UPDATE: I was in NY last week, despite the snow, to work with Fred DeFeis and the cast on the final rehearsals of PARADISE KEY which opened recently at Arena Players Rep on Long Island. It was good to see the show on its feet, and the performances were brave and inspiring. It's a two-hander so both the roles are huge, and it was humbling to watch the actors give them so much life and meaning. I'm looking forward to going back this weekend to watch some of the run.

Here's an article from the Long Island Pulse on the selection of the show.

Labels: New York, Paradise Key, Productions

My new play PARADISE KEY will open this week at Arena Players Repertory Theatre on Long Island (NY), as part of their 59th season. The Artistic Director of APRTC, Fred DeFeis, will direct.

Set in 1951, this play explores the historical roots of interrogation in America. We follow a young Counter-Intelligence agent named David as he interviews a German medical doctor. Over the course of one night, David must find what the doctor has been hiding - a vaccine for Polio - or risk an American disaster.

WHEN: February 26 - March 21
WHERE: Arena Players Repertory Theatre - Google Map
MORE: 516-293-0674
TICKETS: Available on TheatreMania.com

Labels: New York, Paradise Key, Productions

If you're in New York City this week, come check out my award-winning play LOSING SLEEP which is opening Off-Off Broadway, produced by the American Theatre of Actors. I've enjoyed working with the theatre and the director Michael Bordwell, and I'm excited to see the results. Swing on over to the Facebook Group for photos, cast info, and more.

Show opens Wednesday, August 26, 2009 at ATA's Sargent Theatre - 314 West 54th Street (between 8th and 9th Aves).

For tickets, please call (212) 581-3044.

Labels: Losing Sleep, New York, Productions

I'm very pleased to announce that my play LOSING SLEEP will be produced in New York by the American Theatre of Actors next month as part of their Summer Directors Series. I'm looking forward to this production, and working with director Michael Bordwell.

Show opens August 26, 2009 at ATA - 314 W. 54th Street. For tickets, call (212) 581-3044.

Labels: Losing Sleep, New York, Productions

The Public Theatre presented a new work-in-progress last night by the amazing Suzan-Lori Parks as part of their Lab series. The piece, titled Father Comes Home from the Wars (Parts 1 and 8) was the start of a nine-part epic retelling of the Iliad and Odyssey from the perspective of a newly freed slave living in South Texas, 1865. Although we only saw part of the story, I'm assuming that we will see the slave, Homer, journey to freedom, and then return to his love, Penny, as suggested by the archetype. There were hints at other time periods, and multi-media elements, but the core we followed was the immortal tension between the hope of freedom, and the agony of experience.

And it was a beautifully crafted piece, full of intricate language and astounding performances. The subtle musical accompaniment and rhythmic movement (direction by Jo Bonney) counterpointed the text without distraction. And the generous asides and humor (including a wonderfully loyal dog) brought us in to the mix easily and naturally. The audience sat as the lights came up, clearly wanting more, (the ushers had to tell us it was over – please go home now) and I couldn't help feeling like I was a part of a unique moment. I can hardly wait to see this whole thing come to completion, and I'll be proud to say "I was there when..."

Labels: New York

So while I was in New York this weekend, I got to check out some new shows, and see some old friends. I was thrilled to catch up with super-star-rising playwright Sarah Hammond (an old Trustus Theatre alum) and enjoy some lox-on-bagel at Eisenstein's on 6th. We jawed about the joys and sorrows of the craft, and encouraged each other that at least one person on earth would be interested in hearing that crazy idea... Also while I was there, I was picked up by a Culturista web site for my boisterous behavior. Plus I saw Jane Fonda.

Labels: New York

So I have a reading of a full length play LOSING SLEEP coming up on Monday, November 9, 2008. This reading is being held by a group called Ten Grand Productions known for their independent and imaginative reworkings of big stories (like the Titanic.) While SLEEP isn't necessarily a Titanic event, it does have a lot of room in it for interpretation. I'm excited to see where they take it. The reading is open to the public, but I'd contact them first to check on tickets and availability.

Labels: Losing Sleep, New York, Reading

I'm doing some catching up this weekend. I've got a list of plays that I have to see to be able to say that I'm in the "theater scene". I've heard raves about most of these, and the others just pique my interest:

• From Up Here (Liz Flahive)


• August: Osage County (Tracy Letts)


• Body Awareness (Annie Baker)


• Fuerzabruta (De la Guarda)


• reasons to be pretty (Neil Labute)

Labels: New York