The Spotlight Shines on Women in War in New Production of A PIECE OF MY HEART

Little Spoon, Big Spoon Productions announced today that a new production of Shirley Lauro's A PIECE OF MY HEART will be produced this September in New York City. Brought to the stage by a female-driven cast and creative team, this production shines a light on the stories of the women who served in the Vietnam War.

A PIECE OF MY HEART is based on true stories explored in Keith Walker's book of the same name. The play follows six young military and civilian women who serve their country in Vietnam. Spanning twenty years, following them before, during, and after the war, their true stories call up a tumultuous era that changed America and them forever. A powerful, heartfelt play with striking resonance to issues of today.

Approximately 11,000 American military women were stationed in Vietnam during the war. Ninety percent were nurses. Others served as physicians, physical therapists and personnel in the medical field, air traffic control, military intelligence, administration and in many other capacities. An unknown number of civilian women also served in Vietnam as news correspondents and workers for the Red Cross, the USO, Special Services, the American Friends Service Committee, Catholic Relief Services and other humanitarian organizations.

"While the play takes place nearly 50 years ago, the parallels to our current society and political climate our profound," said Little Spoon, Big Spoon co-Founder Chelsea J. Smith. "Subjects such as race, rape in the military, drug use, PTSD, affects of chemical warfare, and accountability are all tackled."

"Through the horrors of warfare, these women form an unbreakable bond which underscore the brotherhood in our military," Little Spoon, Big Spoon co-Founder Randa Karambelas added. "It is a story about humanity."

Directed by Reesa Graham, A PIECE OF MY HEART will begin performances on Friday, September 8 and run through Saturday, September 30 at the IATI Theater at 64 East 4th

Street. Single tickets are on sale now for $28, and can be accessed by visiting www.lsbsapieceofmyheart.bpt.me.

Following their mission, Little Spoon, Big Spoon has partnered this production with the Veterans organization Hope for the Warriors, whose mission is to help soldiers find their sense of self after returning home from war. This non-profit offers a support system with programs for both soldiers and their families. 20% of ticket sales will go to Hope for the Warriors.

The cast of A PIECE OF MY HEART features Chelsea J. Smith (Martha); Danny Grumich (The American Men); Marlowe Holden (Whitney); Randa Karambelas (Sissy); Reese Antoinette (Steele); Samantha Aneson (MaryJo); and Sue Kim (Leeann).

A PIECE OF MY HEART features scenic design by Jeff Modereger; costume design by Somie Pak; lighting design by Timothy Parrish; sound design by Megan Culley; stage management by Ashton Kamphuis; dramaturgical support by Rachel Ely; electrical support by Elizabeth M. Stewart and Danielle Varcasia; and production assistance by Elena Kaye.

A PIECE OF MY HEART is presented by special arrangement with SAMUEL FRENCH, INC

ABOUT LITTLE SPOON, BIG SPOON PRODUCTIONS

Producing socially conscious artistic ventures and exploring nontraditional perspectives on traditional issues, Little Spoon, Big Spoon is a Production Company focused on planting seeds of thought to raise social awareness and encourage compelling dialogue. Whether it be theater, TV, or film, each project partners with and supports a related non-profit organization to raise both awareness and financial support. www.littlespoonbigspoon.com.

ABOUT HOPE FOR THE WARRIORS

Hope for the Warriors was founded by military families aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, NC in 2006 as they witnessed, firsthand, the effects war imparts on service members and their families. Hope for the Warriors believes those touched by military service can succeed at home by restoring their sense of self, family, and hope. Nationally, Hope for the Warriors provides comprehensive support programs for service members, veterans, and military families that are focused on transition, health and wellness, peer engagement, and connections to community resources. www.hopeforthewarriors.org.

A PIECE OF MY HEART TICKET AND PERFORMANCE INFORMATION

Tickets for performances can be purchased by visiting http://www.lsbsapieceofmyheart.bpt.me. Single tickets are $28. Performance dates and times: September 8, 11, 14, 15, 21, 22, 27, 28, 29 at 7:30 pm; September 9, 23 at 7 pm; September 10, 16, 17, 30 at 3 pm. All performances will be presented at IATI Theater (64 East 4th Street).

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