NO SOLO MIO & STEPMOTHER IN A SARI Play At Jackson Rep 4/24-5/10

Jackson Repertory Theatre will present NO SOLO MIO, written and performed by Carl Kissin, and STEPMOTHER IN A SARI, written and performed by Leslie Harrell Dillen, April 24-May 10. Jackson Rep is a new theater company in residence at The Garden School, 33-16 79th Street, Jackson Heights, Queens, NY. Tickets are $12/general and $10/students and seniors, and are available in advance at www.SmartTix.com (212-868-4444) or Inner Peace, 79-24 37th Ave in Jackson Heights.

NO SOLO MIO's Kissin has performed 4000 improv shows with the renowned troupe Chicago City Limits. Described as "virtuosic and invaluable" by NYTheatre.com and a "comic genius" by the Daily News, Carl is also a three-time Manhattan Monologue Slam champion. In NO SOLO MIO he combines the world of the written with the world of the spontaneous. Every monologue invites audience participation, from a motivational speaker who has only two healthy cells in his body, to a man who uses Post-Its to help him remember his heart's desire. Karaoke can be painful to the ears, but NO SOLO MIO lets every one "sing" and laugh along in just the right measure. More info about Carl is available at www.carlkissin.com

STEPMOTHER IN A SARI's Dillen has performed throughout the U.S. and at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland. She was described as "poignant, hilarious" by USA Today and "inspirational" by The Boston Globe. Her solo play, ME & GEORGE, won the playwrights award from The Massachusetts Cultural Council and was named Boston's "Best One Woman Show of the Year." In STEPMOTHER IN A SARI, Leslie introduces us to Winifred Logan Lightfoot, a well-intentioned but insecure American who travels to India to attend her stepdaughter's engagement party. Journeying from Delhi to Chandigarh to the Taj Mahal, Winnie encounters a new culture, an old enemy and finally the power of love. More info on Leslie can be found at www.leslieharrelldillen.com

Director Ari Laura Kreith is the new artistic director of Jackson Repertory Theatre. Previously, she was the founding artistic director of California's Theatre Zoe, where she was the recipient of three Civic Arts Commission Fellowships and directed regional and world premieres of work by Steven Dietz, Lee Blessing, Steve Tesich, Cindy Lou Johnson, Don Nigro, Craig Swogger, Lance Horne and Harry Kondoleon. Other directing highlights include the European premiere of Adam Guettel's MYTHS AND HYMNS, NY productions of DOUBLE VISION, THE GOLDEN AURORA, IMPOSTORS, DREAMHOUSE and CONTRACTS, and the solo shows TRIP, FARGO and COOPERATIVE VILLAGE.

The design dream team includes Sarah Rigney (sets,) Anjeanette Stokes (lights) and Dave Remedios (sound.)

Performance dates are as follows. Both shows will be presented opening night, April 24, with NO SOLO MIO beginning at 8 pm followed by STEPMOTHER IN A SARI at 9:15 pm.

NO SOLO MIO will also perform Sunday April 26 at 7:15 pm, Saturday May 2 at 8:30 pm, Friday May 8 at 8:30 pm and Sunday May 10 at 7:30 pm.

STEPMOTHER IN A SARI can be seen Saturday April 25 at 8:30 pm, Friday May 1 at 8:30 pm, Sunday May 3 at 7:30 pm and Saturday May 9 at 8:30 pm.

A special discount rate of $20 for both shows is available for the opening night performances. Tickets are $12/general and $10/students and seniors, and are available in advance at www.SmartTix.com 212-868-4444 or Inner Peace, 79-24 37th Ave in Jackson Heights.

Alison Ostergaard, Founding Director. Ari Laura Kreith, Artistic Director. www.JacksonRep.org