Artistic Director Rich Ferraioli of Variations Theatre Group decided to stage the gut wrenching 90 minute play Fool for Love after realizing that Off-Off-Broadway Theatre "needed a bit of an awakening". The Sam Shepard classic, with its argumentative, ping pong style of dialogue and sexual tension so thick it makes you squirm, is the perfect choice for a cast and crew of talented, independent artists who are ready to prove they measure above typical Off-Off-Broadway standards. "This play is to be performed relentlessly without a break", Shepard wrote. With a tight knit cast and dedicated crew, that is exactly what audience members will get.
Fool For Love tells the story of May and Eddie, two not so star-crossed lovers. May is hiding out at an old motel in the Mojave Desert where she is found by old flame and childhood friend Eddie. He threatens to metaphorically and at times, literally, drag her back into the life she has fled. With searing truth and dark humor, Fool for Love shows the story of two people who just can't live without each other, whether they like it or not.
When asked about his vision for not only the play, but for the company as a whole, Ferraioli responds with "We have based this company on the idea of minimalist theatre. It is the text that drives the play and the acting that fuels it. It isn't a budget thing; it is simply that we believe spectacle gets in the way of the true nature of the beast. Now, that is not to say that we don't have a set but we take what is actually 100% needed and we twist it a little to fit our concept", an appropriate approach for a physically demanding show.
After a successful pairing for The Shape of Things, R. Allen Babcock and
Christopher Weston join forces again to design this rugged and visceral production. The play stars Associate Artistic Director Kirk Gostkowski and Resident Artist Christina Perry* as Eddie & May. Joining the team is Collin Meath as Martin, Charlie Moss* as The Old Man, and Cody Borror as the production assistant and understudy.
Variations Theatre Group launched its inaugural season with successful productions of
Neil LaBute's The Shape of Things in Manhattan and Long Island City. In a review of the play, The Queens Chronicle said, "Variations Theatre Group is setting the bar high... the fledgling company has staged one of the most captivating productions the borough (Queens) has seen this year." The NY Performing Arts Examiner said "Variations Theatre Group instinctually crafts intelligent theater that investigates the art and the truth of the human condition. The emerging company's 2010 production of
Neil LaBute's The Shape of Things is skillfully performed and cleverly developed. These artists will be promising to watch, rising on the NY Off-Off Broadway Theatre circuit."
Performances will take place at the Access Theatre (www.accesstheatre.com), located at 380 Broadway (White St.) at 8pm on February 23rd - 27th and March 1st - 5th. There will be two (2) matinee performances at 2pm on February 26th & March 5th.
General Admission tickets are $18.00; Student/Senior Discount tickets are $15.00. Theatre professionals with a resume/headshot pay $15.00. Tuesday performances are "Buy One: Get One Free" and Thursday performances are "Pay What You Can Nights." TDF vouchers are also accepted. This production is an Actors Equity Showcase.
*Appears courtesy of Actors Equity Association
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