Stage Left Studio Presents 'Blue Valentine' Event, 2/14
By: Kelsey Denette Feb. 11, 2012
Stage Left Studio’s Blue Valentine to New York City is being described as "tailor-made for the broken hearts scattered throughout our concrete jungle. Producer Cheryl King has gathered top performers who have graced her boutique stage this past year, as the star rises on this midtown theatre gem. King’s counter-programming idea strikes a chord with those seeking to avoid the typical holiday’s offerings of perfect love, love at first sight, and over-the-top marriage proposals."
"Disasters (especially love disasters) aren’t funny while they’re happening, but with the perspective of years in between, they’re great for a laugh. Not to mention, half of us are telling stories of young love, junior high school stuff – so those broken hearts aren’t bitter, just sweet. It’s a show that’s perfect for those who don’t have dates and for those that do," King says.
"Songs, scenes, monologues and sketches will be performed by a variety of performing artists. David Sisco, author and star of the long-running audience-favorite Bait ‘n Swish will perform standard 'My Funny Valentine.' Chanteuse and poet/performer DeeAnne Gorman will do her own special take on 'I Can’t Make You Love Me' while monologist Frank Blocker will tackle a male version of 'Surabaya Johnny.' 'DeeAnne and Frank interpret songs like no other. It’s always a surprise and I’m always thrilled.' Says King. Blocker’s second critically-acclaimed solo showStabilized, Not Controlled: A Fearless Moral Inventory opens February 26, while Gorman appears regularly along with several Blue Valentine cast members at the monthly Forbidden Kiss Live, now in its sixth year.
"There will plenty of alternating styles of performance as the show includes spoke word artist and actor TC Corwin with 'The Wolfman,' Joe Hutcheson’s 'Sherilyn Fenn at the Hamburger Hamlet,' and Valerie Hager performing a piece from her upcoming solo show Naked in Alaska. Cheryl King is also on the bill in an intriguing story of clown love gone horribly wrong."
Stage Left Studio is home to many solo shows and performers, but also caters to small plays and is equipped for cabaret. King’s heart is in fostering many types of writers. Two playwrights will have scenes performed as part of the Blue Valentinespecial event. Michelle Ramoni’s June and Nancy will feature the playwright along with Gabrielle Maisels. William LoCasto will share a selection from his play 4:01 featuring Steven Tyler O’Connor and Trey Gerrald.
'It’s a full night with a variety of performances followed by a wine reception,' says King. The full roster includes Gloria Rosen, Gaby Gold, and Parker Leventer performing original writing, original song, and 'a scene in the style of The Artist.'
New York theatre patrons can enjoy the special event cabaret theatre of Blue Valentine for $20. One block South of Penn Station, Stage Left Studio is an easy trek to make to the theatre dubbed 'sexiest cabaret' and a place where 'some of the best theatre in New York can be found.' King concludes: 'With a long-running track record of critically-acclaimed work showing at Stage Left, a community of artists is taking shape. Sharing these artists with the public is my joy. And the audience keeps growing.'
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