Syracuse Uni. Presents 'Meaning of Life' in New Play Program

Syracuse University officially announces its New Play Development Program with an original work entitled, The Meaning of Life … and other useless pieces of information. 

The piece, by emerging New York City based playwright, Matte O'Brien is a humorous and touching exploration of what happens once academia has vanished and the real world appears.  It follows a small group of twenty-somethings in New York City as they journey from who they were, to who they are – in the constant pursuit of who they are destined to be.

This represents the second production in S.U. Drama Department's New Works Program.  Marie Kemp, a professor at the university and producer of the New Works Program says, "Our goal is to offer playwrights an opportunity to develop new pieces in a workshop setting in order to concentrate chiefly on the text.  Each play is scheduled for four performances, after which the writer, cast and director return to the rehearsal hall to examine and explore lessons learned from the audience.  The show is then remounted and performed the following weekend. It is an amazing opportunity for the students to work with exciting new playwrights, and for the writer, we hope to create an environment that encourages exploration and free play so that each may develop his/her unique voice and contribution to the future of theatre."

The Meaning of Life… and other useless pieces of information will be done at Syracuse Stage November 9, 10, 11, 16, 17 and 18.  Friday performances are at 8PM, Saturdays are at 2PM & 8PM, Sundays are at 2PM.  Both Saturday and Sunday performances are followed by talkback sessions with the cast, playwright and creative team.  The cast includes: Shannon Algeo, Seth Danner, Missy Gonzalez, Jacob Helmer, Erick Jarboe, and Shannon Tyo.  Conception by Lee Ann Gullie, Daria Maidenbaum acts as stage manager for the production and Brendan Naylor comes on as associate director.