Ars Nova (Jason Eagan, Artistic Director; Jeremy Blocker, Managing Director) proudly kicks off its 2011 season with The Wii Plays, by Ars Nova's Play Group.
Set to play 10 performances only from February 1-12, this evening of original short plays and live music,inspired by the titles of Nintendo Wii games, takes game night to new heights in this year's incarnation of Ars Nova's annual Play Group production.
Watch as some of New York's hottest emerging playwrights spin the wild titles of Nintendo Wiigames into an evening of arcade-inspired plays. Infused with the sounds of live band Super Mirage, The Wii Plays serves up brand new works in a variety of styles - all taking their titles from popular Wii games.
Each year, members of Ars Nova's vibrant and eclectic writers' group Play Group create anoriginal evening of work related to a theme collaboratively devised by the group.
This annual Play Group production kicked off with The Wikipedia Plays, and was followed with Playlist andlast year's hit Missed Connections NYC. Play Group gathers twice a month at Ars Nova to sharenew work and get peer feedback, affording its members the opportunity to develop their plays with peer support, form collaborative relationships and build a strong sense of community withinArs Nova.
The Wii Plays features new works by Chad Beckim, Jenny Connell, Kara Lee Corthron, Kristoffer Diaz, Tasha Gordon-Solmon, Amy Herzog, Samuel D. Hunter, Matthew Lopez, Molly Smith Metzler, Gregory Moss, Janine Nabers and Joe Tracz, and is directed byStephen Brackett, Portia Krieger, Lila Neugebauer and Laura Savia (bios on followingpages).
The Wii Plays features performances by Jenni Barber, Andrew Garman, Donnetta LaviniaGrays, Christopher Jackson, Zach Shaffer and Robbie Sublett. This production features livemusic by Super Mirage.
Costume Design is by Tilly Grimes. Lighting Design is by Grant Yeager.
Projection Design is by Dan Scully.
Sound Design is by Jorge Muelle.
The Wii Plays are as follows; each evening features the full slate of plays:Wii Tennis by Molly Smith Metzler, directed by Lila NeugebauerBarbie as the Island Princess by Tasha Gordon-Solmon, directed by Lila NeugebauerLet's Tap by Janine Nabers, directed by Portia KriegerMarvel Superhero Squad by Chad Beckim, directed by Stephen BrackettBuck Fever by Samuel D. Hunter, directed by Portia KriegerAlien Monster Bowling League by Matthew Lopez, directed by Laura SaviaTomb Raider: Anniversary by Kara Lee Corthron, directed by Laura SaviaBurger Island by Gregory Moss, directed by Portia KriegerAll Star Cheer Squad by Jenny Connell, directed by Laura SaviaSword Play: Speed Slice by Kristoffer Diaz, directed by Lila NeugebauerBob the Builder: Festival of Fun by Amy Herzog, directed by Stephen BrackettMario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games by Joe Tracz, dir. by Stephen BrackettThis production is sponsored in part by a generous grant from the National Endowment for theArts.
About Ars Nova:Ars Nova is committed to developing and producing theatre, comedy and music artists in the Early Stages of their professional careers. Its unique development programs are designed to support outside-the-box thinking and encourage innovative, genre-bending work. By providing asafe environment where risk-taking and collaboration are paramount, Ars Nova gives voice to anew generation of artists and audiences, pushing the boundaries of live entertainment bynurturing creative ideas into smart, surprising new work.
For more information on Ars Nova's programs, visit www.arsnovanyc.com.
Ars Nova was founded in memory of Gabe Wiener.Producing credits include: ANT Fest, Now Circa Then, Bloodsong of Love, Missed Connections NYC, Sax & Dixon: We Thee Wed, Mel & El: Show & Tell, Two Girls for Five Bucks and the TenDollar Heartbreakers, Playlist, Jollyship the Whiz-Bang, boom, From Up Here, Dixie's Tupperware Party, At Least It's Pink, 25 Questions for a Jewish Mother, Holy Cross Sucks!, Freestyle Love Supreme and The Wau Wau Sisters. The Wii Plays schedule: Tuesday through Saturday, from February 1 - 12.
All performances at 8:00 PM.Tickets are just $15 and are available at www.arsnovanyc.com, 212-352-3101 or theArs Nova box office starting 30 minutes prior to each show (subject to availability).
Ars Nova 511 West 54 th Street, New York, NY 10019 www.arsnovanyc.com
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