1) American Indian Artists Inc. (AMERINDA) Premiere
Radio Play Double-Feature
IT CAME FROM ACROSS THE BIG POND
and FILES OF THE INDIN POLICENow Streaming Online
Taking its inspiration from the 1950’s sci-fi B-movie genre, IT CAME FROM ACROSS THE BIG POND is an over-the-top comedic look at the colonization of Native America.
FILES OF THE INDIN POLICE, is a darkly satirical look at appropriation and the fear of an organization of Native people patrolling communities searching for violators.
SIX NEW WORKS WRITTEN AND
DIRECTED BY BLACK WOMXN
AUGUST 14, 21, & 28 AT 6 PM
BOLD, an organization that works to build up Black womxn in the performing arts for the restoration of culture, has announced BOLD 2020, the return of their short play festival featuring works written and directed by Black Womxn premiering August 14, 21, and 28, 2020 at 6:00pm. Free tickets are available at bit.ly/BOLDFEST.
BOLD 2020 is in response to the systemic silencing of Black womxn’s voices. The returning short play festival features new work written by Agyeiwaa Asante,Brittani Samuel, Chanel Carroll, Jazmine Stewart, Kristen Adele Calhoun, and Lakhiyia Hicks. Directed by Kristolyn Lloyd, Tavia Jefferson, and Bianca LaVerne Jones. Each night, made possible by over 40 black womxn, will consist of two ten minute plays and be followed by a talkback with the director and playwrights.
For additional social media materials click here. For more information on BOLD, visit BOLDNYC.org.
4) THE BROADWAY ADVOCACY COALITION
ANNOUNCES INAUGURAL
BAC ARTIVISM FELLOWSHIP
Applications will be open to any female-identifying artists based in the United States and will be open to all artists that center their work in stories and narrative. The fellowship will support 10 women over the course of six months and will culminate in a digital presentation of their work. The nominating committee for the fellowship includes Amber Iman, Liza Jessie Peterson, Zakiyah Ansari and Imani Mflame. Additional members of the nomination committee will be announced at a later date.
Additional details and applications will be announced later in August.
For more information, visit https://www.
With Philadelphia parks experiencing record usage in recent months, Fairmount Park Conservancy is encouraging park-goers to safely explore the lesser-known gems of East and West Fairmount Park this summer and fall. The non-profit champion for Philadelphia parks is offering a variety of ways to discover all that the 2,050-acre park offers, from a new free scavenger hunt to guided yoga and hikes to solo park cleanups.
In addition, the Conservancy has created a new digital guide, highlighting trails, historic landmarks, and natural areas in Fairmount Park. The Fairmount Park Digital Guide, launching today, will allow users to find less traveled gems all on their own. Find the guide at myphillypark.org.
Beginning late July, Fairmount Park Conservancy has developed additional ways to encourage park-goers to explore East and West Fairmount Park on their own or with members of their household:
Virtual Fairmount Park Summer Scavenger Hunt: Discover the fascinating facts and stories behind the historic houses, natural areas, and public art of Fairmount Park by participating in a free virtual Fairmount Park Scavenger Hunt, launched late July and run until September 7. Scavenger hunters can participate by downloading the free GooseChase app to their smartphone and completing each mission at their own pace (search for “Fairmount Park Summer Scavenger Hunt”). New missions will be released each week. The top participants will receive prizes, including gift cards to local, minority-owned businesses and Fairmount Park Conservancy merchandise.
Park Hubs in Fairmount Park: To enhance the visitor experience this summer, the Conservancy has set up “Park Hubs” in Fairmount Park: six spots throughout the park with wayfinding signage that serve as helpful jumping off points for exploring the park.
From these locations, park-goers can start or end their exploration of various trails, natural areas, and historic structures throughout the park.
● Lemon Hill Mansion: 1 Lemon Hill Drive
● Mount Pleasant Mansion: 3800 Mount Pleasant Drive
● Woodford Mansion: 2300 North 33rd Street
● Concourse Lake: South Concourse Drive and Belmont Avenue
● Centennial District: Lansdowne Drive and Black Road
● Chamounix Drive: Chamounix Drive and South Chamounix Drive
Guided hikes, meditation, and yoga: In-person Conservancy member events will return later this summer at a reduced capacity and in accordance with all COVID-19 guidelines. Events include guided hikes, meditation, and yoga. Member events are free for Conservancy members and $15 for non-members. View upcoming events and locations here: https://myphillypark.org/
These events will be capped at 25 attendees or less. All participants will be required to wear a face mask, stay six feet apart from others, and stay home if they or members of their household are showing any symptoms of COVID-19.
Fairmount Park Conservancy’s membership program helps ensure that Philadelphia’s parks are enhanced for generations to come and offers free year round events like guided hikes, trail runs, yoga classes, and bike rides as well as great discounts throughout the park. Learn more about the Conservancy’s membership program here: https://myphillypark.org/
Love Your Park Solo Cleanups: Love Your Park Solo Cleanups encourage all park users to safely clean up trash and litter individually or with members of their household as they enjoy Philly parks this summer. Volunteers can go the extra mile by pledging to track their work online. Love Your Park Solo cleanups aim to help keep Philly parks clean this summer, and offer Philadelphians a rewarding way to give back to these important public spaces. Visit loveyourpark.org for more volunteer opportunities in Philly parks this summer.
Volunteers who have their own cleanup supplies can opt to make a donation to the Love Your Park program to cover the cost of a free cleanup kit for others. A $35 donation covers the cost of a cleanup kit, which includes trash bags, a Fairmount Park Conservancy bandana, and gloves (while supplies last). A $75 donation will cover the cost of a cleanup kit plus a $50-level membership to the Conservancy. Donate here: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/
Love Your Park is a collaborative program managed by Fairmount Park Conservancy and Philadelphia Parks & Recreation.
Event updates and schedules will be shared via the Conservancy’s weekly e-newsletter at https://myphillypark.org/
6) Live Performances In A Safe Environment
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Celebrating Its 20th Anniversary
Presents
The Second Production of its Monthly Series in the Social Distancing Era
Delphi Harrington and Nathan Darrow
To Appear In
“Mrs. Sorken” by Christopher Durang
&
“I Can’t Imagine Tomorrow” by Tennessee Williams
August 17th at 2:00pm at Theatre 80 St. Marks
And Via Live Streaming
Following its initial successful production in this era of isolation and social distancing – Marilyn Sokol & Bob Dishy in plays by Robert Anderson and Arthur Miller on July 13th – Food For Thought Productions will continue presenting monthly programs of staged readings at its new home of Theatre 80 St. Marks. On August 17th at 2:00pm the award-winning theatre company will present Delphi Harrington and Nathan Darrow (“House of Cards”) in “Mrs. Sorken” by Christopher Durang and “I Can’t Imagine Tomorrow” by Tennessee Williams, directed by Antony Marsellis. The production will be followed by a Q&A with cast and director.
FFTP has become synonymous with “intimate theatre.” The point has always been to have audience members up close and personal to the actors. In the new configuration, the audience will consist of up to 25 patrons, as well as live streamed to theatre lovers everywhere (streaming details to follow). All social distancing precautions will be respected. There will be a medical professional onsite to check temperatures and audience members must wear masks and have recently tested negative for Covid-19.
The next Food For Thought presentation at Theatre 80 is on Sept. 14th at 2pm, starring Tony Nominee Kathleen Chalfant in “Something Unspoken” by Tennessee Williams, directed by Antony Marsellis. (The second play and performer tba). Additional dates for the rest of the season which will include plays by Tennessee Williams, Harold Pinter, Mel Brooks, Dorothy Parker, to name a few are Oct. 19th, Nov. 16th and December 14th. All shows are from 2—4pm which includes a Q & A with the cast. All shows will be live streamed, and all cast & plays subject to change. Tickets for the ‘live’ performance are free to first-come patrons who agree to be tested. There will be a nominal charge for the streaming.
Theatre 80 St. Marks will be the FFTP home for the rest of the season. Theatre 80 is an historic venue, which began life as "Scheib's Place," a popular speakeasy in 1922. It has weathered difficult times from Prohibition, the crash of 1929, and the Off-Broadway Theater strike of 1969. The tradition of excellence continues at Theatre 80 where the careers of many famous performers were launched, including Gary Burghoff, Bob Balaban and even one of its ushers, Billy Crystal. In these days when independent commercial mid-sized theaters are so endangered, it represents the tenacity which keeps theater alive in New York.
For additional information and tickets please contact FFTP at: 646-366-9340 or email: info@
7) FILMSTORMS PRODUCTIONS RELEASES
PRECURSOR
THE NEW SHORT FILM CONFRONTS THE RAW & UNCOMFORTABLE
CONVERSATIONS ABOUT PREJUDICE, POWER, AND PATRIOTISM IN AMERICA
8) One Million Reasons to Explore & Discover Your Own City - The Sightseeing Pass Giving Away 1,000,000 Savings Passes in New End of Summer Program
Running now through Labor Day, The Sightseeing Pass encourages locals to rediscover and support their city in their own ‘backyards’ including NYC and Philadelphia
Channeling local wanderlust- see, eat and shop the sights without the crowds
As the ongoing public health crisis continues to impact the travel industry and cities around the globe, The Sightseeing Pass announces a new giveaway program for local residents, where up to one million of its savings passes will be distributed across its 12 partner cities around the United States and Europe, including here in New York City and Philadelphia through its website. The program is designed to support each city and encourage locals to enjoy a staycation right at or close to home without the crowds and the usual summer traffic jams.
The program comes with the mindset of encouraging local wanderlust in and around these cities. Additional cities included in the new Sightseeing Pass program include Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Miami, Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, New Orleans, Smoky Mountains, London, England and Malaga, Costa Del Sol. Program activities vary by city, but a general sampling across all partner cities includes rental cars for weekend getaways between cities, various retail and dining offers, sunset sails for a relaxing escape, walking tours, bike rentals and more.
This discount program provides special offers and savings on outdoor dining, retail and a variety of outdoor activities typically reserved for Sightseeing Pass holders including:
- In New York City: Enjoy the savings and sounds of the water on an iconic clipper vessel with Manhattan by Sail or shop till you drop at New York City’s first outlet destination at Empire Outlets on Staten Island’s North Shore, where a trip on the free Staten Island Ferry provides panoramic views of the Statue of Liberty and NY Harbor. The program also includes a day trip out to wine country in Long Island and the Hudson Valley, along with deals on meals at flavorful restaurants such as Woodpecker Pizza Bar & Grill.
- In Philadelphia: Take a swing at mini golfing in Franklin Square, climb up the steps of the Philadelphia Art Museum on the Rocky Walking Tour, explore the city’s culinary cuisine and history with a meal at City Tavern Restaurant, a place where the country’s founding fathers once dined.
For more information on The Sightseeing Pass, savings program partners and to receive a Savings Pass, visit https://www.sightseeingpass.
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9) TONY AWARD®-WINNING
WILLIAMSTOWN THEATRE FESTIVAL
AND
AUDIBLE
COMMENCE REHEARSALS & REMOTE RECORDING
SESSIONS
FOR THREE PRODUCTIONS AS THEY ANNOUNCE
COMPLETE CASTING
AS PART OF THE UNPRECEDENTED COLLABORATION
TO PRODUCE THE WTF SEASON ON AUDIBLE
“PHOTOGRAPH 51”
ACCLAIMED PLAY BY ANNA ZIEGLER
DIRECTED BY SUSAN STROMAN
ANNA CHLUMSKY JOINED BY
DAVID CORENSWET, STEPHEN KUNKEN,
AASIF MANDVI, OMAR METWALLY, AND
BEN ROSENFIELD
“ANIMALS”
WORLD PREMIERE COMEDY BY STACY OSEI-KUFFOUR
DIRECTED BY WHITNEY WHITE
FEATURING
MADELINE BREWER, JASON BUTLER HARNER,
WILLIAM JACKSON HARPER, AND AJA NAOMI KING
“A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE”
BY TENNESSEE WILLIAMS
DIRECTED BY ROBERT O’HARA
AUDRA McDONALD AND CARLA GUGINO
TO BE JOINED BY
JOEL REUBEN GANZ, JOE GOLDAMMER,
CARMEN HERLIHY,
SULLIVAN JONES, BRIAN LUCAS, STACEY RAYMOND,
CESAR J. ROSADO, AND ARIEL SHARIF
Today, Williamstown Theatre Festival (Mandy Greenfield, Artistic Director) and Audible (Kate Navin, Artistic Producer, Audible Theater) announced casting for three productions: Photograph 51 by Anna Ziegler, directed by Susan Stroman; Animals by Stacy Osei-Kuffour, directed by Whitney White; and A Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams, directed by Robert O’Hara. These three plays will all rehearse and have remote recording sessions this month as part of the upcoming Williamstown Theatre Festival season produced by Audible, the world’s largest producer and provider of original spoken-word entertainment and audiobooks.
In the critically acclaimed new play Photograph 51, previously announced Emmy Award® nominee Anna Chlumsky is joined by David Corenswet, Tony Award® nominee Stephen Kunken, Aasif Mandvi, Tony Award nominee Omar Metwally, and Ben Rosenfield.
The world premiere comedy Animals will feature SAG Award® nominee Madeline Brewer, Jason Butler Harner, 2020 Emmy Award nominee William Jackson Harper, and Aja Naomi King.
A Streetcar Named Desire with previously announced cast members Emmy, Grammy®, and six-time Tony Award winner Audra McDonald and Carla Gugino, will also feature Joel Reuben Ganz, Joe Goldammer, Carmen Herlihy, Sullivan Jones, Brian Lucas, Stacey Raymond, and Cesar J. Rosado.
For the Audible recording, the role of Stanley will be played by Ariel Sharif. Sharif replaces the previously announced Bobby Cannavale who is unable to participate due to a scheduling conflict.
These three productions join the previously announced world premiere of Shakina Nayfack’s new play Chonburi International Hotel & Butterfly Club directed by Laura Savia which recently completed its remote recording sessions. The complete cast features the playwright alongside Ivory Aquino, Kate Bornstein, Liz Lark Brown, SAG Award winner Annie Golden, Bianca Leigh, Telly Leung, Dana Levinson, Pooya Mohseni, Angelica Ross, Ita Segev, Grammy Award nominee Jason Tam, and Samy Nour Younes.
Exact release dates on Audible and additional information about the complete season of seven shows will be announced shortly.
As previously announced, this unprecedented collaboration between two industry leaders, forged during and in response to a fraught moment in history, preserves the Festival season in a different format, provides continued work for the artists involved in the Festival season, and produces a body of work that will be made available for global Audible listeners to enjoy and experience. It also marks the first time that an external theatrical season of work will be produced on Audible. In addition to being available for Audible listeners, the Williamstown Theatre Festival season on Audible will be made available to Williamstown Theatre Festival subscribers and donors. For more information, please visit www.wtfestival.org. For more information about Audible Theater, which makes outstanding performances and powerful storytelling available to millions of people all over the world, please visit www.audible.com/theater.
ABOUT THESE WTF PRODUCTIONS ON AUDIBLE
WORLD PREMIERE
Chonburi International Hotel & Butterfly Club
By Shakina Nayfack
Directed by Laura Savia
With Ivory Aquino, Kate Bornstein, Liz Lark Brown, Annie Golden, Bianca Leigh, Telly Leung, Dana Levinson, Pooya Mohseni, Shakina Nayfack, Angelica Ross, Ita Segev, Jason Tam, and Samy Nour Younes.
In Shakina Nayfack’s world premiere play, a vibrant, international group of transgender women band together at a hotel in Thailand to confront the challenges and joys of gender confirmation surgery. Despite the group’s warm welcome, Kina (Nayfack) prepares for her life-altering operation all alone. But a caring nurse (Ivory Aquino), a wise couple (Kate Bornstein and Annie Golden), and a karaoke-loving bellhop (Telly Leung) may be exactly who she needs to ignite her truest sense of self. WTF Associate Artistic Director Laura Savia directs this spirited comedy about one woman who tests the bonds of an unlikely sisterhood.
Photograph 51
By Anna Ziegler
Directed by Susan Stroman
With Anna Chlumsky, David Corenswet, Stephen Kunken, Aasif Mandvi, Omar Metwally, and Ben Rosenfield.
In 1951, chemist Rosalind Franklin (Anna Chlumsky) works relentlessly in her King’s College London lab, closing in on a major discovery that could unlock the mysteries of the DNA molecule. Undermined by her colleague Maurice Wilkins (Omar Metwally), she struggles to compete with rival team Watson and Crick (David Corenswet and Aasif Mandvi) as pressure intensifies to produce results. Following a critically acclaimed run in London, Anna Ziegler’s play is brought to life in a new production directed by five-time Tony Award winner Susan Stroman, honoring the monumental contribution of one scientist with two X chromosomes whom history nearly left behind.
WORLD PREMIERE
Animals
By Stacy Osei-Kuffour
Directed by Whitney White
With Madeline Brewer, Jason Butler Harner, William Jackson Harper, and Aja Naomi King.
Lydia (Aja Naomi King) and Henry (Jason Butler Harner)’s dinner guests (Madeline Brewer and William Jackson Harper) are about to arrive when Henry’s spontaneous marriage proposal threatens to burn the evening to a crisp. Wine bottles and years of unspoken tensions are uncorked, and, before the evening is through, Lydia must confront her long-held fears and feelings if she’s going to commit to a future with Henry. Directed by Whitney White, Stacy Osei-Kuffour’s world premiere comedy marches into the muddy intersection of romantic entanglement, identity, pride, and survival.
A Streetcar Named Desire
By Tennessee Williams
Directed by Robert O’Hara
With Joel Reuben Ganz, Joe Goldammer, Carla Gugino, Carmen Herlihy, Sullivan Jones, Brian Lucas, Audra McDonald, Stacey Raymond, Cesar J. Rosado, and Ariel Sharif.
Following his 2019 production of A Raisin in the Sun, celebrated as “an absorbing, watershed revival,” by The New York Times, Robert O’Hara returns to Williamstown Theatre Festival to direct this Tennessee Williams masterpiece. With Emmy, Grammy, and six-time Tony Award winner Audra McDonald as Blanche DuBois alongside Carla Gugino as Stella, O’Hara takes a fresh and visceral look at the emotionally charged relationship between these two iconic sisters. Haunted by her past, Blanche seeks refuge with Stella and Stanley (Ariel Sharif) in New Orleans, where she wrestles with the nature of her sister’s husband, her sister’s denial, and her own unraveling mind.
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And that's the scoop. Tune in tomorrow for another Talking Topic.
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