Theater for the New City Sets 7th Dream Up Festival Lineup

From August 28 to September 18, 2016 Theater for the New City (TNC), under the direction of Crystal Field, Artistic Director, will present its seventh Dream Up Festival, a feast of adventurous theater featuring new works from across the country and abroad. Helmed by the theater's Literary Manager, Michael Scott-Price, the festival offers 19 plays, all of which are world premieres or New York premieres.

The lineup includes plays, musicals, dance pieces, solo works and interdisciplinary works. Five productions are from other countries. Critics are invited to all performances of all shows.

Theater for the New City has consistently been the most inexpensive theater of its caliber and it continues its commitment to affordable tickets with this festival. Dream Up Festival tickets are $12-$20 for the participating productions. All of the productions will be staged at least five times.

With this festival, TNC opens itself up to theater from the country at large and to artists from overseas. Its founders, Crystal Field and Michael Scott-Price, feel this is especially needed now in a time of declining donations to the arts, grants not being awarded due to market conditions, and arts funding cuts on almost every level all across the country and abroad.

Michael Scott-Price (Curator/Festival Director) has directed in New York City at venues including Chashama, Dixon Place and Collective Unconscious. He has written and directed productions that were presented nationally as well as in Canada, Ireland, and England. Currently, he is also Curator of TNC's "New City, New Blood" reading series and "Scratch Night" (works-in-progress). He is Artistic Director of an experimental theatre company, Asteroid B612 Theatre Company, which made its debut in the 17th Annual HERE American Living Room Series in August 2006. He has studied at the School of Physical Theatre in London, England, at the Odin Teatret in Hostelbro, Denmark and in the International School Theatre Anthropology (ISTA) in Wroclaw, Poland with Eugenio Barba and company. He is an alumnus of Lincoln Center Theater Director's Lab.

Theater for the New City (TNC) maintains a distinctive commitment to high artistic values and community service. In an effort to make theater accessible to all, TNC presents an assortment of distinct, exceptional events each year, including the Lower East Side Festival of the Arts, which celebrates the artistic and cultural diversity of TNC's Lower East Side community; an annual Village Halloween Ball and an annual summer Street Theater tour that presents a free, live, original musical in thirteen neighborhoods in all five boroughs. Most of these are free of charge to the public.

A complete listing of shows in the festival follows. To download the listing of shows, go to: www.jsnyc.com/season/dreamup2016lineup.pdf. For tickets, call Smarttix at 212-868-4444 or go to www.dreamupfestival.org. For additional info, call TNC box office at 212-254-1109.

2016 DREAM UP FESTIVAL LINEUP (alphabetical):

About Clarence and Me

August 28 at 2:00 PM, August 29 at 9:00 PM, August 30 at 9:00 PM, August 31 at 6:30 PM, September 3 at 5:00 PM, September 4 at 5:00 PM, September 6 at 9:00 PM. (Community Theater)

While the world becomes more globalized and populations become more diverse, there are still generational boundaries that can affect communication between individuals. In "About Clarence and Me," a play written by Walter Jones with an original piano score by Scott Hiltzik, these problems are addressed and explored through an unlikely relationship between a retired African-American man, Clarence, and a young white piano tutor, Sam. This relationship begins as business but soon blossoms into a lifelong friendship, with both individuals communicating and learning from one another in ways they could never have foreseen. Walter Jones directs.

COMPLETE INFO: http://www.jsnyc.com/season/aboutclarence.htm

Alpha 66

September 9 at 9:00 PM, September 10 at 5:00 PM, September 11 at 8:00 PM, September 12 at 9:00 PM, September 14 at 9:00 PM. (Community Theater)

How long do the bonds of family last under the weight of an oppressive regime? "Alpha 66" by Robby Ramos explores this question by examining the story of a Cuban family during Fidel Castro's rise to power in the 1960s. When three siblings are called in for interrogation over the crimes of the youngest brother, tempers flash, allegiances are challenged and the overreaching power of the tyrannical government becomes realized. Marion Elaine of Sinteatro-Intimus directs.

COMPLETE INFO: http://www.jsnyc.com/season/alpha66.htm

Autumn Stage

September 4 at 2:00 PM, September 5 at 9:00 PM, September 6 at 6:30 PM, September 7 at 6:30 PM, September 8 at 9:00 PM, September 10 at 8:00 PM, September 11 at 5:00 PM. (Community Theater)

Is contemporary theater a form of escapism, or is it a complex way to confront the problems in our lives? This is but one of the philosophical questions that underscore "Autumn Stage," a play about three spiritually disconnected people. Taking place on an abandoned summer stage in the early months of autumn, the play explores how theater can serve as either a palace or a prison. The play evokes themes of Beckett and Sartre. Written by Peter Welch, directed by Jonathan Weber.

COMPLETE INFO: http://www.jsnyc.com/season/autumnstage.htm

Camp BoHoGro! Singalongs, s'mores, leading the free world - this is going to be the best summer ever.

September 4 at 6:30 PM, September 9 at 9:00 PM, September 12 at 6:30 PM, September 13 at 6:30 PM, September 15 at 9:00 PM, September 17 at 5:00 PM, September 18 at 8:00 PM. (Johnson Theater)

"Camp BoHoGro!" is a play that revolves around a camp in northern California where powerful politicians go on retreat. With a satiric mindset and a movement-based performance, this play lampoons American politics old and new, and is rife with surreal campfire singalongs, hallucinatory hippies, political intrigue and espionage. Written by Rachel Kerry and Jessie Winograd, directed by Rachel Kerry.

COMPLETE INFO: http://www.jsnyc.com/season/campbohogro.htm

Clown! Do Some Ballet!

August 31 at 6:30 PM, September 4 at 5:00 PM, September 8 at 6:30 PM, September 10 at 2:00 PM, September 14 at 6:30 PM. (Cabaret Theater)

"Clown! Do Some Ballet!" is an interdisciplinary solo performance piece created, choreographed and performed by Elizabeth Gannon that fuses concepts of dance, ballet, theater and clown performance. The performance tells the story of Clown, a surprisingly empathetic character who is constantly challenged by the pitfalls of everyday life. The performance focuses on the daily challenges we face everyday and inventive ways to overcome them. Ilanna Saltzman directs.

COMPLETE INFO: http://www.jsnyc.com/season/clowndo.htm

Love Bites

September 13 at 6:30 PM, September 15 at 6:30 PM, September 16 at 9:00 PM, September 17 at 8:00 PM, September 18 at 2:00 PM. (Cabaret Theater)

When a younger man and an older woman meet at a wedding - one of those interminable affairs - what do they have to do but talk about the other guests? This is the setup for "Love Bites," a short play that sets the duo in an awkward position of attempting to reconcile with both their past relationships and their future hopes. Written and workshopped in the United Kingdom, the play is written by Beverly Andrews and directed by Alan Hanna.

COMPLETE INFO: http://www.jsnyc.com/season/lovebites.htm

Lured

September 5 at 6:30 PM, September 10 at 2:00 PM, September 11 at 2:00 PM, September 12 at 6:30 PM, September 15 at 6:30 PM, September 18 at 8:00 PM. (Community Theater)

"Lured" by Frank Avella is a drama built upon the factual accounts and experiences of persecuted members of the LGBTQ community in Russia over the past decade. The play follows Valentin, who is out for revenge after his lover Dmitri is humiliated by a homophobic group. Drawing influence from gritty experiences, "Lured" explores the homophobia subtly sponsored by the Russian government and how it ultimately feeds a cycle of violence and revenge. Rod Kaats directs.

COMPLETE INFO: http://www.jsnyc.com/season/lured.htm

Mary V

August 28 at 5:00 PM, August 30 at 9:00 PM, September 1 at 9:00 PM, September 6 at 9:00 PM, September 8 at 9:00 PM, September 10 at 8:00 PM, September 11 at 8:00 PM, September 18 at 5:00 PM. (Johnson Theater)

In "Mary V," a feminist exploration of the Shakespearean historical play, women battle for control of a production of "Henry V," led by their hero Mary. The play explores the ways in which the division between femininity and masculinity ultimately yields destruction for both sexes, and that peace and understanding of gender is preferable to bias and conflict. Nietzsche's concept of "the abyss gazes back" -- faithfulness to one's ideals -- is also a prominent theme. "Mary V" is written by Rebekah Carrow. It is co-directed by Pati Amoroso and Yonatan Weinstein.

COMPLETE INFO: http://www.jsnyc.com/season/maryv.htm

Millennium Mom

September 9 at 6:30 PM, September 10 at 8:00 PM, September 11 at 2:00 PM, September 13 at 9:00 PM, September 15 at 9:00 PM, September 16 at 6:30 PM, September 17 at 5:00 PM, September 18 at 5:00 PM. (Cabaret Theater)

"Millennium Mom" is a play that follows the life of the character "Mom" in the wake of childbirth, exploring her own childhood, adolescence and adulthood through flashbacks. It is a one-woman/three-actress show, meaning that three separate actresses will be playing one role, and henceforth offering different forms of dialogue and outlooks depending upon the time period being explored. The play is written by Liz Amadio and directed by Glenora Blackshire.

COMPLETE INFO: http://www.jsnyc.com/season/millenniummom.htm

Missamma

September 16 at 6:30 PM (Johnson Theater), September 17 at 2:00 PM (Johnson Theater), September 18 at 2:00 PM (Community Theater).

"Missamma" is a romantic comedy adapted for the stage from the famed 1955 Indian Telugu (Southern Indian Language) movie of the same name by L.V. Prasad. The play takes the initial scenario of the film, about a group of city-goers moving to a rural village to serve as school teachers, and instead has the migration go from India to the United States, positing questions about immigration and diaspora. This new work is written by Athaluri Vijayalakshmi and directed by Rajeswari Udaygiri. The 1955 film was written by Aluri Chakrapani, Pingali Nagendrarao, and Thanjai N. Ramaiah Dass. The play is performed primarily in Telugu with English subtitles.

COMPLETE INFO: http://www.jsnyc.com/season/missamma.htm

Mother-In-Law

August 28 at 8:00 PM, August 30 at 6:30 PM, September 1 at 9:00 PM, September 3 at 8:00 PM, September 8 at 6:30 PM, September 17 at 2:00 PM and 8:00 PM. (Community Theater)

"Mother-in-Law" is a comedy by Nandi Jacob, author of the AUDELCO Award-winning play "Flambeaux; A Caribbean Musical," which debuted in the 2013 Dream Up Festival. The play follows Philo and Petra as they rapidly approach their wedding day. When Philo's mother arrives early for the wedding, the engagement is threatened by a woman with a talent for manipulation and secret motives with links back to the politics of Trinidad. E. Wayne McDonald directs.

COMPLETE INFO: http://www.jsnyc.com/season/motherin.htm

Null & Void

August 28 at 8:00 PM, August 30 at 6:30 PM, September 2 at 9:00 PM, September 4 at 8:00 PM, September 7 at 9:00 PM, September 8 at 9:00 PM, September 9 at 9:00 PM, September 10 at 5:00 PM, September 11 at 8:00 PM. (Cabaret Theater)

How far will we go to save a relationship? "Null & Void" by Charles Gershman explores this question, following the exploits of Thad as he attempts to salvage his relationship with his wife, Jean, by commissioning a painting for her by an artist she studies and admires. However, when the painting evokes the feelings of uncertainty in both of them, the power of their relationship is pressed to the limit for a final time. Kerry Kastin directs.

COMPLETE INFO: http://www.jsnyc.com/season/nulland.htm

Spinoza's Ethics

September 1 at 6:30 PM, 2 at 6:30 PM, September 3 at 8:00 PM, September 4 at 8:00 PM, September 6 at 6:30 PM, September 7 at 6:30 PM, September 15 at 6:30 PM. (Johnson Theater)

"Spinoza's Ethics" follows the life of Ruth, a woman searching for love and God, as she evolves from a starry-eyed sister of faith in a nunnery to a world-faring traveler. Weaving the ideals and character of Dutch enlightenment philosopher Baruch Spinoza into the narrative, this play offers pertinent questions about the nature of life, religion, marriage and mankind's ever-changing place within them. "Spinoza's Ethics" is written by Emily Claire Schmitt. It is directed by Dianna Garten.

COMPLETE INFO: http://www.jsnyc.com/season/spinozasethics.htm

The Blind Truth

August 29 at 6:30 PM, August 30 at 9:00 PM, September 1 at 6:30 PM, September 3 at 8:00 PM, September 6 at 6:30 PM. (Cabaret Theater)

"The Blind Truth: A Musical Journey" is an autobiographical musical play from blind musician Vinny St. Marten, reflecting on his tumultuous life. Starting from his childhood, this show chronicles both the positives and negatives of a life without sight. Original music will be performed by St. Marten and his partner Elysa Sunshine, incorporating elements of rock, jazz, and folk. Music and book are written by Vinny St. Marten, Elysa Sunshine and Frederick Stroppel. Stroppel directs.

COMPLETE INFO: http://www.jsnyc.com/season/theblind.htm

The Chaplin Plays: A Double Feature

September 14 at 6:30 PM, September 15 at 9:00 PM, September 16 at 9:00 PM, September 17 at 5:00 PM, September 18 at 5:00 PM. (Community Theater)

"Charlie Chaplin: A Double Feature," is a special engagement of two original plays by Don Nigro featuring the beloved character of Charlie Chaplin. In "Tramp on Tightrope with Monkeys," Chaplin reflects upon his past and his tramp persona in the tumultuous world of film. In "Charlie and the Siberian Monkey Goddess," Chaplin encounters a woman fanatically dedicated to disproving the notion that he truly is Charlie Chaplin. The role of Chaplin will be played by Ivette Dumeng, artistic director of Nylon Fusion Theatre Company. Lori Kee directs.

COMPLETE INFO: http://www.jsnyc.com/season/thechaplin.htm

The House of Setting Sun

August 28 at 8:00 PM, August 29 at 6:30 PM, August 31 at 9:00 PM, September 4 at 2:00 PM, September 7 at 9:00 PM. (Johnson Theater)

"The House of Setting Sun" is a musical thriller set in jazz-age Savannah modeled after the European "drama musical." The story is set in a dilapidated, Gothic plantation where an affluent southern family and a mysterious fortune teller from a traveling carnival become embroiled in a bitter and murderous vendetta. The musical is calibrated to ramp up the tension early and keep the audience on The Edge of their seats with dramatic music, dialogue and atmosphere. Book and lyrics are by Thomas Blakeley. Music is by Julie Joohee Jeon, Jane Lee, Pedro Curvello, Sean Yauk, and Cesar Manjarrez. Director is Took Edalow.

COMPLETE INFO: http://www.jsnyc.com/season/thehouse.htm

The Joint

September 8 at 6:30 PM, September 9 at 6:30 PM, September 10 at 5:00 PM, September 11 at 5:00 PM. (Johnson Theater)

"The Joint" is a musical by Curtis Jones that follows the story of the plucky, young Corrida who, after exiting a toxic relationship and a dead-end career in New York, returns to her hometown of Stuckley, Virginia only to discover a world of troubles. Torn between following her dreams of becoming a singer and devotion to her father, Corrida becomes entangled in a complex web of relationships and intrigue, revolving around a music bar named The Joint. Music is composed by Timothy Graphenreed of "The Wiz" fame. The musical is directed and choreographed by Kenneth L. Roberson of the Tony award-winning "Avenue Q."

COMPLETE INFO: http://www.jsnyc.com/season/thejoint.htm

The Title Should Be Spoken Out Loud Around Three-Quarters In

September 12 at 9:00 PM, September 13 at 9:00 PM, September 14 at 9:00 PM, September 16 at 9:00 PM, September17 at 8:00 PM. (Johnson Theater)

"The Title Should Be Spoken Out Loud Around Three-Quarters In" is a comical drama that satirizes the tropes and culture of contemporary theater. Convinced that "comedy is the new drama," this play subtly offers a dialogue about certain unhelpful practices in theater criticism, the nature of playwriting and the concept of the muse. It is written and directed by AnTony Raymond.

COMPLETE INFO: http://www.jsnyc.com/season/thetitle.htm

Words and Music

August 29 at 6:30 PM, August 31 at 9:00 PM, September 3 at 2:00 PM, September 4 at 8:00 PM, September 7 at 9:00 PM. (Community Theater)

"Words and Music" by Daniel Schwartzman is a musical that explores the lives of two aging men struggling to stay afloat in the rapidly evolving New York Theater industry. The production raises questions about the mass-commercialization of musicals and the theater industry as a whole. In addition, there are also poignant themes of loyalty and friendship even in the face of defeat. The musical is written and composed by Daniel Schwartzman, whose musical "A Casual Gathering" was featured in the 2015 Dream Up Festival. Suellen Rubin directs.

COMPLETE INFO: http://www.jsnyc.com/season/wordsand.htm

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