Photo Flash: First Look at FEEDING THE BEAR at Island City Stage

"Baking a cake and preparing a chicken with mole sauce on stage are just two of the challenges I'm facing in directing this new play," says Island City Stage Associate Artistic Director Michael Leeds.

He's referring to the comic drama 'FEEDING THE BEAR,' by Michael Aman, which will soon receive its world premiere at Island City Stage.

"As with last season's 'POZ,'" Leeds continues, "Michael chooses subjects that are topical and challenging, and then delves into them with insight, humor and compassion."

'POZ,' Aman's play about a young man with tuberculosis who discovers if he's HIV+ he'll be covered by insurance for chemo, was world premiered at Island City Stage last season, and received a South Florida Carbonell Theatre Award nomination for 'Best New Work.'

Aman's latest, 'FEEDING THE BEAR,' tells the story of a gay, single teacher with body dysmorphia -- a mental disorder characterized by a preoccupation with minor or imaginary physical flaws -- who is now the caregiver for his once disapproving father, suffering from Alzheimer's. His divorced sister and a TV chef (in drag) join him on his journey to understanding himself and his father.

"I'm excited to get the opportunity to work on another Michael Aman world premiere," says Leeds. "And getting the opportunity to work with this talented cast is really the icing on the ... 'cake,' so to speak."

The cast includes Island City Stage Producing Artistic Director Andy Rogow, Niki Fridh, Kevin Reilley and Johnny Bowls.

This production also features the Island City Stage award-winning design team of Michael McClain (sets), Peter Lovello (costumes), and David Hart (sound.)

'FEEDING THE BEAR' previews June 2nd and 3rd, officially opening on Saturday, June 4th, and runs throughJuly 3rd in the company's new home at The Abyss Theatre, 2304 N. Dixie Highway, Wilton Manors, FL 33305.

Panel discussions of this work will be presented after the show on June 12th and June 19th, with organizations specializing in eldercare, Alzheimer's and body dysmorphia, as well as members of the medical profession, participating.

Performances are Thursdays through Saturdays at 8:00 PM, and Sundays at 5:00 PM. For tickets or more information, call 954-519-2533 or visit islandcitystage.org.

Photos by George Wentzler?

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