The Araca Project Announces Seven Original Productions

The Araca Group has announced the seven shows that will comprise the 2014 Araca Project season, lasting from September 7th until November 2nd at the American Theatre of Actors. Led by Matthew Rego, Michael Rego, and Hank Unger, The Araca Group is a New York City-based Broadway production and merchandising that has served, among others, Wicked, Urinetown, Rock of Ages, Arthur Miller's A View from the Bridge. In addition, Araca is now the largest screen printing and merchandising company on Broadway. Learn more at www.araca.com.

Now in its fourth year, The Araca Project has welcomed Syracuse University, the University of Michigan, Northwestern University, Florida State University, and Yale University as partners in its commitment to early career production development.

After pitching their projects, selected artists participate in a "Producing Intensive," consisting of workshops and panels with industry professionals, before producing their work. By giving artists the opportunity to take on the full artistic and fiscal responsibilities of producing their work Off-Broadway, The Araca Project strives to support and inspire these artists to recognize the power of the entrepreneurial spirit in shaping one's artistic destiny.

This year's seven shows are each produced by young professionals who graduated between 2004 and 2014. The lineup includes six plays and one musical. All performances will be held this fall at The American Theatre of Actors, located at 314 W. 54th Street in New York City. Ticket prices and show times vary by project. Please visit www.aracaproject.com for full schedule and more information.

Bones in the Basket
Written by Alexandra Henrikson. Directed by Devin Brain. Produced by Lindsey Tureltaub and Emma Sherr-Ziarko. Yale University.

"A motley troupe of storytellers burst onto a makeshift stage with a riotous performance of seven classic Russian fairy tales. These wild misfits will act, sing, dance, flirt, beg, borrow, steal; whatever it takes to fill their empty bellies. And they have no interest in stories that end in "happily ever after..." So raise up your glass in a toast and your voice in song, as Bones in the Basket invites you to a world of tales filled with startling plot twists, morbid spectacles, and biting humor."

Wed, Oct. 8th - Fri, Oct. 10th @ 8 pm; Sat, Oct. 11th @ 8 pm & 11 pm; Sun, Oct. 12th @ 2:30 pm. http://bonesinthebasket.com/.

The Fatal Eggs
Adapted by Dustin Wills and Ilya Khodosh. Based on "The Fatal Eggs" by Mikhail Bulgakov. Produced by Kate Atwell, Sophie von Haselberg, Dustin Wills, and Lauren Wainwright. Yale University.

A curmudgeonly Soviet scientist discovers the hope for humanity: the ray of life! But when the government steals his invention, untold horrors are unleashed. Equal parts provocative satire and madcap science fiction, The Fatal Eggs skewers political incompetence and corruption, misguided faith in technology, a gullible and complacent populace, and a fear-mongering media. It's the apocalyptic story of a decaying civilization. It's a monster tale of utopian intentions gone awry, and a beautiful rumination on what is lost in a culture fueled by exploitation and desire. Seven actors perform 56 different roles in this dizzying seventy-five minute race toward apocalypse.

Wed, Oct. 1st - Fri, Oct. 3 @ 8 pm; Sat, Oct. 4th @ 8 pm & 11 pm; Sun, Oct. 5th @ 2 pm. www.fataleggs.com.

Mare in the Men's Room
Written by David L. Kimple. Produced by Goldfish Memory Productions. Florida State University.

When her marriage starts to crumble, Brigette trades a quiet life in the suburbs for the world of drag, and breaks the mold by performing as a new kind of drag King - a man who likes to perform as a woman. As her fame rises, her marriage falls farther away, and suddenly the life she once knew no longer exists.

Wed, Oct. 15th - Sat, Oct. 18th @ 7pm; Sun, Oct. 19th @ 2 pm. http://www.goldfishmemoryproductions.com.

October in the Chair and Other Fragile Things

Adapted by Old Sound Room from short stories by Neil Gaiman. Directed by Michael McQuilken. Produced by Old Sound Room. Yale University.

In the event that you should find yourself in a fairytale, remember: Never ignore the advice of the talking Raven, don't ever literally give your heart as a Valentine, the Phoenix is the best Last Meal you'll ever have, and little boys always like adventure; especially the dead ones. Join OldSoundRoom performance ensemble for "October in the Chair and Other Fragile Things," sixty magical minutes of the unlikely happenings and absurdist humor of Neil Gaiman's short stories.

Wed, Oct. 29th - Thurs, Oct. 30th @ 8 pm; Fri, Oct. 31st @ 8 pm & 10:30 pm; Sat, Nov. 1st @ 8 pm; Sun, Nov. 2nd @ 2 pm. http://www.oldsoundroom.com/.

Sea Legs: A Nautical New Musical
Book and Lyrics by Tyler Dean. Music by Michael Tooman. Directed by Taylor Norton. Produced by Lindsay Alexis, Alexa Bergman, and Jason Kovacs. University of Michigan.

Sea Legs is an award-winning original musical about four young orphans who long for adventure outside their quaint harbor town. But when adulthood, romance, and a few unexpected visitors are thrown in their path, they find that adventure might be closer than they once thought. This coming-of-age tale will reconnect adults with their imagination and inspire children to find their own adventure. Don't miss the boat - join us Off-Broadway in September 2014!

Sat, Sept. 20th @ 8 pm; Sun, Sept. 21st @ 2 pm; Mon, Sept. 22 - Tues, Sept. 23rd @ 7 pm; Thurs, Sept. 25th @ 8 pm; Fri, Sept. 26th @ 8 pm; Sat, Sept. 27th @ 2 pm & 8 pm. www.sealegsthemusical.com.

Woman in the Basement

Written by Danny Coates-Finke. Directed by David Siciliano. Produced by RADD Theatre Co. Syracuse University.

A self-proclaimed asshole learns the power of his voice when a group of fans draw devious inspiration from his frat-house stories. This "bro-poet" is jerked down the rabbit hole of masculinity, and comes face to face with the vicious reality of his words. Runtime: 90 min. Limited Engagement.

Thurs, Oct. 23rd @ 7 pm; Fri, Oct. 24th @ 8 pm; Sat, Oct. 25th @ 2 pm & 8 pm; Sun, Oct. 26th @ 2 pm.

You, Me & That Guy
Written by Stephen Sanow. Directed by Jenny Leon. Produced by Pink House Productions. Syracuse University.

"You, Me & That Guy" is a hilarious 80 minute comedy starring Sarah, a recent college grad, an aspiring singer and a hot mess who uses the magic of a mystical open mic to deal with the relationships between her technology saturated friends and family. This uproarious comedy features live music, salsa dancing, and roller derby. Come see "You Me & That Guy" at the American Theatre of Actors on September 10-14!

Wed, Sept. 10th - Sun, Sept. 14th. www.youmeandthatguy.com.