Six New Works Presented in MITF Developmental Series

The Midtown International Theatre Festival, which showcases more than 40 different productions over a three-week period every summer, is expanding its reach with the Next Step MITF Developmental Series, presenting six works by MITF Alumni, and running from January 15th - June 28. 

Curated and coordinated by MITF co-artistic director Glory Sims Bowen, each show in the Developmental Series will run between 2 and 4 weeks and be performed at John Chatterton's Where Eagles Dare Theatre, located at 347 West 36th Street, between 8th & 9th Avenues. All show times are Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday at 8pm.  All productions in the series will be done as Equity Showcases and all shows will be open for review unless otherwise indicated.

 Bowen, herself an award-winning director, says "It's wonderful to have so many gifted indie theater artists be a part of our festival and I'm thrilled to have helped create an opportunity for them to continue their work with us at Where Eagles Dare." 

The line-up is as follows:

Star Power
Written by Tony Sportiello (LOL, MITF 2006), directed by Tom Herman, produced by Algonquin Theatre Productions
Performances Dates: January 15th - February 7th

"In this backstage comedy with heart, a struggling off-off-Broadway theatre company and its dedicated artists (i.e. people working in the theatre for no money and barely scraping by at their day jobs) are offered funding for their latest work - if they cast a washed-up, third rate (but still good-looking) Hollywood actor in the lead.  As the playwright tears out his hair with the actor's constant ad-libbing and the director is ready to strangle him for his lackadaisical attitude, the worlds of film, theater, art and commerce collide head-on - with some unexpected results," press notes state. 

Diet Monologues, The Musical
Written by Monica Bauer (The Maternal Instinct, MITF 2006), directed by Heather Guthrie, with music direction by Carl Haan
Performances Dates:  February 12th - March 7th

"Treat yourself to a night of comedy and music in this four-person revue proving that once and for all, laughter does indeed, burn calories.  Meet the Nutrition Nun, hear Reverend Delphina preach on the Ten Commandments of Dieting, hear problems of being a high-carb man in love with a low-carb woman! Take a journey from the catchy opening number, 'Bloated,' to the self-esteem anthem, 'Lighter.' The play was first produced at the Denver Civic Theater in 2002 and has since been performed at various theaters around the country."

Nosferatu: Land of the Undead
Written by Stanton Wood, directed by Edward Elefterion, produced by Rabbit Hole Ensemble (Siblings, MITF 2006)
Performance Dates: March 12th - March 21st

"Using nothing more than their bodies, voices, and a handful of props, six actors tell the story of Jonathan Harker, his wife Mina, and Nosferatu, one of the undead.  Based on the classic silent film, Nosferatu: a Symphony of Horror, this new adaptation for the stage focuses on Harker's journey into the land of the undead, the mysterious connection between Harker's wife and Nosferatu, and the effects of an unknown disease as it consumes a city, leaving madness and death in its wake.  Nosferatu is the first of a two play cycle Rabbit Hole will be creating based on the Dracula myth.  Previous works by the company include The Transformation of Dr. Jekyll, presented at FringeNYC last summer."

What Fools We Lovers Be
Written by Debbie Williams (Under My Apron - MITF 2005), director: TBA, produced by Real Arts
Performance Dates: April 2nd - April 25th

"Having performed throughout Europe and Canada, Debbie Williams and her company RealArts are back on the New York stage with this 'feel-good romantic tragic-comedy.; Frequently cited as being reminiscent of Carol Burnett, actor/playwright/director's William's latest work follows five stories of passion and fate, love and lust, and a lack thereof.  If you don't believe in soul mates, or love at first sight, or that really good sex can heal all wounds - this show just might help to change your mind." 

Admit Impediments
Written by Duncan Pflaster (The Wastes of Time, MITF 2006), director: TBA
Performance Dates: April 30th - May 23rd

"Two-time Spotlight On Award-Winning Playwright Duncan Pflaster goes the musical route to tackle the thorny issue of marital rights in the United States.  When Josh invites his friends over to see him propose to his girlfriend Chaminade, it causes friction with their gay friends Rico and Dominic; as well as with their friend Victoria, who spitefully marries a random Middle-Eastern man in a quickie Las Vegas wedding.  Topical and timeless, and filled with humor, love and toe-tapping music, this tale about marriage - Gay, Straight and Opportunistic - is sure to be both humorous and thought-provoking."

Mothergun
Written by Christine Evans, directed by Joya Scott, produced by Emergency Theater Project (The Answer is Horse, MITF 2006)
Performance Dates: June 4th - June 28th
 
"In a bleak refugee camp 'somewhere between Europe and hell,' three lost souls are detained. They do not share a common language and must rely on a member of the "peacekeeping" troops to translate among them. Evan's archetypal characters could be from any conflict, in any country, and this searing portrait of human beings at war strikes at the heart of both current events and past tragedies." 

All shows in the series will be performed at the Where Eagles Dare Theatre, located at 347 West 36th Street, between 8th and 9th Avenues.  Performances for all shows are Monday-Wednesday at 8pm.  All tickets are $18.00, $15.00 for students and seniors.  Reservations: 212-868-4444 or www.smarttix.com.