Blue Balls: The Story the NYPD Hoped Wouldn't Be Told, will play as part of the 10th Annual New York International Fringe Festival, at The Flea Theater (41 White Street in Tribeca) from August 11th through August 25th.
FringeNYC and
BroadwayClubhouse.com will present the world premiere production, which is written by Michael Tester and directed by
Rye Mullis.
"Based on his own true story, actor/playwright Michael 'Fletcher' Tester ran away from the circus of show business to join blue collar, only to discover more drama and intrigue behind precinct doors than he'd witnessed backstage. His adventure climaxed in a civil suit, which led to a small settlement in exchange for a no-gag order, so that he might one day share this story, in a four-person play that kicks where it hurts:
Blue Balls," state press notes.
The cast of
Blue Balls will feature Alexandra Bosquet, C.J. Dion, Vincent Ortega III, and Tester. The creative team includes Len Borovay (set design) and Jessica Paz (sound design).
The son of circus entertainers, Tester followed the family tradition as an actor in the Broadway tours of
Annie, Big River, Crazy For You, and
Peter Pan. Before running away from the circus to join blue collar (the NYPD), he made his writing debut in London Fringe with his first musical,
Amoebas on Parade. He went on to create the music, lyrics, and book to
The Mummy Musical (Dramatic Publishing),
Hope & Glory! (Walt Whitman's Birthplace),
Hollywood Exposed! (Actor's Playhouse), and
The Pirate Musical! (to be published this year). He is co-author of the Off-Broadway interactive show
The Awesome 80s Prom, and the founder of
www.BroadwayClubhouse.com. He holds the unique distinction of having graduated with honors from both the American Academy of Dramatic Arts (Rodgers and Hammerstein Scholarship) and The New York Police Academy (Gold braid: top 10% of his class). His two worlds merged when he was asked to perform in a 'Gay Pride in Policing' Celebration at Police Headquarters, hosted by
Harvey Fierstein.
The show will play: Friday, August 11 at 5PM, Sunday, August 13 at 9PM, Thursday, August 17 at 4:30PM, Saturday, August 19 at 6PM, Tuesday, August 22 at 4:30PM and Friday, August 25 at 9PM. Visit
www.fringenyc.com for ticket information.
