New Play About Hurricane Sandy Begins Tonight at Cherry Lane Theatre

Hurricane Sandy hit New York, and suddenly several major metropolitan hospitals were faced with a potential crisis that required drastic action -- total evacuation.

"Carrying Helen" is a new play premiering at the famed Cherry Lane Theatre inspired by the heroic evacuation of patients from a NYC hospital during that superstorm. In "Carrying Helen" the audience will meet two women, Helen and Caralyn, whose lives become intricately intertwined for a "moment in time" during this evacuation. Told through acting and dance, this story reveals their combined strength, courage, dignity, and trust during a time of chaos.

Marianne Hardart, playwright, actress, and hospital staff member who aided one of the evacuations says, "All of the patients set their fears aside and trusted us with their lives. The character Helen is inspired by those patients. As for Caralyn, she found herself in a most unexpected role that tested her self-confidence and required it's own level of bravery. Ultimately, I'm not sure who carried whom."

A 10-minute excerpt of "Carrying Helen" was performed with SPARK Dance Forum in the fall. Reviews were exceptionally positive - including incredibly moving personal stories from people who were impacted by both Hurricane Sandy and the horrific events of 9/11.

As one audience member described it, " A quintessential NYC story with national appeal." And from another, "I've never seen anything quite like this."

"Like Helen, people carry their stories" says Director, Elena Kritter. "Telling this story by weaving the acting and dance together makes the physical endeavour immediate and generates tangible empathy towards helping other people in times of crisis. It feels completely necessary."

"Carrying Helen" will be performed under the direction of Elena Kritter with choreography by Tony Award-nominated Karine Plantadit. The story is relayed through Ms. Hardart's acting and additional devised choreography by dancers BranDon Richardson and Whitney Glandon.

"Carrying Helen" is presented by MareHa Productions in collaboration with eyeBLINK. There will be ten public performances from tonight, January 6, through January 15, 2017 at the Cherry Lane Theatre at 38 Commerce Street, NY, NY 10014 Tickets are $25; $20 for students/seniors. Available at www.cherrylanetheatre.org or by calling Ovation Tix 866-811-4111.

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