Chris Clavelli's Comedy About Parental Loss Premieres June 6

"A Little More Than You Wanted to Spend," Chris Clavelli's heart-warming one-man play about parental loss, receives its New York premiere in a four-week engagement at The Drilling Company, 236 West 78th Street, beginning Thursday June 6 at 8pm. Written and performed by Clavelli, "A Little More Than You Wanted to Spend" is directed by John Hickok. Running through Sunday June 30 at 3pm, this is the inaugural production of New Dog Theatre Company, led by Dean Gray. The opening is set for Monday June 10 at 8pm.

In "A Little More Than You Wanted to Spend," Clavelli, a New York-based actor and director, tries to make sense of the sudden death of his 6-year-old son, an event that occurred some 10 years ago. With blunt honesty and openness, Clavelli describes the harrowing, funny, and ultimately life-changing process he undergoes to cope with and grow from the experience.

Clavelli developed the play in workshops at the Off Square Theatre Company in Wyoming, and at The Bricolage Theatre in Pittsburgh. The New York production will foster connections with other artists and groups in the creative recovery movement. A talkback on Wednesday June 12 will welcome guests from Compassionate Friends, an international organization helping parents recover from the loss of a child.

Clavelli made his Off-Broadway debut in the original production of "All in the Timing." An associate artistic director of The Florida Repertory Theatre and a faculty member of the NY Conservatory for Dramatic Arts and The Cooper Union Connect Program, he acts and directs in New York, and at regional theatres across the country. He won a Carbonell Award for his lead performance in "The Mystery of Irma Vep" (Florida Shakespeare Festival), a Barrymore Award for "Sideman" (Philadelphia Theatre Companies), and he was nominated for the Alan Schneider Direction Award through TCG.

John Hickok directed the Olivier-nominated world premiere of "Burning Blue" (Royal Haymarket) as well as its L.A., San Francisco and New York premieres. His extensive acting resume includes Broadway ("Parade," "Aida," "Little Women"), Off-Broadway and regional.

The show's production design team consists of Daniel Ettinger (sets), Eric Nightengale (lighting), sound by Michael Keck (sound). Michael Ormond is the production stage manager.

Chris Clavelli's "A Little More Than You Wanted to Spend" performs 18 times in a limited 4-week run from Thursday June 6 to Sunday June 30 at the Drilling Company, 236 West 78th Street. The performance schedule, with variations, is Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday at 8pm, and Sunday at 3pm. For tickets, which are $18, call Smarttix at 212/868-4444, or visit www.smarttix.com.

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