Photo Flash: Accidentally Like a Martyr At Paradise Factory

Accidentally Like a Martyr, a new play by Grant James Varjas about a group of gay men coming to grips with life and aging in the 21st century, will be given its world-premiere production Off-Broadway with preview performances beginning Dec. 15 prior to an official press opening Dec. 19 at Paradise Factory (64 E. 4 St.) in Manhattan. The play is directed by Mr. Varjas.

The action of Accidentally Like a Martyr takes place in the very neighborhood where it will be performed, the Lower East Side. Set in a bar populated by men from different backgrounds and generations who are at once both regulars and irregular, the play depicts them at their hangout as they while away a seemingly quiet winter evening. Fueled by drinks and other stimulants,
those gathered reveal secrets, open old wounds, and covet new visitors in a funny and poignant manner that is both original and reminiscent of landmark plays such as Mart Crowley's THE BOYS IN THE BAND and Tennessee Williams' Small Craft Warnings, plays that served as touchstones for gay people then and now.

The cast of Accidentally Like a Martyr features Chuck Blasius, Kevin Boseman, Brett Douglas, Ken Forman, Keith McDermott, Cameron Pow and Grant James Varjas.

Grant James Varjas is the writer and composer of the GLAAD (Gay And Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) nominated play with music "33 To Nothing" -- about a rock band that's breaking up simultaneous with the break-up of the romance between two male band members -- which was directed by Randal Myler ("Love, Janis") in a much-acclaimed Off-Broadway production in New York City. He is a member of the Tectonic Theatre Company where he has collaborated with Moises Kaufman on various projects as a writer and actor, ranging from the film version of "The Laramie Project" to the recent play "33 Variations" starring Jane Fonda. He has acted in numerous Off and Off-Off-Broadway productions, on television (including "Sex And The City" and "Law and Order: Criminal Intent") and in the recent film "Peter And Vandy" (Strand Releasing).

Keith McDermott played the young male lead Alan Strang opposite Richard Burton in the original production of EQUUS on Broadway and has subsequently worked for many years with director Robert Wilson. Kevin Boseman is a former featured soloist with Martha Graham Dance Company and principal dancer with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. He appeared in the Broadway revival of EQUUS starring Daniel Radcliffe and has toured in THE LION KING and THE COLOR PURPLE.

Brett Douglas most recently appeared Off-Broadway in MY BIG GAY ITALIAN WEDDING as Maurizio Le Grand, a part he originated. Other credits include BERNADETTE & THE BUTCHER OF BROADWAY, TONYLUST and THE PLAY ABOUT THE NAKED GUY. Associate Artistic Director of Other Side Productions, Chuck Blasius is a playwright, director and actor, having appeared in PANSY ACTS, PIANO BAR, BETTE AND KATE JOIN THE LINE (Duplex) and 'TWAS THE NIGHT at P.S. 122.

Ken Forman appeared in Grant Varjas' 33 TO NOTHING, LATE FRAGMENT and FROM RIVERDALE TO RIVERHEAD directed by Michael Imperioli. He appeared on Broadway in WILDER, WILDER, WILDER -- THREE BY THORNTON, and has appeared on "Boardwalk Empire," "Chappelle's Show" and "Up All Night." Cameron Pow most recently played "Zazu" in the Broadway, West End and national touring productions of THE LION KING. Off-Broadway credits include COMEDY OF ERRORS, KING
LEAR and THE ILIAD.

Set design for ACCIDENTALLY, LIKE A MARTYR is by Clifton Chadick; lighting design is by Brian Tovar; sound design is by Roger Anderson.

ACCIDENTALLY, LIKE A MARTYR is presented by Other Side Productions and 28bars Productions.

ACCIDENTALLY, LIKE A MARTYR, a new play by Grant James Varjas about a group of gay men coming to grips with life and aging in the 21st century, will be given its world-premiere production Off-Broadway with preview performances beginning Dec. 15 prior to an official press opening Dec. 19 at Paradise Factory (64 E. 4 St.) in Manhattan. The play is directed by Mr. Varjas.

The action of ACCIDENTALLY, LIKE A MARTYR takes place in the very neighborhood where it will be performed, the Lower East Side. Set in a bar populated by men from different backgrounds and generations who are at once both regulars and irregular, the play depicts them at their hangout as they while away a seemingly quiet winter evening. Fueled by drinks and other stimulants,
those gathered reveal secrets, open old wounds, and covet new visitors in a funny and poignant manner that is both original and reminiscent of landmark plays such as Mart Crowley's THE BOYS IN THE BAND and Tennessee Williams' SMALL CRAFT WARNINGS, plays that served as touchstones for gay people then and now.

The cast of ACCIDENTALLY, LIKE A MARTYR features Chuck Blasius, Kevin Boseman, Brett Douglas, Ken Forman, Keith McDermott, Cameron Pow and Grant James Varjas.

Grant James Varjas is the writer and composer of the GLAAD (Gay And Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) nominated play with music "33 To Nothing" -- about a rock band that's breaking up simultaneous with the break-up of the romance between two male band members -- which was directed by Randal Myler ("Love, Janis") in a much-acclaimed Off-Broadway production in New York City. He is a member of the Tectonic Theatre Company where he has collaborated with Moises Kaufman on various projects as a writer and actor, ranging from the film version of "The Laramie Project" to the recent play "33 Variations" starring Jane Fonda. He has acted in numerous Off and Off-Off-Broadway productions, on television (including "Sex And The City" and "Law and Order: Criminal Intent") and in the recent film "Peter And Vandy" (Strand Releasing).

Keith McDermott played the young male lead Alan Strang opposite Richard Burton in the original production of EQUUS on Broadway and has subsequently worked for many years with director Robert Wilson. Kevin Boseman is a former featured soloist with Martha Graham Dance Company and principal dancer with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. He appeared in the Broadway revival of EQUUS starring Daniel Radcliffe and has toured in THE LION KING and THE COLOR PURPLE.

Brett Douglas most recently appeared Off-Broadway in MY BIG GAY ITALIAN WEDDING as Maurizio Le Grand, a part he originated. Other credits include BERNADETTE & THE BUTCHER OF BROADWAY, TONYLUST and THE PLAY ABOUT THE NAKED GUY. Associate Artistic Director of Other Side Productions, Chuck Blasius is a playwright, director and actor, having appeared in PANSY ACTS, PIANO BAR, BETTE AND KATE JOIN THE LINE (Duplex) and 'TWAS THE NIGHT at P.S. 122.

Ken Forman appeared in Grant Varjas' 33 TO NOTHING, LATE FRAGMENT and FROM RIVERDALE TO RIVERHEAD directed by Michael Imperioli. He appeared on Broadway in WILDER, WILDER, WILDER -- THREE BY THORNTON, and has appeared on "Boardwalk Empire," "Chappelle's Show" and "Up All Night." Cameron Pow most recently played "Zazu" in the Broadway, West End and national touring productions of THE LION KING. Off-Broadway credits include COMEDY OF ERRORS, KING
LEAR and THE ILIAD.

Set design for ACCIDENTALLY, LIKE A MARTYR is by Clifton Chadick; lighting design is by Brian Tovar; sound design is by Roger Anderson.

ACCIDENTALLY, LIKE A MARTYR is presented by Other Side Productions and 28bars Productions.

Other Side Productions creates a home for artists to explore their craft through the development and production of original or lesser-known plays, musicals, and films. Whether onstage or on screen, they seek to inspire, challenge, and entertain a diverse audience with material that tells a story, moves the heart, awakens the spirit, and stimulates the mind. They embrace themes that are sentimental as well as sociopolitical.

Scheduled through January 8, 2012, ACCIDENTALLY, LIKE A MARTYR performs Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sundays at 3 p.m. and Mondays at 7 p.m. Tickets are $18 and can be purchased by calling 212 352 3101 or online at www.ovationtix.com.

Photo Credit: Ahron R. Foster.

Chuck Blasius, Grant James Varjas and Keith McDermott

Cameron Pow and Keith McDermott

Chuck Blasius, Grant James Varjas and Brett Douglas

Chuck Blasius and Cameron Pow

Brett Douglas and Keith McDermott

Chuck Blasius, Cameron Pow, Grant James Varjas and Keith McDermott