(Press are welcome to attend shows beyond official press dates.)
New York, NY – Monk Parrots proudly presents Pearls for Spurs, a new dramedy by Gates Leonard and directed by Luke Leonard, which runs from August 1 to August 11, 2024, in a limited engagement at the Jeffrey and Paula Gural Theatre at the A.R.T./New York Theatres, located at 502 West 53rd Street between 10th Avenue & 11th Avenue in New York City. Previews begin August 1st for an August 2nd opening.
Performances are Wednesday – Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 3:00 p.m. with an added performance on Saturday, August 10 at 3:00 p.m. Tickets are $25 for adults and $18 for students/seniors and can be purchased online at https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/monkparrots/pearls-for-spurs. A.R.T./New York Theatres are accessible from the A, C, E, trains at 50th Street and Eighth Ave., or the A, C, B, D, 1 train at 59th St./Columbus Circle. The neighborhood has ample parking available, including Icon Parking right next door on 53rd Street. A Citi Bike station is located directly across the street from the theatre entrance.
Pearls for Spurs, produced by Monk Parrots, is a new two-act dramedy by Gates Leonard about a dysfunctional American family's attempt at hitting the reset button on life. In a desperate move to escape the memories of her late husband, a widow, Mississippi Biles (Missy), uproots her entire family—Carousel (16-year-old rebellious daughter), Kill (13-year-old introverted son questioning his sexual orientation), Spoon (10-year-old wild man), and Danny (39-year-old overzealous sister)—from Texas to an RV park in Florida where they grapple with grief, change, and the complexities of love. Two native Floridians—Bean (Kill’s only friend) and Dude (Carousel’s older and questionable boyfriend)—round out the cast. Loved but neglected by Missy due to her grief and struggles with mental illness, the children are unhappy and borderline outlaws. Danny does her best to hold the family together, but the characters drift further apart as the story unfolds. Mixing dark humor and tragedy, the play examines the effects of unmanaged personal trauma, opening a discussion about mental health, family, and resistance to change.
The cast includes Kelly Mares*, Jennifer Skura Boutell*, Emperor Kaioyus, Gates Leonard, Max Lerin, Landyn Pollard, and Kailer Scopacasa.
The creative team includes Luke Leonard and Eric Nightengale (Production Design), Eric Nightengale (Lighting & Sound Design), Gates Leonard and Jennifer Skura Boutell (Costume Design), Ellie Kim (Seonwoo Kim) (Production Stage Manager), and Megan Reid (Dramaturg/Production Assistant).
Gates Leonard (Playwright/Performer) is an actress, animator, filmmaker, musician, playwright, singer/songwriter, visual artist, and member of Monk Parrots. She has performed with Monk Parrots since she was seven, originating roles in four new works and touring with the company to Texas and Italy. Her plays have been developed and presented at NYU Tisch Future Artists Program, SheNYC’s CreateHER Program, LaGuardia High School, and La MaMa Experimental Theatre Club. Acting credits include guest starring on FBI: Most Wanted and Law & Order: SVU, David Lang's Love Fail at the Yarra Valley Opera Festival, Kirk Lynn and Peter Stopschinski's Bum Phillips Opera at La MaMa ETC, and Luke Leonard and David Todd's Here I Go at 59E59 Theaters. Gates is a 21-year-old college junior and a recipient of a Bennington Young Writers Award. She is represented by MJ Management and majors in visual arts with a concentration in filmmaking and animation at Bennington College.
Luke Leonard (Director/Designer) is a theatre director, designer, actor, playwright, filmmaker, artist, and artistic director. His critically acclaimed opera, theatre, and film projects have premiered nationally and internationally, and his work has been described as "outstanding" by The New York Times. Originally from Houston, Texas, Luke moved to New York City and formed Monk Parrots, Inc. to develop, premiere, and tour experimental theatre, music theatre, and opera created by Luke and his collaborators. Accolades include Opera Chaser Awards for Outstanding Stage Director and Outstanding Lighting Design. Luke Leonard/Monk Parrots are recipients of LMCC Swing Space Artist Residencies and grants from A.R.T.-New York, Foundation for Contemporary Arts, Hatch Fund, J & S Sullivan Charitable Fund, Lower Manhattan Cultural Council, The Puffin Foundation, Tides Foundation, and USA Projects. Luke is Assistant Professor of Experimental Media and Performance at Seoul Institute of the Arts and holds a Master of Fine Arts from The University of Texas at Austin.
Monk Parrots multidisciplinary theatre company develops and produces new theatre, music theatre, and opera. We support artists exploring socially relevant themes in unique and experimental ways. Since 2010, we have produced nine new works and toured nationally and internationally. Notable productions include our award-winning film adaptation of Pulitzer Prizewinning composer David Lang’s LOVE FAIL, our critically acclaimed NY Premiere of Gabriel Jason Dean’s TERMINUS at Next Door New York Theatre Workshop, and THE BUM PHILLIPS OPERA at La MaMa.
The A.R.T./New York Theatres are a project of the Alliance of Resident Theatres/New York (A.R.T./New York) which provide state-of-the-art, accessible venues and top-line technical equipment at subsidized rates, so that the city’s small and emerging theatre companies can continue to experiment, grow, and produce new works. Founded in 1972, A.R.T./New York assists over 500 member theatres in realizing their rich artistic visions and serving their diverse audiences well. A.R.T./New York accomplishes this by providing progressive services to our members – from shared office and rehearsal spaces to technical assistance programs for emerging theatres. Because of this dedication to serving the needs of the nonprofit theatre community, A.R.T./New York has received numerous honors, including an Obie Award, an Innovative Theatre Award, a New York City Mayor’s Award for Arts & Culture, and a Tony Honor for Excellence in the Theatre. For more information, please visit www.artnewyork.org.
This production is an Equity Approved Showcase. *Asterisks denote Equity Members appearing with the permission of Actors’ Equity Association without the benefit of an Equity contract in this Off-Off Broadway production.
The show is supported by the A.R.T./New York Theatres Rental Subsidy Fund, a program of the Alliance of Resident Theatres/New York (A.R.T./New York), the Puffin Foundation, and the Seoul Institute of the Arts.
Unlock a Discount Offer for Pearls for Spurs in Off-Off-Broadway at A.R.T./New York Theatres
Pearls for Spurs at A.R.T./New York Theatres Schedule
Thursday, August 1, 7:30 p.m. (preview) Friday, August 2, 7:30 p.m. (opening) Saturday, August 3, 7:30 p.m. Sunday, August 4, 3 p.m. Wednesday, August 7, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, August 8, 7:30 p.m. Friday, August 9, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, August 10, 3 p.m. Saturday, August 10, 7:30 p.m. Sunday, August 11, 3 p.m.
Kelly Mares* as Missy in Pearls for Spurs by Gates Leonard at The Jeffrey and Paula Gural Theatre at the A.R.T./New York Theatres, directed by Luke Landric Leonard, produced by Monk Parrots.
Emperor Kaioyus (Spoon) and Gates Leonard (Carousel) in Pearls for Spurs by Gates Leonard at The Jeffrey and Paula Gural Theatre at the A.R.T./New York Theatres, directed by Luke Landric Leona
L to R: Landyn Pollard (Kill), Jennifer Skura Boutell* (Danny), and Kelly Mares* (Missy) in Pearls for Spurs by Gates Leonard at The Jeffrey and Paula Gural Theatre at the A.R.T./New York Thea
Gates Leonard (Carousel) and Kelly Mares* (Missy) in Pearls for Spurs by Gates Leonard at The Jeffrey and Paula Gural Theatre at the A.R.T./New York Theatres, directed by Luke Landric Leonard.
Max Lerin (Bean) and Landyn Pollard (Kill) in Pearls for Spurs by Gates Leonard at The Jeffrey and Paula Gural Theatre at the A.R.T./New York Theatres, directed by Luke Landric Leonard, produc
Kailer Scopacas as Dude in Pearls for Spurs by Gates Leonard at The Jeffrey and Paula Gural Theatre at the A.R.T./New York Theatres, directed by Luke Landric Leonard, produced by Monk Parrots.
Max Lerin (Bean) and Landyn Pollard (Kill) in Pearls for Spurs by Gates Leonard at The Jeffrey and Paula Gural Theatre at the A.R.T./New York Theatres, directed by Luke Landric Leonard, produc
Pearls for Spurs by Gates Leonard at The Jeffrey and Paula Gural Theatre at the A.R.T./New York Theatres, directed by Luke Landric Leonard, produced by Monk Parrots.
Pearls for Spurs by Gates Leonard at The Jeffrey and Paula Gural Theatre at the A.R.T./New York Theatres, directed by Luke Landric Leonard, produced by Monk Parrots.
Kelly Mares* (Missy) in Pearls for Spurs by Gates Leonard at The Jeffrey and Paula Gural Theatre at the A.R.T./New York Theatres, directed by Luke Landric Leonard, produced by Monk Parrots.
Cast and Creative team for Pearls for Spurs at A.R.T./New York Theatres
Cast
Kelly Mares*
Mississippi Biles
Kelly Mares is honored to be a part of this very special cast, bringing this extraordinary play to life! Some of Kelly’s notable highlights in her long acting career include:
Broadway:
The Women (Peggy Day)
Off-Broadway and other NYC:
Crimes of the Heart dir. by Kathleen Turner (u/s Lenny & Meg (Sarah Paulson));
Goodbye April, Hello May; Luther (both written by Ethan Lipton)
Regional:
Actors Theatre of Louisville Humana Festival - Six Years, by Sharr White (Meredith);
Dallas Theater Center - The Misanthrope (Célimène); Syracuse Stage - Les Liaisons Dangereuses (Madame de Tourvel); Indiana Repertory Theatre & Geva Theatre Center - The Ladies Man (Yvonne Molineaux); Arizona Theatre Company - A Streetcar Named Desire (Stella); Arkansas Repertory Theatre - Steel Magnolias (Shelby); Cleveland Playhouse - A Streetcar Named Desire (Stella)
Kelly is a proud MFA graduate from Rutgers University, under the esteemed tutelage of William Esper, Maggie Flanigan, and the late, great Lenard Petit.
Jennifer Skura Boutell*
Danny Mitten
Jennifer Skura Boutell (she/they) is an American-born published writer, experienced actor, theatremaker, and teaching artist who grew up in Texas, moved to California, started a family in New York, and now lives in Georgia. She holds an M.F.A. in creative writing from Goddard College and received her B.F.A. in theatre from Sam Houston State University. Throughout her career, Jennifer has had the honor of collaborating with award-winning, innovative and generous creators including Monk Parrots. She has received merit-based support for her own work, including scholarships for both of her degrees, various residencies including FADlab.org, and a recent grant for continued learning. In the fall of 2024, Jennifer will begin earning an M.A. in mental health counseling at Agnes Scott College. It is Jennifer's passion to help enhance the lives of others by sharing her education and experiences confronting toxic shame through her art. SAG-AFTRA/AEA/HRC/DG
Emperor Kaioyus
Spoon Biles
A Rising 8th grader, Emperor has been in over 200 films and commercials. Currently he can be seen on Lifetime in “My life is on the line “ and on Apple TV, Amazon and Tubi in “Run Nixon” as Nixon. This summer he’s shooting the feature film “The Garcias “ and the pilot “Elf” and well as several Back to school campaigns. On camera since the age of 3, he’s been the subject of 2 documentary’s. Emperors 1st audition and job was for Pampers pull ups. He is thrilled to be debuting the role of “Spoon” in Pearls for Spurs!
Gates Leonard
Carousel Biles
Gates Leonard (Playwright/Performer/Costume Designer) is an actress, animator, filmmaker, musician, playwright, singer/songwriter, visual artist, and member of Monk Parrots. She has performed with Monk Parrots since she was seven, originating roles in four new works and touring with the company to Texas and Italy. Her plays have been developed and presented at NYU Tisch Future Artists Program, SheNYC’s CreateHER Program, LaGuardia High School, and La MaMa Experimental Theatre Club. Acting credits include guest starring on FBI: Most Wanted and Law & Order: SVU, David Lang's Love Fail at the Yarra Valley Opera Festival, Kirk Lynn and Peter Stopschinski's Bum Phillips Opera at La MaMa ETC, and Luke Leonard and David Todd's Here I Go at 59E59 Theaters. Gates is a 21-year-old college junior and a recipient of a Bennington Young Writers Award. She is represented by MJ Management and majors in visual arts with a concentration in filmmaking and animation at Bennington College.
Max Lerin
Bean Green
Max Lerin (they/he) is thrilled to be playing Benjamin “Bean” Green in Pearls for Spurs. Max is a rising senior theatre major at Smith college. His recent acting credits include Friendship in Everybody, Nero in Britannicus, Billy Flynn in Chicago, and Orcus in She Kills Monsters. Max would like to shout out Gates for not only writing such a great play, but taking on a million and one other tasks to make it happen. Max would also like to thank their incredible cast, director, and production team for putting in so much work to create a world and tell the stories of the characters who inhabit it.
Landyn Pollard
Kill Biles
Landyn Pollard (Killian) is thrilled to be making his NYC Off-Off-Broadway debut. Recent Mainstage roles: Lawrence (School of Rock), Friedrich (The Sound of Music). He is a Broadway Artists Alliance alumnus entering his junior year of HS and likes to play piano. Landyn is proud to be part a show that addresses topics that are hard to discuss but need to be.
Kailer Scopacasa
Dude
Born and raised on the island of Kauai, Kaiser Scopacasa made films from a young age. His first ones were starring his cat and some action figures and progressed to having scripts and getting his friends involved. That’s how he got started! Now, he’s honored to work on a great play with really kind and talented people.
Creative Team
Gates Leonard
Playwright/Performer/Costume Designer
Gates Leonard (Playwright/Performer/Costume Designer) is an actress, animator, filmmaker, musician, playwright, singer/songwriter, visual artist, and member of Monk Parrots. She has performed with Monk Parrots since she was seven, originating roles in four new works and touring with the company to Texas and Italy. Her plays have been developed and presented at NYU Tisch Future Artists Program, SheNYC’s CreateHER Program, LaGuardia High School, and La MaMa Experimental Theatre Club. Acting credits include guest starring on FBI: Most Wanted and Law & Order: SVU, David Lang's Love Fail at the Yarra Valley Opera Festival, Kirk Lynn and Peter Stopschinski's Bum Phillips Opera at La MaMa ETC, and Luke Leonard and David Todd's Here I Go at 59E59 Theaters. Gates is a 21-year-old college junior and a recipient of a Bennington Young Writers Award. She is represented by MJ Management and majors in visual arts with a concentration in filmmaking and animation at Bennington College.
Luke Landric Leonard
Director/Set Designer
Luke Leonard (Director/Set Designer) is a theatre director, designer, actor, playwright, filmmaker, artist, and artistic director. His critically acclaimed opera, theatre, and film projects have premiered nationally and internationally, and his work has been described as "outstanding" by The New York Times. Originally from Houston, Texas, Luke moved to New York City and formed Monk Parrots, Inc. to develop, premiere, and tour experimental theatre, music theatre, and opera created by Luke and his collaborators. Accolades include Opera Chaser Awards for Outstanding Stage Director and Outstanding Lighting Design. Luke Leonard/Monk Parrots are recipients of LMCC Swing Space Artist Residencies and grants from A.R.T.-New York, Foundation for Contemporary Arts, Hatch Fund, J & S Sullivan Charitable Fund, Lower Manhattan Cultural Council, The Puffin Foundation, Tides Foundation, and USA Projects. Luke is Assistant Professor of Experimental Media and Performance at Seoul Institute of the Arts and holds a Master of Fine Arts from The University of Texas at Austin.
Eric Nightengale
Lighting, Sound, and Projection Designer
Eric Nightengale is a founding member of Concrete Temple Theatre, The Acme Corporation, and Anthropological Theatricals. He served as artistic director of 78thStreet Theatre Lab from 1995 thru 2008. Design credits include work with Keen Company, Theatre Breaking Through Barriers, PS21, The Bird Theatre, Mason Holdings, Penguin Rep, The Brick, 59E59, Dixon Place, Minetta Lane, LaMama, The Acting Company, Symphony Space, Cherry Lane Theatre, St Clements, Ensemble Studio Theatre, The Barrow Group, HERE, Classic Stage Company, Victory Gardens Theatre, Bailiwick Repertory Theatre, Steppenwolf, Chicago Dramatists Workshop, and Second City. Radio drama credits include The Chronicles of Wallace Sprague, Dog Psychiatrist, available on all podcast platforms, as well as work broadcast nationally over NPR affiliate stations and in the UK over BBC channel 4. His work at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe has resulted in five Fringe First awards, four adaptations for BBC radio, two Best Ensemble awards, an off-broadway production and a London transfer. Recent projects include Another Day, produced by Washington Stage Guild, and a film version of the off-broadway production of KENNEDY: Bobby’s Last Crusade, filmed at St. Clements Theatre, now available on Broadway On Demand.
Ellie Kim (Seonwoo Kim)
Production Stage Manager
Megan Reid
Dramaturg/Production Assistant
Megan Reid is a current undergraduate at Bennington College Studying all aspects of Theater and Film. She has worked in many productions at Bennington College and has experience in Acting, Stage Design, Dramaturgy, and Playwriting. She has been so grateful to work on such a wonderful show with such wonderful people, and she hopes you love Pearls for Spurs as much as she has loved working on it.