ReGroup Theatre Opens 1931-, 10/4

After an 80-year absence from the stage, The ReGroup Theatre Company presents 1931- Claire & Paul Sifton's gritty tale of the Great Depression era at The Living Theatre, Oct 4-21st.

1931- is the story of Adam, who is fired from his warehouse job.  Proud and determined, Adam sets out to find another job, only to discover hundreds of other men in the same situation.  Without a paycheck, Adam soon realizes how much he has to lose: health, dignity, hope, and possibly even the young shop girl he loves. 1931- is the story of all the men and women, young and old, in Adam's situation. They sleep in the parks, beg for coins and even turn to crime when there seems to be no other option. When their story comes to a head, there seems only one way left to turn: revolution.

 

1931- was the second play produced by The Group Theatrethe most famous American theatre company, which existed from 1931-1940, featuring the talents of Stella Adler, Clifford Odets, Sanford Meisner and Lee Strasberg.  The original production lasted 12 performances, though the stories of the amazed reaction of the "balcony crowd," whose story was being depicted onstage, are legendary.  The upper-class orchestra-set rejected the play for its alleged sensationalism. 

Allie Mulholland directs a cast of fourteen ReGroup members, including George Bartenieff (4 Obie Awards; Film: Julia & Julia; TV: 30 Rock, Law & Order), Carly J. Bauer, Gian Carbonara, Nic Davies, Stephen Dexter, Matt Giroveanu, Daniel Hainsworth, Avé M. Lindon, Pete McElligott(Backstage magazine's 10 Memorable performances of 2011 for Johnny Johnson directed by Estelle Parsons), Kelsey Moore, Mateo Prendergast, Shelley Valfer, and Shawn Verrier. Nic Davies is assistant-director, with Stage Management by Sarah Weeks, Lighting Design by Sarah Riffle, and Scenic Design by Joseph Croghan. 1931- will run for fourteen performances from October 4-21, 2012 at The Living Theatre, 21 Clinton Street (between East Houston & Stanton) in New York City.  Wed- Sat at 8 PM, Sundays at 5 PM/  

  

The ReGroup Theatre Company presented 1931- as a staged reading in 2010 and was struck by the overwhelming response the play stirred in the audience.  Many questioned whether the play had been updated to reflect our modern times, specifically the Occupy Wall Street movement, but not a word has been updated. Come experience 1931- for yourself!