SYMPATHY IN C At 13th Street Repertory Theatre Honors National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Suzanne Mernyk is on a mission. As the author of the new play, SYMPATHY in C: A Symphonic Play, opening next month at the historic 13th Street Rep Theatre in the West Village, the New York City Playwright is looking forward to reintroducing her play to a broader audience after a successful run in last Summer's 2017 inaugural Broadway Bound Theatre Festival. The October dates (October 3 - 14th) of this Off Off Broadway incarnation were chosen to coincide with National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. From there, she is looking to take the work either on tour, or perhaps on an Off Broadway run if she could raise the capital.

As a cancer survivor herself, prolific playwright, and writing coach (she runs and operates Characters, Ink.) Ms. Mernyk was inspired to write the play as her own way of paying homage to those that suffer or have suffered from the disease. "I'd like to honor the fight and all of those who stand behind it... the researchers, doctors, nurses, fellow survivors, as well as celebrate the lives of those who did not," she says.

The play, which is compilation of moments, stories and events that are intertwined thematically by terrorism and cancer, both "diseases that infiltrate," offers an emotional look with a little humor at how these characters deal with their condition "by exploring these parallel threats as well as the choices we make when confronted by the inconceivable." The actors, and two musicians, share their "voices" and experiences in something more akin to a symphonic performance than to a standard play format. "The juxtaposing themes of cancer and terrorism are made personal in 'Sympathy in C' as the characters confront them with anger, love, courage ... and sympathy. Sympathy is more than empathy. It implies action," Says Mernyk.

Described as riveting and emotional, SYMPATHY IN C is directed by Terry Hanson, who returns to this Equity Approved Showcase, along with many of the original cast members from the original festival production. "As a symphonic play, Terry's experience as a musical director is invaluable. In this production, we will build on the musical underpinnings of the play's structure and welcome new musicians into the ensemble," Says the playwright, herself a musician.

The full cast announced includes, Russell Kohlmann* as Josh, Tygar Hicks* as Julia, Nancy Sinacori as Nancy, Denise Collins as Audrey, Kevin Gilmartin* as Ronald, Charles Ouda as Abdul, Chanel Karimkhani* playing the Cello, and Laura Zawarski playing the Violin. Mariana Ardolino returns as Stage Manager and will also do all the lighting and sound design.

(*Courtesy of Actors' Equity Association)

As part of this very special presentation, Ms. Mernyk is donating a portion of the profits to Stand Up To Cancer.

"My hope is that this play will gain a following by those who are touched by it and be seen wherever it may continue to inspire ... as a touring production or on a path to Broadway," says Ms. Mernyk.

Performances are October 3 - 14th, 2018, Wednesday - Saturday Eves at 8:00pm | Sunday Matinees at 2:00pm. Doors open 30 minutes prior.

Learn more here: https://www.sympathyinctheplay.com/. Sympathy in C is still raising money for this Off Off Broadway production and selling tickets to the October performances. Performances dedicated in honor of loved ones can be secured by emailing sympathyinctheplay@gmail.com

SYMPATHY IN C is a sponsored project of Fractured Atlas, a non-profit arts service organization. Contributions for the charitable purposes of "Sympathy in C" must be made payable to "Fractured Atlas" only and are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.

 

To post a comment, you must register and login.