Alice in Chaos at Gallery Players

PIPER THEATRE PRODUCTIONS is now in our 24th season of developing new musicals, producing physical theatre tours, and providing opportunities for emerging artists to showcase their talent.  Directed by Artistic Director John P. McEneny and featuring an original score by Rob Parker, this imaginative adaptation promises to be a thrilling theatrical journey for families looking to share the wonder of live performance with their children.

Piper Theatre Productions presents "Alice in Chaos" as a traveling production throughout June. Audiences can experience the magic at various iconic venues, including Gallery Players (199 14th Street), Old Stone House (Washington Park), Greenwich House Senior Center, and Park Slope Center for Successful Aging. In addition, Piper will host four student matinees free for DOE students from neighborhood schools, providing an invaluable opportunity for young minds to be inspired by the arts.

At the heart of the production lies an innovative set piece – the wonder box, designed by longtime Piper set designer Sarah Edkins. This intricate creation evolves into the whimsical worlds of Wonderland, including the Duchess's house, the Mad Hatter's tea party, the Caterpillar's mushroom, the Knave of Hearts' Rose Garden, and the Red Queen's Court. Crafted by master carpenter Bruno Navarro, the wonder box features multiple openings and puzzle movements that will mesmerize audiences and bring Wonderland to life before their eyes.

Bringing the beloved characters of Lewis Carroll's classic tale to life are three exceptionally talented young actors, all just out of drama school.  Julia McGowan (Alice) is a recent graduate of University of South California, Taylor McKenzie (Caterpillar, Mouse, Duchess, Cheshire Cat, March Hare, Humpty, Tweedle Dee) is also a recent graduate of the University of South California, and Jeremiah Rosado (Rabbit, Cook, Mad Hatter, Tweedle Dum) is a recent graduate of Keen University,  Joining them is Mickey Heller, a longtime Piper Theatre veteran, who brings regal flair to the role of the Red Queen.

Behind the scenes, the production is led by a team of dedicated professionals, including Emily LaRosa, who manages the production stage, and Michelle Danahy, who supervises production. Justine McLaughlin, who serves as General Manager, ensures the smooth operation of this innovative production.

Piper Theatre Productions is grateful for the support of the New York State Council on the Arts and the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs (DCLA), whose funding has made this production possible.

Don't miss your chance to journey down the rabbit hole and experience the wonder of ALICE IN CHAOS with Piper Theatre Productions. Tickets are now on sale, so secure your seats today for an unforgettable theatrical adventure!

BIOS

Julia McGowan (Alice) Julia is extremely excited to be making her Piper Theatre debut alongside an amazing cast and crew. Some recent credits include: In the Heat of it All (Marie), Dog Sees God (Van’s Sister), I Am a Camera (Sally Bowles), and Laughter on the 23rd Floor (Helen). Education: University of Southern California School of Dramatic Arts. https://www.julia-mcgowan.com/ @juliammcgowan

Taylor McKenzie (Caterpillar, Mouse, Duchess, Cheshire Cat, March Hare, Humpty, Tweedle Dee) Taylor McKenzie is a classically trained actress with a B.A. in Theatre and Chemistry from the University of Southern California. McKenzie also had the stellar opportunity to study classical works at the British American Drama Academy's Shakespeare Program in Oxford. Since finishing the program, she has gotten work on new immersive productions of classics like Twelfth Night and Chekhov's short plays. These productions reimagined old shows and brought them into a new era; allowing McKenzie to breathe new life into outdated characters. With the help of John, she cannot wait to do the same in Alice in Chaos. To see some of McKenzie's work visit her website: https://taylormckenzie.my.canva.site/

Jeremiah Rosado (Rabbit, Cook, Mad Hatter, Tweedle Dum, Others) is a recent graduate of Kean University with a BFA in theatre performance (musical theatre). His credits include Once on This Island (Agwe / u/s Daniel), Animal Farm (Squealer), The Tempest (Antonio), Into the Woods (Narrator / Mysterious Man), Avenue Q (Rod), The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley (Stanley Lambchop), The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time (Voice Three), I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change (various roles), and Indecent (u/s Lemml / ensemble). Jeremiah is also a member of A, the National Theatre Honor Society, and thanks all his friends and family for their support. Website: https://jeremiahrosado18.wixsite.com/my-site-1 

John P. McEneny (Artistic Director) He is the author of Mayla the Monkey Girl (published by Playscripts Inc.), Very Bad Girl Scouts, Grippe of October, Two Houses (YouthPLAYS), Cold April (Best Play Anthology 2008 Strawberry Fest), Seven monologues from The Lincoln Dress published in Applause’s 2020 Best Men’s Monologues, Smith and Krause’s 2020 Best Men’s Monologues / 2020 Best Women’s Monologues. Pollywog is published in NYU Steinhardt’s New Plays for Young Audiences anthology in 2024.  Aposiopesis (Smith & Krause’s 2013 Best Ten Minute Plays, 2013 Best Men’s Monologues,  2014 Best Women’s Monologues; Best Audition Monologues for Young Men 2016, edited by Gerald Lee Ratliff and Patrick Rainville Dorn.)   John’s 2013 adaption of Island of Doctor Moreau performed at 59E59 and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival (won Bobby’s Sixth Star Award for best play.)  Adaptation of Maupaussant’s Mother Sauvage toured to the University of Malta in Feb 2023. Also: The Puppet Children, Midnight Circus, Hydra (with Rachel Rear), Frankenstein, Maddie Splinter and the Aluminum Chair Rocket Ship, Hamelin, Wendy Darling, Peter Pan, Boy in the Iron Mask, Splitfoot (w/ Vasile Flutur) performed in Edinburgh, The Lincoln Dress performed at Siena College, My Robot, the books for Gulch, Billy Ragamatag and the Shadow Circus, Yarn Barn, We Got Beth!  Gorbal Wood (all music and lyrics by Rob Parker). MA Theater in Education, Steinhardt School at New York University. Soon:  MA Creative Writing Edinburgh Napier University. 

Rob Parker (Composer) is a musical composer, drama, and music educator who resides in Bedfordshire, England.  He has worked at the Roxburgh Hall at Stowe and the Gordonstoun School in Moray, Scotland.  For Piper, he has scored The Nocturnes, Clockwork Unwound, Paint it Black, Tragedy of Lear, Billy Ragamatag, Yarn Barn, We Got Beth, Gorbal Wood, and the upcoming Bloody Ballad of Bette Davis (Edinburgh Fringe ‘24).  (BA) Hertfordshire, (MA) Middlesex.program.  (BA) Hertfordshire, (MA) Middlesex.

ABOUT PIPER THEATRE PRODUCTIONS

Piper Theatre Productions is dedicated to producing innovative and accessible theater, introducing young people to the theatrical arts, and providing opportunities for emerging artists to showcase their talent.

Since 2000, under the artistic direction of John P. McEneny, Piper has produced more than 40 plays, including  Mother Sauvage (Tour Malta ‘23), Lincoln Dress (Tour Bucharest ‘22), Splitfoot (Edinburgh ‘15), Island of Doctor Moreau (Edinburgh ‘13) Winner of Six Star Broadway Baby’s Bobbie Award),  We Should Have Seen the Lights Already (Matei Visniec North American Premiere, Bucharest Tour ‘18) Wendy Darling, Nocturnes, Priscilla Queen of Desert, Hedwig and Angry Inch, Sweeney Todd, Xanadu, Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson, Book of Liz, Miser, Frankenstein, Prospect Hill, Hamlet, Macbeth, Othello, Tempest, Taming of Shrew, Midsummer, Twelfth Night, Charlotte Lucas is 27 and Not Dead, Bomba and the Coquí. and produced the short films Cold April and Come Zoom with Me. 

Piper has also showcased new work by Matt Barbot, Chadwick Boseman, Timothy Braun, Christin Cato, Jane Elias, Emily Feldman, Meredith Hackett, Modesto Flako Jimenez, Melanie Jones, Annie Meek Montgomery, Garret Kim, Nikkole Salter, Lindsey Sproul, Lily Ali Oschatz, Mark A. Galinovsky, Gaven Trinidad, Diana Ly, Carolina , Rohana Elias Reyes, Catherine Weingarten, Patti Veconi, and residency collaborations with Off the Page, TYA’s ReImagine Festival, Siena College, Theater in Asylum, and Un Teatru.  

Piper’s education program reaches over 150 children in Brooklyn. It concentrates on Cecily O'Neill's process drama work and the Grotowski principles of physical theater.

Piper will also be previewing three new musicals at the end of June and July along with Pipers Youth Theatre Program.

THE BLOODY BALLAD OF BETTE DAVIS

Piper Theatre Productions is thrilled to return to C Venues and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival with the world premiere Horror Musical THE BLOODY BALLAD OF BETTE DAVIS.   Step onto the set of the 1975 film "Burnt Offering," where the legendary Bette Davis grapples with age discrimination and clashes with the unruly spirit of "New Hollywood," embodied by Karen Black. As tensions rise, Davis contemplates tapping into mysterious dark powers to reclaim control and exact her revenge. Experience a whirlwind of physical theatre through the Merv Griffin set, the tumultuous world of Dan Curtis's cult film, and into the alcoholic stomach of Oliver Reed.  

Written and Directed by Piper’s Artistic Director, John P. McEneny, with original music composed by Rob Parker, Piper hopes to create a fast-moving tale of Hollywood witchcraft (What if Bette Davis was a witch?) and a poignant exploration of ageism and resilience in the arts. The company of actors includes long-time Piper members: Annie Meek Montgomery as Bette Davis, Aaron Novak as Oliver Reed, and Laura Dillman as B.D. Hyman, Connor Delves as Karen Black, and Eva Sheehy-Moss as Don.  

THE BLOODY BALLAD OF BETTE DAVIS will be previewed at Gallery Players 199 14th Street, Brooklyn, NY 12208, on June 27 and 28.  8:00 pm  $ 25.00

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BROWNSTONERS  

A NEW musical by Dionne McClain-Freeney.  Winner of our 2024 Musicals Now Development Grant.   In this brand-new musical, Dionne McClain-Freeney masterfully unravels the tapestry of gentrification in Park Slope during the 1960s and 1970s. Dionne will preview New Songs and scenes from her emerging musical in anticipation of a full Spotlight reading this Fall.  

BROWNSTONERS preview will be presented at the Gallery Players, 199 Fourteenth Street, Brooklyn, NY 11215, on June 29th at 1 p.m. It is FREE.

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COLORS OF MY BEDROOM

A new musical by sixteen-year-old Laguardia High School student Josh Cantone. Josh’s new musical is about children coming of age during COVID-19. It features advanced members from the Summer Education Program. 

COLORS OF MY BEDROOM will be presented at the Old Stone House on Friday, July 19, at 7 p.m. at the Old Stone House. FREE.

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PIPER’S YOUTH THEATRE PROGRAMS

Piper’s celebrated educational programming returns with a hundred students who will be creating plays, including LITTLE MERMAID JR, BETWEEN THE LINES, THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS, BILLY RAGAMATAG, CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY, AS YOU LIKE IT, IMAGINATION STATIONS IN WONDERLAND.  Piper Theatre Productions has subsidized nearly $30,000 in scholarships this summer. For the performance schedule, please see pipertheatre.org