The World Premiere of
Directions for Restoring the Apparently Dead
by Martin Casella is today!
And tickets are still available for the performance tonight at 7:30!
|
|
 | |
From left to right Patrick Gannon, Patrick Rybarczyk*, and Nick Stockwell* in
Directions for Restoring the Apparently Dead by Martin Casella.
|
|
|
 It has been just over a year since I first read Directions for Restoring the Apparently Dead, a funny and moving new play by Martin Casella.
The story is beautiful and haunting, as time is woven together to tell the story of two men - best friends since age 12 - whose paths diverged. Now in their late 40's, they meet for a weekend in England's Lake District. Their hopes, dreams and experiences are relived with powerful humor and drama. It is unlike any other play I have worked on, and it has taken the four actors, a team of great designers, and the playwright along on a journey with wonderful highs and grand challenges.
I guarantee this play about friendship and marriage will entertain you and make you think. Your attendance will support Pride Films and Plays as we continue to move great scripts past the reading stage into the fully realized productions that they need to be.
-David Zak, Executive Director |
 | |
From left to right Patrick Gannon, Alanda Coon, and Patrick Rybarczyk
|
Of course, no work comes to the stage is realized by actors and directors alone. In this case, you will enjoy beautiful work from lighting designer Raphael Schwartzman*, costume designer Emma Weber, sound designer Kate Wecker, and set designer Ashley Ann Woods. Their work, along with that of Production Stage Manager/Assistant Director Rebekah Cole, makes this truly a very special evening of theater.
|
|
*Denotes PFP Artistic Ensemble Member
|
Enter the 2013
Great Gay Play Contest by October 31. Find entry information here.
All Production Photos by Michael Brosilow
| |
|
|
|
|
|
Performances are Thursday, Friday, Saturday at 7:30 and Sunday at 3:00 through November 10 at Stage 773, 1225 West Belmont.
| |
|
|
|
 |
 The developmental process for Directions... has been exciting. It was an entry in last year's Great Gay Play Contest, and read by judges around the country who ranked it as one of five finalists.
It was then performed as an enhanced staged reading in May in the Center on Halsted's Hoover-Leppen Theater featuring the three men who are in the cast today - Patrick Rybarczyk, Patrick Gannon, and Nick Stockwell - directed by PFP Artistic Ensemble member Charles Berglund. Marty was here for that reading, and Directions... got a great response, and was named the winner of the contest.
I directed another more fully staged reading in July at Chandler Center for the Arts in Randolph, Vermont, with a different cast, which Marty again attended. It was so helpful to have rehearsal time to get the show on its feet, and get more audience feedback.
We went into rehearsal a few weeks ago in Chicago with Alanda Coon assuming the all-important role of Bea.
All along the route, the process has been full of excitement and learning for us all. I know audiences in Chicago - and eventually across the country - will enjoy the friendship of Jinx and Griff, and the complicated lives they share.
Now is the time to purchase your tickets here.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Simply Sensational 3!
Join celebrity host Dean Richards from WGN, who will be ably assisted by comedian/performer Richard Pryor, Jr., as they welcome some of the great entertainers from Chicago's broad landscape of musical theater and cabaret talent for "Simply Sensational 3" to benefit Pride Films and Plays!. The program will be performed in the thrust space of Stage 773, 1225 West Belmont, on Monday, October 28, 2013.
VIP ticket holders are invited to sample food with a cash bar at Coopers (across the street from Stage 773) at 6. They will also have reserved seating for the performance which begins at 7.
All ticket holders will receive complimentary draft beer or wine from the Stage 773 bar! Intermission features a tasting of a special cocktail mixed for the event by Crew Bar + Grill with Halsted Vodka, and desserts from great Chicago establishments including The Hearty Boys, Bittersweet, Eli's Cheesecake, Penny's Pastries and Taste of Heaven.
There will also be fabulous door prizes, including round trip airfare for two to Mexico or the Caribbean on Delta Airlines donated by GayOrbitz.com ($1400 value), as well as theater tickets, dinners and more.
The event is sponsored in part by Halsted Vodka, Orbitz and The Advocate .
Tickets for Simply Sensational 3 are $50 for VIP reserved center section seating and $25 general admission, and can be purchased here!Don't miss a great night which will be, well, Simply Sensational!
|
|
|
|
Pride Films and Plays
David Zak, Executive Director
John Nasca, Patrick Rybarczyk, Derek Van Barham,
Alexander St. John, Kyra Morris Artistic Associates
Allison Fradkin, Literary Coordinator, Women's Work
PPF Artistic Ensemble
Charles A. Berglund, Derek Bertelsen, David Besky, Tom Chiola,
Kris Hyland, Kelley Keough, David Leeper, Joan McGrath, Michelle McKenzie-Voigt, James Nedrud, Robert Ollis, Beth Richards, Nelson Rodriguez, Raphael Schwartzman, Nick Stockwell, Kevin Webb
PFP Writers Network
Marilynn Barner Anselmi, Pat Branch, Martin Casella, Howard Casner,
Sean Chandler, Trish Cole, Dylan Costello,Tyler Dean Kempf, Corinne J. Kawecki,
Benjamin V. Marshall, Kari Morris, Dennis Nivens, Perry Ojeda, Leo Schwartz,
Kirt Shineman, Dennis Shinners, George Smart, Ethan Steers, Enrique Urueta,
Vanda, Kevin Michael West, Thomas Ziegler
Keith Stoneking, President Tom Chiola, Vice-President
Rebecca Kling, Treasurer Curtis Ksenak, Secretary
John Nasca, Steve Needham, Mike Weaver, David Zak
|
|
|
|
|
Pride Films and Plays, 2215 West Giddings, Chicago, IL 60625 773 250 3112
|
|
|
|
