Orlando Shakespeare Theater Reveals Casts & Directors for PlayFest, Running 11/8-10

Orlando Shakespeare Theater in Partnership with UCF proudly presents its annual new play festival, PlayFest, from November 8-10, 2013. This fast-paced weekend is packed with lively discussions, engaging panels, and new play readings, along with a keynote speech from award-winning playwright Lee Blessing. PlayFest 2013 is part of Harriett's New Play Series and marks the eleventh festival of new plays at Orlando Shakespeare Theater. Tickets to individual PlayFest readings ($5) may be purchased by calling the Box Office at (407) 447-1700, online at http://www.orlandoshakes.org, or in person inside the John and Rita Lowndes Shakespeare Center, 812 East Rollins Street in Orlando's Loch Haven Park.

PlayFest is a nationally recognized program, representing one of the strongest commitments to new plays in the United States. Since it's inception in 2003, PlayFest has helped nurture and develop over 100 new plays - many of which have received subsequent productions in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Seattle, and Washington D.C. Audience favorites from PlayFest are often hand-selected and developed into full productions in Harriett's New Play Series.

PLAYFEST SPECIAL EVENTS

Keynote Speaker: Lee Blessing | Saturday, November 9 at 7:00 p.m. (FREE)

Keynote address by Tony and Olivier Award Nominee and Pulitzer Prize finalist, playwright Lee Blessing. Blessing will discuss the importance of nurturing new plays and their future in American Theatre.

Playwright's Panel: "From Page to Stage" | Sunday, November 10 at 2:15 p.m. (FREE)

Actors and directors discuss the process of new play development and the challenges of second productions. Audience members are invited to participate in a Q&A immediately following the panel.

PLAYFEST READINGS

The Jericho Tree |Friday, November 8 at 7:30 p.m.

By Michael Aaron Santos|Directed by Brad DePlanche

Cast: Kenny Babel, Philip Nolen, Jennifer Christa Palmer, T. Robert Pigott

Gavin has a secret. The Jericho Tree, passed down through his family for two centuries, is a small inconspicuous tree that possesses immense power. Trouble brews when Gavin's ex fiancé teams up with a mobster and his right-hand-hit-man in an evil plan to steal the tree. Mayhem and magic ensue as a paralleled history lesson of the famous meeting of Pope Leo I and Attila the Hun intertwine the fate of the tree, and the fate of the souls who wish to possess it.

(a love story) | Saturday, November 9 at 12:00 p.m.

By Kelly P. Lusk| Directed by Kate Ingram

Cast: Alex Bair, Jayne Claire, Vince Hannam, Matt Horohoe, Ginger Lee McDermott, Olivia Grace Murphy, Jeff Nathan, Jay Pastucha, David Weiland

Love. We've killed over it. We've fought wars over it. Books dissect and explore it. We've been told by The Beatles that it's all we need. But what is it? (a love story) tells the tale of three couples who set out to answer this eternal question. But what happens when you love someone more than they love you? Or they love you more than you love them?

Bad Dog | Saturday, November 9 at 3:00 p.m.

By Jennifer Hoppe-House | Directed by Jeremy Cohen

Cast: Jennifer Bonner, Anne Hering, Ame Livingston, Elizabeth Murff, Suzanne O'Donnell, BranDon Roberts, Marta Velasco, Eric Zivot

After ten years clean and sober, Molly Drexler tumbles off "the wagon" and drives her Prius through the house. A sedan-sized hole in the living room wall serves as a metaphor for what can no longer be ignored. As the events of Molly's blackout (and the ghosts that chase her) emerge, her family tries to cope with her wreckage, but end up running headlong into their own.

For the Loyal| Saturday, November 9 at 8:00 p.m.

By Lee Blessing | Directed by Mark Routhier

Cast: Sophie Bell, Rus Blackwell, Riley Clermont, A. Ross Neal, Jeffrey Todd Parrott

Set nearly twenty years before the Penn State child-molestation cover-up scandal, For the Loyal examines a similar situation from the perspective of a young assistant coach's wife. Reality and time smear together as she struggles to "do the right thing", slamming into a wall of vested interests and denial.

Broomstick | Sunday, November 10 at 12:00 p.m.

By John Biguenet | Directed by Thomas Ouellette

Cast: Lisa Wolpe

A witch confesses all: her first love affair, how she discovered her powers, and how she has used them. A completely unsentimental moralist who knows everything about the human heart-having been both its victim and avenger throughout her long life-she metes out inexorable justice, immune to our pleas for mercy and cackling at our excuses. In Broomstick, whiners wind up in casseroles.

I and You | Sunday, November 10 at 4:00 p.m.

By Lauren Gunderson | Directed by Eleanor Holdridge

Cast: Joshian Morales, Gracie Winchester

One afternoon in your town, Anthony arrives at Caroline's door bearing waffle fries, a beat-up copy of Walt Whitman's Leaves of Grass, and an urgent assignment from their high school lit teacher. Caroline is as quick and sardonic as Anthony is athletic and popular. As these two let down their guards and share their secrets, this seemingly vanilla poetry assignment unlocks a much deeper mystery that has brought them together. I and You is a National New Play Network (NNPN) Rolling World Premiere.

Ithaka | Sunday, November 10 at 7:00 p.m.

By Andrea Stolowitz | Directed by Michael Marinaccio

Cast: Avis-Marie Barnes, Dan Bright, Trenell Mooring, Melanie Whipple, Additional role TBA

How long does the battle continue after a soldier comes home? A Marine Captain has just returned from her latest tour in Afghanistan, but this time things are different. Drawing from interviews with real veterans and their families, Stolowitz transports audiences on a soldier's Odyssean journey through the American landscape as she battles monsters and tries to find her way back home.

PLAYFEST FESTIVAL PASS

A PlayFest Festival Pass offers admission into all seven readings at a discounted price of $28 (reduced from the full $35 price). To purchase a Festival Pass, call the Box Office at (407) 447-1700 or visit us online at www.orlandoshakes.org.

NEW PLAY PATRON

New Play Patrons receive an all-access pass to PlayFest readings, reserved seating, a private event with the playwrights, and recognition for their special contribution in programs, curtain speeches, Orlando Shakespeare Theater's website, and more. For more information, contact the Director of Donor Relations at (407) 447-1700 ext. 206 or email development@orlandoshakes.org.

PlayFest is made possible through the generous support of Harriett's Charitable Trust, Ingrid and Coleman Cordell, and Frank Santos and Dan Dantin. Orlando Shakespeare Theater in Partnership with UCF is supported by United Arts of Central Florida with funds from the United Arts collaborative campaign and by State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, and the Florida Arts Council.

To post a comment, you must register and login.