PLANET CONNECTIONS THEATRE FESTIVITY begins June 1

The Planet Connections Theatre Festivity, New York's premiere eco-friendly/socially-conscious theatre festival, is proud to announce this year’s line-up which include new works, musicals, adaptations, one-acts, solo shows and more. Each show will partner with a not-for-profit organization and will implement green-theater sensibility into their productions. This year’s Festivity, including over 50 productions, will run June 1 - June 26, 2011 at the Robert Moss Theater (440 Lafayette Street), and the Gene Frankel Theatre (24 Bond Street).

"As we embark on season three, I am delighted by the paths to greatness presented by the new artists and old colleagues," said Glory Kadigan, Executive Director of the Festivity. “The festivity is chocked full of established artists who are ambitiously and professionally producing new works in our fun and festive environment. I always look forward to seeing our artists' productions and know this year, just as in the past, I will amaze at the quality of work our artists put on the stage. As our eco-friendly community blossoms, I watch as our community supports each other and the world at large."

---

Organizations that will benefit from the productions at the festivity include National Disaster Search Dog Foundation, Brooklyn/NY Public Library, Cedars, Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, RAINN, Hollaback NYC, MCC Homeless Youth Service-Sylvia’s Place, Amnesty International, PFLAG, Girls, Inc, Christopher and Dana Reed Foundation, United Way of NYC, Lower East Side Ecology Center, Hogar Bambi (Venezuelan Orphanage), LGBT Center of NY,  National Council for Adoption, EMBARQ, http://isurvive.org/isurvive.org, Sloan-Kettering Cancer Research, Gynecologic Cancer Foundation, Adoptaplatoon.org, World Wildlife Foundation, Children’s Aid Society, Veterans of Foreign Wars,  Broadway Cares/ Equity Fights AIDS,  GrowNYC, Marriage Equality New York, CEDARS, Suicide Prevention International, People’s Institute for Survival and Beyond, Coalition for Hispanic Families in Queens, Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, The New York Blood Center, Reporters Without Borders, Play For Pink, Sierra Club, Nonprofit Enterprise and Self-Sustainability Team, The All-American Girls Professional Baseball League, and WIN.

*press are invited to all performances* (unless otherwise notified)

FULL PRODUCTIONS

ANTENORA

Written by: Mike Poblete
Directed by: Ruis Woertendyke
A Backyart Production’s performance benefiting Amnesty International

Two ordinary men are ripped out of their lives and thrown into an anonymous prison where
torture is part of life. This darkly comic but poignant work draws the audience in to share its
thoroughly contemporary story of survival, companionship and imagination.

Running Time: 75 mins.
Performance Location: The Robert Moss Theater, 440 Lafayette Street, 3rd Floor
Performance Dates: Thurs. June 2nd 4pm | Sat. June 4th 3:40pm | Sun. June 5th 9pm
9th 8:30pm | Sat. June 18th 8:40pm | Mon. June 20th 6pm

*

BOMB SHELTER

Written by: Kimberly Pau
Directed by: Eric Mercado
For the benefit of NY Public Library (Brooklyn)

A scavenger play about one family’s honor and the right to kill.

Running Time: 80mins
Performance Location: The Gene Frankel Theatre, 24 Bond St.
Performance Dates: Thurs. June 2nd 5pm | Fri. June 3rd 8:30pm | Sun. June 5th 9pm
11th 1pm | Sun. June 12th 9pm

*

CARRY ON

Written by: Jim Tierney
Directed by: Diánna Martin
For the benefit of CEDARS

A lonely NYPD officer and a trauma nurse are stranded together on the infamous night of a
former Beatle’s death. Although an unlikely pair, they are able to find a glimpse of hope in one
another amidst a night of tragedy.

Running Time: 70mins
Performance Location: The Gene Frankel Theatre, 24 Bond St.
Performance Dates: Wed. June 1st 7:30pm | Sat. June 4th 3pm | Sun. June 5th 5pm
10 9:30pm | Tues. June 21st 5pm | Thurs. June 23rd 8:30pm

*

www.kampfirefilmspr.com • 917-438-9223 • [email protected]

CECILE

Written by: Jean Anouilh
Translated and Directed by: Victoria Crutchfield
For the benefit of the NY Public Library (Brooklyn)

Fashions change but sexual intrigue is always in. In this delightful “piece brillante”, the great
French playwright Jean Anouilh dresses up his natural cyncism in the style of a Moliere farce.
Dressed up in the fantastically frivolous outfits of this era - a modern take on a modern take.

Running Time: 75mins
Performance Location: The Gene Frankel Theatre, 24 Bond St.
Performance Dates: Wed. June 1st 9:30pm | Thur. June 2nd 7pm | Sat. June 4th 11am
6th 5pm | Fri. June 10th 7:45pm | Sat. June 12th 3pm

*

CODE NAME: OPERATION LYSISTRATA!

Written and Directed by: Yvette Heyliger
Music by: Larry Farrow
Choreographed by: Yvonne Farrow
A Twinbiz production benefiting adoptaplatoon.org

First Lady Laura Bush tries to enlist wives of the architects of the impending war in Iraq in a
preemptive sex strike—will she succeed?

Running Time: 2hrs.
Performance Location: The Robert Moss Theater, 440 Lafayette Street, 3rd Floor
Performance Dates: Tues. June 7 8:15pm | Fri. June 10 4:30pm |Sun. June 121:30pm
June 13th 4pm | Thurs June 16 6pm | Sat June 18 6:10pm

*

A CORDIAL INVITATION

Written and Directed by: J.C. Svec
A Tribe Productions performance benefiting the National Disaster Search Dog Foundation

For the bride and groom, a wedding reception is the culminating celebration with family and
friends. It can also be a time of social stress, produced by romantic anticipation, second
guesses and ill-fated dates. You are cordially invited to witness three such incidents.

Running Time: 90mins
Performance Location: The Gene Frankel Theatre, 24 Bond St.
Performance Dates: Mon. June 13th 6:30pm | Wed. June 15th 8pm | Sat. June 19th 12pm
21st 7pm | Thurs. June 23rd 4:30pm | Sat. June 25th 8:30pm

*

www.kampfirefilmspr.com • 917-438-9223 • [email protected]

THE DECLARATION

Written and Directed by: Rick Leidenfrost-Wilson
An Off Sides Entertainment Production benefitting Marriage Equality New York

Spurred by the anti-marriage vote, a gay teacher decides to run for the New York Senate. As
this unlikely candidate campaigns to change a broken system and champion the lives of others,
his own life comes under fire and he finds himself fighting to protect his career, friendships, and
family.

Running Time: 125mins
Performance Location: The Robert Moss Theater, 440 Lafayette Street, 3rd Floor
Performance Dates: Weds. June 1st 6:30pm | Mon. June 6th 6:30pm | Sun. June 12th 8p
19th 5:45pm | Sat. June 25th 8pm | Sun. June 26th 1pm

*

ETHAN’S PEOPLE

Written by: Richard L. Gaw
Directed by: Rose Ginsberg
For the benefit of the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research

On the day of an American tragedy a young boy composes a nursery rhyme, words that form
the centerpiece of a story about lives shattered in the wake of unspeakable horror.

Running Time: 75mins
Performance Location: The Gene Frankel Theatre, 24 Bond St.
Performance Dates: Sat. June 4th 7pm | Sun. June 5th 9pm | Sun. June 12th 11am
13th 4:30pm | Fri. June 24th 6pm | Sat. June 25th 1pm

*

THE FATHER

Written by: August Strindberg
Directed by: Oscar Mendoza
A The Mush-Room Theatre Design production benefitting CEDARS

In order to win an argument over how to raise their daughter, a woman tricks her husband into
thinking that he is not the biological father.

Running Time: 90mins
Performance Location: The Robert Moss Theater, 440 Lafayette Street, 3rd Floor
Performance Dates: Sat. June 11th 12pm | Mon. June 13th 6:30pm | Sun. June 19th 1:30pm
21st 6pm | Fri. June 24th 8:45pm | Sat. June 25th 2:00pm

*

FIDELITY

Written and Directed by: Larry Schwartz
For the benefit of RAINN

www.kampfirefilmspr.com • 917-438-9223 • [email protected]

Tom and Alison are married and decimating their relationship...maybe even each other. A
dark, comedic thriller about a modern relationship—with deceit, betrayal, and the need to feel
wanted…all at any cost.

Running Time: 80mins
Performance Location: The Gene Frankel Theatre, 24 Bond St.
Performance Dates: Fri. June 10th 4pm | Sat. June 11th 11am | Sun. June 12th 7pm

*

FINDING ELIZABETH TAYLOR

Written by: Elizabeth Taylor
Directed by: Morgan Gould
For the benefit of Hollaback! NYC

What does it feel like to be the most beautiful woman in the world? THIS Elizabeth Taylor
certainly doesn’t know. Between skinny, blond roommates, monstrous treadmills and an
infamous pair of ill-fitting Bongo jeans, it’s a wonder she can make it to her Overeaters
Anonymous meeting on time. Will Elizabeth ever find her true self because of, and despite, a
legendary name?

Running Time: 75mins
Performance Location: The Gene Frankel Theatre, 24 Bond St.
Performance Dates: Wed. June 15th 6:00pm | Thur. June 16th 5:00pm | Sun. June 19th 4:00pm Mon.
June 20th 8:30pm | Wed. June 22nd 5:30 pm | Sat. June 25th 6:30pm

*

GOLIATH

Written by: Rivera Takeo
Directed by: Alex Mallory
A Poetic Theater Productions performance benefiting Veterans of Foreign Wars

Goliath is a choreopoem addressing the Iraq war’s effect on American idealism. An exploration
of manhood and war, of violence at home and abroad, Goliath paints an intimate portrait of a

soldier who has lived a life “too big, too real, too normal” to allow him peace.

Running Time: 80 mins
Performance Location: The Robert Moss Theater, 440 Lafayette Street, 3rd Floor
Performance Dates:
Weds. June 1st 9:05pm | Sat. June 4th 9pm | Sun. June 5th 1:15pm | Tues. June 7th 6:15pm | Sat. June
11th 6:15pm | Sat. June 18th 2:00pm

*

HE’S NOT HIMSELF

Written by: Marc Silverberg

www.kampfirefilmspr.com • 917-438-9223 • [email protected]

Directed by: Michael Pantone
For the benefit of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids

Gene has a problem: he is living a double life, involved in a diamond heist, wanted as a fugitive,
and has no idea that any of this is happening! HE’S NOT HIMSELF is a musical comedy
inspired by George Gershwin’s PARDON MY ENGLISH.

Running Time: 90mins
Performance Location: The Robert Moss Theater, 440 Lafayette Street, 3rd Floor
Performance Dates: Weds. June 1st 4:30pm | Fri. June 3rd 8:10pm | Sun. June 5th 5:00pm
June 11th 2:00pm | Sun. June 12th 4:00pm | Fri. June 17th 6:00pm

*

HELL IS WHERE THE HEART IS

Written by: Melissa Skirboll
Directed by: Thom Fogarty
For the benefit of MCC Homeless Youth Service- Sylvia’s Place

A comedic look at sibling rivalry and dysfunctional families, fueled by bad dreams and unreliable
psychic gifts. As circumstances force the sisters to confront their past, long buried family secrets
surface. This family comedy meets theatre of the absurd, as reality shifts.

Running Time: 90mins
Performance Location: The Gene Frankel Theatre, 24 Bond St.
Performance Dates: Fri. June 3rd 6:00pm | June 4th 1:00 pm | Thur. June 9th 4:00pm
14th 8:00pm | Thur. June 16th 7:00pm | Sat. June 18th 4:00pm

*

HUMMINGBIRDS

Written by: Jonathan Wallace
Directed by: Karen Raphaeli
For the benefit of Amnesty International

Hummingbird and Holly love computer games, Micky D’s french fries, and their day job, flying
pilotless drones for the CIA.

Running Time: 90mins
Performance Location: The Gene Frankel Theatre, 24 Bond St.
Performance Dates: Wed. June 1st 7:30pm | Sun. June 5th 7:00pm | Fri. June 17th 5:00pm
19th 2:00pm | Fri. June 24th 8:00pm

*

I AM SINGLE

Written by: Michelle Slonim and Adrienne Sterm
Directed by: Michael Schiralli

www.kampfirefilmspr.com • 917-438-9223 • [email protected]

A Date My Jewish Friend, Inc. production benefitting Eldridge Street Synagague

Everyone knows, you’re more likely to meet someone when you’re either not looking,
unavailable or at a wedding.  It is Michelle's wedding day, and instead of having a wedding
reception Michelle is hosting a dating show to help the singles in the house find love, too.  But,
as Michelle soon learns, sometimes before we can help others find love we have to first help
ourselves.

Running Time: 90 Mins
Performance Location: The Robert Moss Theater, 440 Lafayette Street, 3rd Floor
Performance Dates: Mon. June 20th 4pm | Wed. June 22nd 6pm |Thurs. June 23rd 8:10pm Sat. June
25th 4pm

*

LOOSE WOMEN OF LOW CHARACTER

Written by: Mary Belmont
Directed by: Shauna Horn
For the benefit of Girls Inc.

On the edge of a desert town, passing strangers tell this mosaic of humor, pain, pleasure and
confessions of being “loose women of low character”.

Loose women of low character (noun): a female of low moral regard, referred to in a sexual
nature as bad, naughty, slut, slammy, ho, hussy, tramp or trick.

Running Time: 75mins
Performance Location: The Gene Frankel Theatre, 24 Bond St.
Performance Dates: Tues. June 7th 6:00pm | Sat. June 11th 7:00pm | Mon. June 13th 8:30pm
June 18th 12:00pm | Thurs. June 23rd 6:30pm | Fri. June 24th 4: 00pm

*

THE OTHER DAY

Written by: Mark Jason Williams
Directed by: Valentina Fratti
For the benefit of the Hetrick-Martin Institute

After the sudden death of his longtime boyfriend, Mark travels to Amsterdam to fulfill a promise.
But when Mark’s luggage-containing his lover’s ashes-turns up missing, he embarks on a
journey filled with heartbreak, humor and unexpected romance that will redefine his life-- with
surprising results.

Running Time: 75mins
Performance Location: The Robert Moss Theater, 440 Lafayette Street, 3rd Floor
Performance Dates: Thurs. June 2nd 8pm | Sat. June 4th 7:15pm | Sun. June 5th 3:15pm
18th 12:00pm | Tues. June 21st 4:00pm | Weds. June 22nd 8:00pm

www.kampfirefilmspr.com • 917-438-9223 • [email protected]

*

OUT OF ASKJA

Written by: Drew Larimore
Directed by: Jesse Edward Rosbrow
A Small Pond Entertainment Production benefiting tbd.

Caroline Miller fell off a volcano, not just any volcano, Askja, in the middle of Iceland. Torn
between her research for her latest project and a budding romance with the volcano’s cowboy
overseer, Caroline is attempting to do the impossible-- get out of Askja before Askja gets her.

Running Time: 90mins
Performance Location: The Robert Moss Theater, 440 Lafayette Street, 3rd Floor
Performance Dates: Sat. June 4th 1:40pm | Sun. June 5th 7:00pm | Thurs. June 9th 6:30pm
10th 9:00pm | Thurs. June 16th 4:00pm | Thurs. June 23rd 6:10pm

*

THE SLOW, TORTUROUS LOVE AFFAIR OF STATEN ISLAND & PERTH AMBOY

Written by: Alexis Kozak
Directed by: Jesse Edward Rosbrow
A PCTF intern production

When Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox eat their way across the country from California
to Perth Amboy, NJ, what’s to stop them from devouring NYC’s most underrated borough,
Staten Island?! Special appearances by Staten Island, Perth Amboy, an earthquake, Benjamin
Franklin, a flock of seagulls, and some crabs!

Run Time: 1hr
Performance Location: The Robert Moss Theater, 440 Lafayette Street, 3rd Floor
Performance Dates: Wed. June 22nd 4:00pm | Sat. June 25th 6:00pm

*

SWEETER DREAMS

Written and Directed by: Duncan Pflaster
For the benefit of the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation

A rising independent filmmaker must choose between the two men she loves: her husband and
her star actor. Meanwhile, a critic with a grudge is attempting to spoil her success.

Running Time: 90 mins
Performance Location: The Gene Frankel Theatre, 24 Bond St.
Performance Dates: Thur. June 2nd 9:00pm | Sat. June 4th 9:00pm |Sun. June 5th 1:00pm
Tues. June
7th 4:00pm | Sat. June 11th 5:00pm |Sat. June 18th 6:00pm | Tue. June 21st 9:00pm Sat. June 25th
3:00pm

*

THE TRAMAINE EXPERIENCE: AN URBAN DRAMEDY

Written by: Tramaine Montell Ford
Directed by: Bill Johnson
For the benefit of the United Way of NYC

A fresh, hip, art-house theatrical work emerging from a burgeoning generation of thought
performance art. Tramaine Montell Ford takes us on a hilarious journey to The Carbrini Green
Projects and highlights the humanity we all share beyond stereotypes, in this one-man dramatic
comedy!

Running Time: 75mins
Performance Location: The Gene Frankel Theatre, 24 Bond St.
Performance Dates: Tues. June 14th 6:00pm | Thur. June 16th 9:00pm |Sun. June 19th 9:00pm

*

TULUPA, OR ANNE&ME

Written by: Shawn C. Harris
Directed by: Sara Lyons
Produced by the Crossroads Theatre Project benefiting The People’s Institute for Survival and
Beyond

A strange friendship begins with an artist whose lonely world gets turned upside down when
Anne Hathaway crawls out of her television. As the friendship blossoms, they begin to examine
how race impacts their lives as women, as friends, and as human beings.

Running Time: 90mins
Performance Location: The Robert Moss Theater, 440 Lafayette Street, 3rd Floor
Performance Dates: Thur. June 2nd 6:00pm | Fri. June 3rd 4:00pm | Thur. June 16th 8:00pm
June 19th 8:15pm

*

TWO DAYS ‘TIL DAWN

Written by: Tyler Ham Pong
Directed by: Laura Sisskin-Fernandez
For the benefit of the Lower East Side Ecology Center

A troubled writer risks his grasp on reality in search of inspiration. Disconnecting from his family,
and with potentially more at stake, he seeks salvation through the advice given by the ghosts of
three literary figures.

Running Time: 50mins
Performance Location: The Gene Frankel Theatre, 24 Bond St.
Performance Dates: Wed. June 8th 9:30pm | Sat. June 11th 3:00pm | Sun. June 19th 6:00pm
June 22nd 7:00pm | Sat. June 25th 5:00pm

www.kampfirefilmspr.com • 917-438-9223 • [email protected]

*

WANDERLUST

Written and Directed by: Leslie Guyton
A production by Movement Workshop Group benefiting the New York Blood Center

WANDERLUST (fire) ignites life into a story of cosmic love, inner conflict and forgiveness.

Through a landscape of light bulbs, a live rock band and five extraordinary actors/dancers bring
to life Movement Workshop Group’s newest work, WANDERLUST.

Running Time: 90mins
Performance Location: The Robert Moss Theater, 440 Lafayette Street, 3rd Floor
Performance Dates: Wed. June 8th 6:30pm | Sun. June 12th 11:30am | Mon. June 13th 8:30pm Mon. June
20th 8:00pm | Fri. June 24th 4:30pm | Sat. June 25th 12:00pm

*

WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE

Written by: Maria Alexandra Beech
Directed by: Michelle Bossy
For the benefit of Hogar Bambi (Venezuelan Orphanage)

As an actress performs a play about a woman’s relationship, she is unexpectedly confronted by
her ex-boyfriend in the audience. As the actress struggles with her thoughts, both the actress
and the character grapple with unresolved love.

Running Time: 90mins
Performance Location: The Gene Frankel Theatre, 24 Bond St.
Performance Dates: Sat. June 4th 5:00pm | Sun. June 5th 3:00pm | Mon. June 6th 7:00pm
June 9th 8:00pm | Sat. June 11th 9:00pm |Sun. June 12th 1:00pm

EVENINGS OF MULTIPLE PRODUTIONS

A EVENING OF ONE ACTS:
For the benefit of the World Wildlife Foundation

GALILEO THE MUSICAL Written by Marisol Tirelli Rivera Directed by Jenny Fersch

After an interrogation by Conservative Senators on climate change research, NASA
Administrator, Dr. John Holden embarks on a soulful journey to the past in the life of Galileo
Galilei in his quest to save the environment and preserve intellectual freedom.

THE GOD PARTICLE Written by Christina Gorman Directed by Joan Kane

On a winter’s night in Switzerland, Gavin and Izzy collide in what appears to be sexual
attraction. They quickly find out that it is something much different, and much more scientific.
With particles flying, not even they know what’s in store for them.


THE MATRA INDIA Translated, Adapted and Directed by Roi “Bubi” Escudero

The matra’s textile arose from thousand-year-old indigenous cultures. In Argentina, this small
blanket has been a component of the gauchos’ vestments for centuries. It’s been used on top
of the horse as part of the apero (mount), and at night it gives shelter to the gauchos arrieros
(riders).

Running Time: 1 hr 45mins
Performance Location: The Robert Moss Theater, 440 Lafayette Street, 3rd Floor
Performance Dates: Weds. June 8th 8:30pm | Sat. June 11th 4pm | Weds. June 15th 6:30pm
19th 3:30pm | Sat. June 25th 12pm

*

INFLUENCES and FREEDOM TOWER
For the benefit of St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital

INFLUENCES

Written by Fidel Fontenboa
Taking place over the course of one week, INFLUENCES is a study in how friends can change
the dynamics of a family.  Sometimes for the better and sometimes now.

FREEDOM TOWER

Written by Gabrielle Fox
FREEDOM TOWER: A couple struggles with the right way to grieve the loss of their children
post-9/11

Running Time: 75 mins
Performance Location: The Robert Moss Theater, 440 Lafayette Street, 3rd Floor
Performance Dates: Fri. June 10th 7:00pm | Sat. June 11th 8:15pm | Tue. June 14th 8:40pm
15th 4:30pm

*

FACE DIVIDED & THE MUTILATION OF ST. BARBARA
FACE DIVIDED

Written by: Edward Allen Baker and Mark Brokov
Directed by: Karen Giordano

THE MUTILATION OF ST. BARBARA

Written and Directed by: Mark Borkowski

An Indies Lab Production benefiting the Actor’s Fund or Rehabilitation Through the Arts

Two character driven pieces exploring the dynamic between couples clinging to one another,
long after the relationships’ expiration date.

Running Time: 80 minutes
Performance Location: The Robert Moss Theater, 440 Lafayette Street, 3rd Floor


Performance Dates: Sat. June 4th 5:30pm | Mon. June 6th 9:00pm | Weds. June 8th 4:30pm
12th 6:00pm | Fri. June 17th 8:00pm | Sun. June 19th 11:30am

*

MONSTER and HOLD

MONSTER

Written by: Sabrina M. Patterson, Directed by: Gregory Allen
For the benefit of RAINN

Annie’s mind is broke. The sole witness to the brutal murder of her father, can she put the
pieces back together and identify the killer? Who is the victim and the perpetrator in this story of
unthinkable acts and damage that can’t be undone?

HOLD

Written by Ruben Carabajal, Directed by: Kelly Johnston
For the benefit of the Suicide Prevention International

A dark, absurdist comedy about a man who calls into a suicide prevention hotline for help and
keeps getting put on hold. Each successive person he encounters is stranger, funnier and more
disjointed than the next, until he encounters his worst fears over the phone.

Running Time: 75mins
Performance Location: The Gene Frankel Theatre, 24 Bond St.
Performance Dates: Tues. June 7th 8:00pm | Wed. June 8th 4:00pm | Sun. June 12th 5pm
June 18th 2:00pm | Sun. June 19th 7:30pm | Mon. June 20th 6:30pm

*

THE STRANGER TO KINDNESS and ROPE OF SANDS
Two one-acts dealing with non-communication, tragedy and loss by award winning playwrights
David Stallings and Toni Seger.

THE STRANGER TO KINDNESS

Written by David Stallings
Directed by: Heather Cohn
A Goode Production benefiting the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program
Years of routine bind Lena and Nance, two lonely senior women from the Upper West Side.
When Nance no longer answers her door, Lena take on herself to call the police and her friend’s
family. What arrives is a strange dose of animosity and generousness from unlikely places.

ROPE OF SANDS

Written by Toni Seger
Directed by: Reneé Rodriguez
A Curious Frog Theatre Company production benefiting the Coalition for Hispanic Family in
Queens.

Running Time: 90mins

Performance Location: The Robert Moss Theater, 440 Lafayette Street, 3rd Floor
Performance Dates: Fri. June 3rd 6:00pm | Sat. June 4th 11:30am | Tues. June 14th 6:30pm
15th 8:45pm |Sat. June 18th 4:00pm | Thurs. June 23rd 4pm

*

WOMAN IN THE DARK and BECOMING EMMA GOLDMAN

WOMAN IN THE DARK

Written by Elizabeth Murray
Directed by Erika Iverson
For the benefit of Amnesty International

Dangling between hilarity and terror, a young woman is trapped in an elevator above Grand
Central Station during the Blackout of 2003. Elizabeth Alice Murray takes on multiple characters
as she recounts her journey from panic and anxiety to resentment and optimistic mania as
she befriends and alienates her elevator fellows and reflects upon the larger questions and
possibilities of “being in the dark.”

BECOMING EMMA GOLDMAN

Written and directed by Maggie Surovell
For the benefit of Madre

When Anna finds Emma Goldman’s autobiography on her grandmother’s bookshelf and then
Eygpt, Wisconsin, and Japan hit the news, her New York City reality unexpectedly shatters.
How will she support Emma’s fight for unions, anarchism, and free love with a daily deal from
Groupon in her inbox?

Running Time: 75mins
Performance Location: The Gene Frankel Theatre, 24 Bond St.
Performance Dates: Fri. June 10th 6:00pm |Tue. June 14th 4:00pm |Sat. June 18th 8:00pm

READINGS
All readings will be followed by a talk-back in the lounge.

ALL’S FAIR (Six Western)

Written by: Sergei Burbank
Directed by: Leah Bonvissuto
A Conflict of Interest Theater Company’s production benefitting Reporters without Borders

Emily’s Patterson’s husband is held captive in Palestine. Working for his release, she discovers
an ongoing affair with his ex-wife. When he seemingly returns out of thin air, Emily must turn to
her rival for help discerning truth from fiction, as her wildest dream becomes a nightmare.

Running Time: 90mins
Performance Location: The Robert Moss Theater, 440 Lafayette Street, 3rd Floor

Reading Date: Mon. June 13th 2:00pm

*

BECKY NEEDS TO GET LAID

Written by: Olivia Lilley
For the benefit of the LGBT Center of NY

Becky, the kind of girl never far from a leopard print anything, is tired of having crazy
adventures, every other night, that often result in her banging some extremely hot guy. Tonight,
she’s got a date with the bassist of emo band, “One More Cut”.

Quint, the kind of boy determined to be a husband and father by the time he’s twenty-four,
lives in the apartment next door and just proposed to his girlfriend of three years, Lucy.
 
When Becky finds out about Quint & Lucy, she decides the only way she can go through with
this date is if it's a party...

Running Time: 90mins
Performance Location: The Gene Frankel Theatre, 24 Bond St.
Reading Date: Tuesday June 21st 2pm

*

DIALING FOR DONNA

Written by: Pam Monk and Stacy Glen Tibbetts
Director: TBD
Music Director: Markus Hauck
An Original Theatre Works production benefitting Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids

Flamboyant radio advice show host Donna Corleone enjoys the support of her loyal Brooklyn-
Italian listeners. But what will she do when her scheming ex-lover returns to the neighborhood,
hoping to buy out her station? Loyalty and community bonds are tested in this family-friendly
new musical. “Melodious!” – Peter Filichia

Running Time: 90mins
Reading Location: The Robert Moss Theater, 440 Lafayette Street, 3rd Floor
Reading Date: Friday June 24th 12:00pm

*

DISENCHANTED

Book, Lyrics and Music by: Nikki M. Jenkins
Directed by: Aaron M. Pratt
Music Director: Brad Gardner
For the benefit of Play for Pink


Once upon a time, in a far-away land called Manhattan, there lived a socialite named Mandi.
Blonde, beautiful, and unbelievably rich, this paparazzi princess led a fairytale life. But alas!
Unbeknownst to Mandi, she had been living under the spell of a terrible white lie, and her world
was about to come tumbling down.

Running Time: 90mins
Reading Location: The Robert Moss Theater, 440 Lafayette Street, 3rd Floor
Reading Date: Tuesday June 21st 2:00pm

*

FRACK YOU!

Written by: Laura Jacobs Cunningham
Directed by: Katherine Bacon
A Parlor City’s Players production benefitting the Sierra Club

Molly, a fire-breathing environmentalist, opposes fracking the Catskills because it could
jeopardize Manhattan’s water supply. Nozmo wants his land fracked for big bucks. Frick and
Frack, gay welders for Henley Drilling, are just happy to have jobs. Add Joe,  Molly’s boyfriend,
and clueless Charlie to the toxic mix and stand back!

Running Time: 40mins
Reading Location: The Robert Moss Theater, 440 Lafayette Street, 3rd Floor
Reading Date: Thursday June 9th 2:30pm

*

FRONTIER

Written by: Robin Rice Lichtig
Directed by: Joan Kane
An Ego Actus production benefiting the Lower East Side Ecology Center

After an environmental tragedy, Aurora turns to activism. Following years of futile effort, she
falls in love and abandons her efforts to make a home with her tv-addicted husband. Things go
from bad to worse. Would howls warnings. Mother Nature rumbles. Political leaders are obtuse.
Mankind balances on the edge.

Running Time: 90mins
Reading Location: The Robert Moss Theater, 440 Lafayette Street, 3rd Floor
Reading Dates: Thursday, June 23rd at 12:00pm

*

FULANA

Written by: Felippe Ossa
Directed by: Leah Bonvissuto
A production benefitting the Nonprofit Enterprise and Self-Sustainability Team

Fulana is a young foreigner with a shady identity who finds work serving two dinner parties in a
wealthy Upper East Side co-op. But there are problems. The hostesses are hostile neighbors,
the dinners are at the same time, and Fulana’s entrées are so good they might just be criminal.

Running Time: 120mins
Reading Location: The Robert Moss Theater, 440 Lafayette Street, 3rd Floor
Reading Dates: Wednesday June 8th 2:00pm

*

HOWLING HILDA

Book and Lyrics by: Anne Berlin
Music By: Andrew Bleckner
Directed By: Valentina Fratti
For the benefit of The All-American Girls Professional Baseball League

Set on the eve of the Brooklyn Dodgers’ last season in New York, Howling Hilda, a solo musical,
tells the story of Hilda Chester, the team’s greatest and most colorful fan. Thwarted in her
dream to play baseball, she spent a lifetime cheering. Hilda became an institution at Ebbets
Field, notorious for her clanging cowbells, frying pan and iron ladle.

Running Time: 80mins
Reading Location: The Robert Moss Theater, 440 Lafayette Street, 3rd Floor
Reading Date: Friday June 16th 2:00pm

*

INVERSION OF THE BABY SNATCHERS

Written by: Ed Malin
Directed by: TBD
For the benefit of the National Council for Adoption

Babies are kidnapped and disappear everyday.  Some of these children are put up for adoption
in the West under false pretenses.  Computer jobs also disappear – to India. Join some STAR
TREK fans East and West as they search for a missing child.

Running Time: 45mins
Reading Location: The Gene Frankel Theatre, 24 Bond St.
Reading Date: Friday, June 17th 3:30pm

*

LATE NIGHTS WITH THE BOYS: CONFESSIONS OF A LEATHER BAR CHANTEUSE

Written by: Alex Bond
Directed by: Steven Yuhasz
For the benefit of PFLAG

Alex Bond and David Carson read from Ms. Bond’s novel. A hit at numerous festivals in the U.S.

this book reading transports listeners back to Dallas 1977 with delightful and poignant tales of a
Southern Chanteuse and her gay family of friends in this pre-AIDS wildly magical era.

Running Time: 80mins
Reading Location: The Gene Frankel Theatre, 24 Bond St.
Reading Date: Friday June 17 at 7:00pm

*

MARTIRIO

Adapted from Federico Garcia Lorca’s The House of Bernarda Alba and Directed by: Glory
Kadigan
A G-Money Productions performance benefitting WIN

From a distance, all appears to be in perfect order in the house of the wealthy Bernarda Alba.
Her daughters are the pillars of society. But behind the white closed doors of this 1930’s
Spanish home, are five jealous sisters with loyalty to no one but their own individual ambitions.

Running Time: 2hrs
Reading Location: The Robert Moss Theater, 440 Lafayette Street, 3rd Floor
Reading Date: Tuesday June 14th 2:00pm

*

MAYDAY! MAYDAY!

Written and Directed by: Dale Wakonen
For the benefit of EMBARQ

The gasoline car is the thrill of the new century as Clarence plots to take his sweetheart, Anita,
for a ride, knowing that she despises the dirty dangerous Pierce Arrow.  World War I is on the
doorstep and propaganda is the word of the day.  Clarence must choose between his work and
his family – can Anita save him and the world as she knows it? Mayday! Mayday!

Running Time: 90mins
Reading Location: The Gene Frankel Theatre, 24 Bond St.
Reading Date: Monday, June 20th 2:00pm

*

THE ORANGE PERSON

Written by: Brian Rady
Directed by: Jeremy Bloom
A production benefitting the LGBT Center of NY

This is a play about a guy turning orange.

Running Time: 90mins


Reading Location: The Robert Moss Theater, 440 Lafayette Street, 3rd Floor
Reading Date: Tuesday June 14th 4:30pm

*

PIECES

Written by: Kristen Penner and Lorelel Mackenzie
Produced by Violet Productions for the benefit of isurvive.org

How did I get here? Who are you? What did I just say? No answer, just darkness. This is
Tabby’s life as a multiple. The clock ticking out her confusion and shame. Can she maintain a
normal life while uncovering the horrors of her past? Only time will tell.

Running Time: 120 mins
Reading Location: The Gene Frankel Theatre, 24 Bond St.
Reading Date: Monday, June 22nd 2:00pm

*

PUSHING DAISY

Written by: Lauren Epsenhart
Directed by: TBD
For the benefit of Sloan-Kettering Cancer Research

Daisy Miller has just graduated from college. After moving back home with her parents, Larry
and Shannon, Daisy is diagnosed with cancer. Once surgery and treatments begin, Daisy
explores her spiritual identity while Larry and Shannon question why this is happening and
struggle with what will happen if Daisy dies.

Running Time: 90mins
Reading Location: The Gene Frankel Theatre, 24 Bond St.
Reading Date: Thursday, June 23rd 2:00pm

*

THE RECESSION CLUB

Written by: Christina Quintana
Directed by: Tyne Rafaeli
For the benefit of Hospice of NY

Yolanda loses her job as a petroleum engineer and forms a support group via craigslist. The
unlikely cohorts, including a former college professor, a former retail employee and a woman
of questionable background, face an identity crisis. Together, they learn that what you do is not
who you are.

Running Time: 90mins
Reading Location: The Gene Frankel Theatre, 24 Bond St.
Reading Date: Wednesday, June 15th 4:00pm

*

STANLEY’S WORLD

Written by Alexandra Klausner
Directed by Ryan Emmons
For the benefit of the Gynecologic Cancer Foundation

Stanley’s world is turned upside down when father dies. He believes he is a visitor from
another planet made entirely of Jelly Beans. Stanley’s new alien identity confronts a number
of characters in New York City, some of whom could be from another planet themselves. With
humor and pathos, STANLEY’S WORLD explores death and its affect on a little boy and his
mother.

Running Time: 45mins
Reading Location: The Robert Moss Theatre, 440 Lafayette Street
Performance Dates: Wednesday, June 15th 2:00pm

*

SWEET, SWEET SPIRIT

Written by: Carol Carpenter
Directed by: Cristina Alicea
A Carol Carpenter & Christina Alicea production benefitting PFLAG

When a gay teen’s father beats him to near-death in a small Republican town, his conservative
family members square off in a battle for custody: Who is best to care for this child and can they
find a place for him in their world?

Running Time: 90mins
Reading Location: The Robert Moss Theater, 440 Lafayette Street, 3rd Floor
Reading Date: Friday June 24th 2:00p

THE PLANET CONNECTIONS THEATRE FESTIVITY BIO:

The Planet Connections Theatre Festivity is New York's premiere eco-friendly/socially-
conscious theatre festival. Fostering a diverse cross-section of performances, the
festival seeks to inspire artists and audiences both creatively and fundamentally, in a
festive atmosphere. At the heart of the festivity are like-minded individuals striving to
create professional, meaningful theatre, while supporting organizations, which give back
to the community at large.

For More Information, please contact Press Agent: Katie Rosin 917-562-5670 or
[email protected]

SPONSORS: Blue Dolphin, Build It Green NYC, Whole Foods Market


MEDIA PARTNERS: nytheatre.com, Review Fix, Theatre Is Easy

www.planetconnections.org
Theatre for a cause.

###