The stage unit of Iron Violet Productions, Iron Violet Stage, in association with Denman Turner Entertainment Group, will present a staged reading of "Birthday Pie", written by best-selling author, and playwright, Arthur Wooten on September 29th, 2014, at 7:30 PM. The performance will be held on the renovated stage at the historic Irvington Town Hall Theater, in Irvington, New York -- thirty minutes from Manhattan, by train. There will be a "talk-back" with the author, and producer(s).
This presentation marks the first time that the play has been read with an African-American cast, which has the playwright very excited. "I am so looking forward to hearing the play with this cast. I never specified the race of the Martindale family, and the fact that the producing team is eager to cast in this direction without changing a word in the script, speaks to how universal the story is. This is the "all-American" family. I'm excited to discover what these talented actors bring to Birthday Pie," Wooten said.
The production welcomes the talents of Broadway performer, Denise Spann-Morgan (Amen Corner), lending her talents to reading the role of Anastasia Battles, the wickedly fabulous grandmother, and reigning matriarch, of the Martindale clan. Ms. Morgan was invited to read the role by Co-EPs, Dominique Denman, and
Kellie Turner, of Denman Turner Entertainment Group (DTEG), in association with Lead EP, Marcinho Savant, of Iron Violet Stage.
EP Dominique Denman states, "I've had the pleasure of sharing the stage with
Denise Morgan in multiple settings. She's a phenom! -- An incredible energy, with vibrancy and professionalism, who draws you in with every single moment. We are incredibly fortunate to have her in this manifestation of "Birthday Pie".
Ms. Spann-Morgan is known throughout the world for her 'full throttle' vocals as the lead singer of 'Motown's first million record selling 'Girl Group', The Marvelous, MARVELETTES -- and for her roles in Broadway shows, National Tours, Japanese films, The
Oprah Winfrey Show, NBC's 'Homicide, Life on The Streets, and PBS specials with the great actor,
James Earl Jones, and 'CBS SUNDAY MORNING' where
Charles Osgood highlighted Denise's work in Japan with Japanese Gospel singers in Tokyo and Osaka -- who travel to the U.S. to study with her -- and many have heard her unmistakable voice on commercials!
In the heart of New York City's entertainment district, Ms. Spann-Morgan was the star-attraction for a solid 104 weeks at
B.B. King's Night Club on 42nd Street, and front and center, as a lead singer of the world famous HARLEM GOSPEL CHOIR! Denise credits the legendary HARRY BELAFONTE, for being a great mentor--coupled with the life-changing lessons taught to her by her Godparents,
Ruth Brown and
James Baldwin.
"Birthday Pie" has attracted a large, and vocal, cadre of supporters since its win at The Key West Theatre Festival , under Joan McGillis (AD). Among the strongest endorsements of the work, is: "Birthday Pie is one of the most original, relevant and touching stories I have ever read. The language of Arthur Wooten puts you in the room with these incredible characters that make you laugh out loud and make you cry. The story is so compelling you will find it a quick read because you won't want to put it down until you get to the end." --
Debbie Allen
The company consists of: Trudy
Lee Martindale, The Mother (LaTrina Rice); Bert (Bertrand) Martindale, The Father (Marcus Dargan); Roscoe Martindale, the youngest son (Duane Burress, Jr.); Lex (Alexi Lee) Martindale, the middle son (Deon Williams); Mona
Lee Martindale, the daughter (Tasha Michelle); Junior Martindale, the oldest son (Leroy Graham); Clairese Martindale, his wife (Nefertiti Warren); Mattie
Lee Martindale, their daughter (Kalese Rasberry); and Anastasia Battles, the grandmother, (Denise Spann-Morgan).
"Birthday Pie" is an intricately-crafted piece about navigating through life, secrets, challenges, and agony--- with a, very liberal, dose of Southern humor which is a balm for what ails you! To have Ms. Spann-Morgan join the other, beautifully gifted, artists on the stage to bring this work to life, is an honor", said Lead EP, Marcinho Savant.
According to EP,
Kellie Turner, "Having
Denise Morgan in the role of Anastasia is like receiving a beautiful bouquet of Birds of Paradise -- unique, and beautiful, each in their own way. I am excited to see what she gives to Anastasia in the course of the reading."
The producers have invited key members of the Broadway, and Off-Broadway, theatre industry, corporate guests, and conceivable production partners to this presentation, serving as an, informal, backer's audition. Industry professionals who would like an invitation should, call 646.688.4461, Ext. 705, as soon as possible.
Synopsis:
"Bert Martindale is about to die and to show her concern his wife,
Trudy Lee, irreverently decides to throw a birthday party for her favorite son, Lex. Lex goes home to celebrate his birthday and say good-bye to his dying father, and he struggles with whether or not to share with his eccentric Southern family news of his own life-threatening situation.
When the entire kin reunite, sixty years' worth of anger, resentments and jealousies bubble up to the surface. But as tears turn to laughter and secrets dissolve into confessions, it's Lex's heartbreaking reveal that makes for bittersweet farewells in this moving portrait of the all American family."
For tickets, visit:
http://birthdaypie.weebly.com/buy-tickets.html.
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