The Jewel Box Theater, 312 W. 36th Street, 4th floor, NYC
"San Francisco's Sedaris" weaves a quirky, cynical romantic comedy.

Made in Heaven, By Jay Bernzweig, Directed by Dennis Erdman, Produced by Barbara Ligeti and Andrew Shaifer
July 13 - August 2, The June Havoc Theatre, 312 W. 36th Street, 1st floor, NYC
One brother is straight. One is gay. They're conjoined twins who share a penis. What happens when two Teams compete for the same Member?

Monroe Bound, By Lucile Scott, Produced by Mighty Little Productions
July 13 - August 1, The MainStage Theater, 312 W. 36th Street, 4th floor, NYC
Secrets destroy in this offbeat tale about miscommunication, Communist microbrew, The Princess of Power and finding your home.

NeverCracked, By Daniel MacIvor and Gwydion Suilebhan, Produced by Intentional Theater Group & Carissa Baker
July 13 - August 2, The MainStage Theater, 312 W. 36th Street, 4th floor, NYC
An off-kilter cooking show, followed by a desperate contest between men in neckties.

A Night in the Kremlin, By Bernard Besserglik and Bob Barton, Produced by AFK Productions
July 13 - August 2, The June Havoc Theatre, 312 W. 36th Street, 1st floor, NYC
America's greatest clown takes on the ogre in the Kremlin.

Not My Daughter, By Ann Mary Mullane, Produced by No Apology Theatre
July 14 - August 1, The MainStage Theater, 312 W. 36th Street, 4th floor, NYC
An actress's big Broadway debut reveals more than she bargained for--and forces her parents to confront their own perceptions of their little girl, all grown up.

Out of the Sandbox, By Jack Sauer, Produced by Richard Humphrey, CEO RedCloud Mobile, Inc. and William Sauer
July 14 - July 31, The June Havoc Theatre, 312 W. 36th Street, 1st floor, NYC
How do we get out of the sandbox of childhood dreams and nightmares and move on with our lives?

Pizza Man, By Darlene Craviotto, Produced by ULU Theatre Collective
July 19 - July 31, The Dorothy Strelsin Theatre, 312 W. 36th Street, 1st floor, NYC
Sex. Pizza. Happiness. How far would you go for a slice?

A Poisonous Tree, Written and produced by Bruce Colbert
July 14 - August 1, The Dorothy Strelsin Theatre, 312 W. 36th Steet, 1st floor, NYC
An ugly Navy Court Martial during the Vietnam War.

Pound: The Poet on Trial, Written and directed by William Roetzheim, Produced by American InterNational Theatre, INC.
July 20 - July 26, The Jewel Box Theater, 312 W. 36th Street, 4th floor, NYC
Poet Ezra Pound stands trial for high treason, with the audience as the jury.

Prison Theatre, By Gabor Harsanyi, Produced by Újpest Theatre / Gabor Harsanyi
July 28 - August 2, The June Havoc Theatre, 312 W. 36th Street, 1st floor, NYC
Power or talent; which matters in human prison.

Psycho Therapy, By Frank Strausser, Directed by Michael Bush, Produced by Mindful Media LLC
July 15 - August 1, The June Havoc Theatre, 312 W. 36th Street, 1st floor, NYC
It's simple really... Couple's counseling for three!!

Requiem for a Marriage, By J.B. Edwards, Directed by Linda Selman, Produced by Many Hats Productions & Third Avenue Productions
July 16 - August 2, The MainStage Theater, 312 W. 36th Street, 4th floor, NYC
Will Adam and Jean Smiley's shocking secret shatter their daughter Erica's existence?

Seal Songs, By Jennifer Fell Hayes, Produced by Thisbe Productions
July 13 - July 31, The Jewel Box Theater, 312 W. 36th Street, 4th floor, NYC
Two tales of love lost and found by the sea.

Self-Portrait, By Jeff Helgeson, Produced by Collage Productions/Gary Ferrar
July 16 - August 1, The Jewel Box Theater, 312 W. 36th Street, 4th floor, NYC
Mired in a lifetime of failed relationships, a university professor wages a battle for identity against a desire for suicide.

Southern Man, By Stuart Katz, Jeff Pierce, and Colleen Pierce, Directed by Colleen Pierce, Produced by Colleen Pierce and Katzcando Productions
July 14 - August 2, The Jewel Box Theater, 312 W. 36th Street, 4th floor, NYC
Follow the adventures of a WWII POW in this timelessly profound tale of camaraderie, love, survival and triumph of the human spirit.

The Sword Politik, By Jon Crefeld, Directed by Jon Ciccarelli, Produced by Jon Ciccarelli, Hudson Shakespeare Co.
July 15 - July 30, The Dorothy Strelsin Theatre, 312 W. 36th Street, 1st floor, NYC
When we only survive, we all are weak. Go Medieval!

That's Showbiz!, Music by Colin Chaston & Tony Clout, Book & Lyrics by Colin Chaston, Directed by Colin Chaston, Produced by Janski Productions Limited
July 14 - July 30, The June Havoc Theatre, 312 W. 36th Street, 1st floor, NYC
If only ALL celebrity talk shows were like this!

Two-Handers, By Martin Fox, Directed by Wilson Milam, Tony® Award-nominated director of The Lieutenant of Inishmore, Produced by Jeffrey Altschuler/Alternative Scenario LLC
July 15 - July 28, The June Havoc Theatre, 312 W. 36th Street, 1st floor, NYC
2 men, 2 women, 4 conflicts, 6 scenes, no intermission.

Whiskey, Beer and Apple Pie, By Rob Egginton, Glenn De Kler, and Eli Sands, Produced by Panicked Productions
July 13 - August 1, The Dorothy Strelsin Theatre, 312 W. 36th Street, 1st floor, NYC
A trio of quirky New York breakup stories about love lost, gone wrong, and gone awkward.

Yo Hot Mama(s)!, By Natalie Kim, Produced by Bright Star Prods
July 14 - July 29, The Jewel Box Theater, 312 W. 36th Street, 4th floor, NYC
Two women share their offbeat stories of exotic (and erotic) travel, nutty upbringings, and truth.

STUDIO SERIES

In Fireworks Lie Secret Codes, By John Guare, Directed by Carol Kastendieck, Produced by Park Side Productions & Jack Trinco
July 15 - July 19,The Jewel Box Theater, 312 W. 36th Street, 4th floor, NYC
A black comedy revealing the secret desires of an upper class New York.

Numbers, By Kieron Barry, Produced by Pink Bulb Productions LLC
July 14 - July 19,Where Eagles Dare Studio Blackbird, 347 W. 36th Street, 13th floor, NYC
Mean Girls meets Lord of the Flies.

Perfectly Natural, By Jon Steinhagen , Produced by Playlab NYC
July 15 - July 18, Where Eagles Dare Studio Blackbird, 347 W. 36th Street, 13th floor, NYC
Fables from a different perspective.

READINGS

1812 The Musical, Book and Lyrics by Ira Shapiro, Music by Stacy O'Dell & Michael Murray, Directed by Jamibeth Margolis
Wednesday, July 22 at 2pm, The June Havoc Theatre, 312 W. 36th Street, 1st floor, NYC
The adventures of French soldiers trapped in Russia.

Family Dinner, Written and produced by Michele Willens
Wednesday, July 29 at 1pm, The June Havoc Theatre, 312 W. 36th Street, 1st floor, NYC
What is the final cost of not telling the truth?

Legends, By Leslie Lee, Produced by Negro Ensemble Company
Friday, July 24 at 1:30pm, The June Havoc Theatre, 312 W. 36th Street, 1st floor, NYC
When is enough enough even for the dispossessed?

Lesson for Life, By Phillip W. Weiss, Produced by Phil's Literary Works LLC
Tuesday, July 21 at 2pm, Tuesday, July 28 at 1pm, The June Havoc Theatre, 312 W. 36th Street, 1st floor, NYC
A young man learns about life...the hard way.

On The Way To O'Neill's: JFK In Ireland, By Ann G. Bauer & David Beckett, Produced by David Beckett
Thursday, July 23 at 3pm, Tuesday, July 28 at 3:30pm, Thursday, July 30 at 3pm, The June Havoc Theatre, 312 W. 36th Street, 1st floor, NYC
What if President Kennedy alone survived the Dallas assassination attempt and Jackie didn't?

The MITF's 2009 Season runs from July 13 - August 2, 2009 at the June Havoc Theatre, 312 W. 36th Street, 1st floor; the Dorothy Strelsin Theatre, 312 W. 36th Street, 1st floor; the MainStage Theater, 312 W. 36th Street, 4th floor; the Jewel Box Theater, 312 W. 36th Street, 4th floor; and Where Eagles Dare Studio Blackbird, 347 W. 36th Street, 13th floor, NYC.

The MITF welcomes theatrical storytelling across a broad spectrum of genres, forms, identities, cultures, and appetites. The MITF seeks to nurture these new ideas, perspectives, and stories on its stages, with an eye set on guiding these productions toward future success and longevity. The festival, traditionally held in summer, represents a fantastic, often paradoxical, adventurous and intriguing cross-section of the forefront of the Theatre World. The MITF proudly hosts production companies from across the country and around the globe, uniting talent in one of the biggest theatre capitals in the world.

Mr. Chatterton created the MITF in 2000, a Midtown alternative to other theatre festivals, as a way to present the finest off-off Broadway talent in convenience, comfort, and safety. All theatres are located near the MITF offices at 347 W. 36th Street (home of Mr. Chatterton's Where Eagles Dare rehearsal studios and theatre).

For more information, visit www.midtownfestival.org.