No.11 Productions Presents FRIENDS CALL ME ALBERT, an Einstein Bio-Epic with Puppets

No.11 Productions and Access Theater present the world premiere of Alaska-based playwright Zachary Desmond's Friends Call Me Albert, directed by Ryan Emmons (Groundhog Day, Matilda, Ghost).

Meet Albert, a 40-year-old father of two who just wants some spacetime to sit and think. And think. Mostly about light, but also about delicious food, first love, and the fate of humanity. This bio-epic with puppets follows him back and forth through time. When did Albert the man get lost in history to Einstein the icon? The show theatricalizes Albert Einstein's life and his theories on time and space, while exploring the influence of Mileva Mari?, his first wife and fellow physicist.

The cast is led by No.11 Productions' ensemble members Steven Conroy* (AMC's Turn) as Albert and Julie Congress as Mileva, with puppeteers Alison Novelli* and Emily Vetsch. (*These actors are appearing courtesy of Actors' Equity Association; Equity Approved Showcase). Music by Enrico de Trizio (Dear Evan Hanson); Puppets by Jen Neads; Set and Lighting Design by Ryan Hauenstein.

No.11 Productions, founded in 2008 and comprised of 11 multidisciplinary artists, exists to collaboratively create, develop and tour new works and original adaptations as an ensemble. Our productions have the energy and imaginative zest of kids playing make-believe in the backyard and we invite the audience to play along. Past productions include: Quest for the West: Adventures on the Oregon Trail (FringeNYC, Kentucky Rep), Coosje (FRIGID New York, Capital Fringe), The Eyes of Orbach (FRIGID New York), MythUnderstood (touring educational show), A Christmas Carol (Kentucky Rep). The production is made possible, in part, by The Nancy Quinn Fund, a program of the Alliance of Resident Theatres/New York (A.R.T./New York). Visit www.no11productions.com for more information.

Since 1992, Access Theater has served as a curated arts venue for New York's Off-Off and Independent Theater scene. Access seeks innovative, not-for-profit producing organizations devoted to the production of new works. Jacqueline Christy, Executive Director; Sarah Norris, Artistic Director; Michael Aguirre, Producing Director.

Friends Call Me Albert will be performed at Access Theater, Black Box (380 White Street, 4th Floor). Performances run tonight, August 23, to September 10, Wednesday through Sunday at 8pm. Tickets are $18 and are available online at www.no11productions.com, or at the box office beginning 30 minutes before showtime.

Pictured: Steven Conroy. Photo by Jane Clausen.

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