Urban Stages Presents Post-Show Talk Back for COMMUNION, 10/10

New York: As part of Urban Stages' mission to use theater as a means for conversation and education, Frances Hill, Founding Artistic Director of Urban Stages is proud to announce a special talkback series for their current production, Communion by OBIE, GLADD and Governor General's award-winning playwright Daniel MacIvor. This series will include discussions with psychiatrists, therapists and grief counselors to address the issues featured in Communion. Talkback are included with the price of a ticket to see Communion, they are $40 and may be purchased via OvationTix at www.urbanstages.org or by phone at 1.866.811.4111. The show will run at Urban Stages (259 W 30 Street) through October 30th.

Communion is a heartbreaking and humorous take on addiction, religion and a dysfunctional family. The three-hander follows a recovering alcoholic as she confronts her Born-Again daughter and seeks help from a therapist with her own list of troubles. Communion explores the dark places of relations and what is needed to repair a familial bond under the pressures of religion, recovery and a ticking clock. It asks whether or not some bonds are too damaged to mend.

Featured speakers include:

Monday 7PM, October 10th: Dr. Kenneth R. Cohen, MD. Dr. A graduate of the University of Louisville School of Medicine, Dr. Cohen practices General Psychiatry, Psychopharmacology, Psychotherapy and Psychoanalysis in New York City and Sharon, Connecticut. He has taught at the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, Center for Psychoanalytic Training and Research, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Weill-Cornell Medical College.

Wednesday 7PM, October 19th: Dr. Roger Brunswick. MD. With over 40 years of experience, Dr. Brunswick is a primary specialty psychiatrist. He is a graduate of Icahn School of Medicine Mt. Sinai. Residency training: Beth Israel Medical Center, Internal Medicine, Mt Sinai Medical Center. He practices in New York.

Saturday 3PM, October 22nd: Claudia Coenen, CT,MTP is a bereavement counselor. Her work focuses on transformative possibilities in life, and her approach to grief is positive and holistic. She has a Master's in Transpersonal Psychology and holds a Certificate in Thanatology as well as Advanced Grief Counseling Certificate.

Wednesday 7PM, October 26th: Sandea Green-Stark LCSW-R is a licensed Clinical Social worker practicing psychotherapy. In her private practice she works with adolescents and adults experiencing symptoms of depression anxiety, post-traumatic stress syndrome, ADHD, adjustment disorders, relationship struggles, life changes and self-esteem issues. Ms. Green-Stark is a firm believer in the power of psychotherapy to enact positive change in one's life.

Sunday, October 30th: Margaret L. Seely LCSW-R is a therapist and supervisor at Identity House, supervising LGBTQ peer counselors. Her approach is primarily insight-oriented, discovering patterns that shape our lives. It is also practical. For example, she assists in finding ways to set clear boundaries in relationships.

The talented Communion cast includes: Erica Bradshaw (TV: "Orange is the New Black," "Law & Order: SVU"), Stephanie Cozart (NYC: Lost In Yonkers), Jackie Hansen (NYC: Shatter. TV: "Deadly Sins"). The design and production team for Communion includes Deborah Constantine (Lighting Design), Frank Oliva (Set Design), Gail Cooper Hecht (Costume Design), Tony Crawford (Technical Director), Ashley Jansen (Assistant to the Director), Krystle Henninger(Production Stage Manager), Alayna Graziani (Assistant Stage Manager), Associate Producer Peter Napolitano, Development & Literary Director Antoinette Mullins and Company Manager/Financial Administrator Olga Devyatisilnaya.

Communion premiered in Canada's Tarragon theatre where it was called a "Provocative and rewarding evening. We have intelligence and compassion brought to life onstage in a compelling and touching manner. For that, above all else, we have to thank Daniel MacIvor's Communion." Toronto Star "MacIvor's Communion is powerful and tender." The Daily Extra; "?????. fascinating but very different Daniel MacIvor play." Stage Door.