Photo Preview: IF THIS AIN'T IT! At Theater For The New City
By: Gabrielle Sierra Dec. 23, 2009
IF THIS AIN'T IT -- a musical revue by Don Arrington that reflects on coping, living and loving in New York City during these current hard times -- will be presented Off-Broadway in 2010 by Theater for the New City (155 First Avenue at 10 St.), with previews beginning January 7 prior to an official press opening on January 9, 2010.
IF THIS AIN'T IT is a satire that depicts what happens when a theater company that has lost its funding and its home joins forces with a homeless transsexual, Lady Liberty. A savvy person of the streets, Lady Liberty helps the colorful characters in the troupe round up an audience for their performances in a bid for publicity and a new home for their work. Will the despair of loss become the joy of salvation? The musical ponders, IF THIS AIN'T IT, what is?
IF THIS AIN'T IT is written and directed by Don Arrington, whose numerous credits include work at La MaMa ETC, Theater for the New City and the WPA as creator of, among others, ALLEGROS!, WITHOUT APPARENT MOTIVE, ON THE BLOCK, DADDY'S GIRL (The Duplex) and BAR '98, as well as contributor to numerous theater and cabaret events since the early 70's. He is recipient of the Fletcher Scholar Award, presented to him by Bobby Kennedy, a Meet the Composer Grant and a Jerome Fellowship. As a performer he was one of the original members of The ETC Company of La MaMa, under the direction of Wilford Leach and originated many roles for John Vaccaro's Playhouse of the Ridiculous.
The cast of IF THIS AIN'T IT features the beloved staple of the downtown drag scene, Michael Lynch in the role of Lady Liberty. Also in the cast: Ellen Scarsella, Andy Weiss, Erik Stevens, Louisa Bradshaw, Lauren Lindsey, Bradley Wantz, Alena Acker, Kyle T. Cheng, Alissa Stahler, Christian Harmon, Mr. Arrington and Camille Tibaldeo in the role of Selma Russo, a cross-addicted local cable TV personality in NYC. Ms. Tibaldeo, a long-time collaborator of Mr. Arrington and frequent performer at Vacarro's Playhouse, is an accomplished jazz and blues vocalist seen most recently at La MaMa in I WANT TO BE ROSIE.
The musical ensemble for THIS AIN'T IT will be lead by Rick Cutler, percussionist for the late Gregory Hines, and currently touring with Liza Minnelli.
Performance dates at Theater for the New City, 155 First Avenue, between 9th and 10th Streets, will be January 7-24, 2010: Thursdays through Saturdays at 8PM with matinees Sundays at 3PM. Tickets are $10 and can be reserved by calling 212 254 1109 or online at www.theaterforthenewcity.net
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