November Update

New York City has a magical way of making time go by twice as fast as it should. I blink my eyes and it’s already November – goodness! Well without further ado, here’s what’s happened these past 2 months.
 
Development and production of Magic the Play (formally Magic?) is barreling along. Christopher Erlendson and I are totally occupied with a total revision that’ll turn the play into a more serious story – still a packed with comedy – about a government that doesn’t represent their people in solving an issue with their world’s magic, written in all rhyme. Simply, we’re rewriting the whole play. Composer Kelly Catlin is serving as our dramaturg (though I speculate that she doesn’t know this yet) by asking us difficult questions that are sure to come up later in the lifetime of this piece. By answering such questions now, we save ourselves the trouble of devising a story with holes. On an exciting note, we’ve announced the show dates of Magic the Play: February 19 (Monday) – February 25 (Sunday). Tickets, location, and special events to come in mid-December (Hanukah time).

A moment of reflection while writing.

Me and actor Alexander Kosmowski after a staged reading at NYTF.

My volunteer internship at the National Yiddish Theater Folksbiene has been coming along wonderfully as well. Their calendar is packed with exciting shows, readings, and special events. Being part of that team gives me valuable insight into the world of theater – both commercial and non-for-profit. In terms of my projects at NYTF, I was attracted to the marketing aspect of their company. Yiddish theater is a touchstone of Ashkenazi Jewish culture and shows Jews, New Yorkers, and Americans the fears, joys, superstitions, and tastes of their ancestors – important items in society built of immigrants.
 
To spread this concept, I’ve started an exclusive media content campaign in collaboration with their marketing department to create short exciting videos highlighting unique aspects of Yiddish theatre and NYTF as a whole. I’m excited to announce the release of the first video this week! Also, similarly on their marketing front, I’ve contributed to a Wikipedia page for their recent show, Amerike. My first Wikipedia article! (View it here)

I’ve also just started working on an exciting new drama with music about cocaine, nightlife, and relationships, In Between The Lines. Written by Chris Patterson, in development with Director Phillip Williams, the show discusses issues within gritty urban playscapes. Chris is a talented, hardworking writer who has created a gem of a story, not often seen on stage. His characters are more real life than any new play I’ve read. Phillip is a valuable collaborator for this project as well as his insight, care, and respect. Phillip and I will be developing this script with Chris over the next few months, intending to bring it to stage in 2018.

Similarly, the play Sociopath Roommate, my drama about living with a psycho roommate, is being revamped with two valuable collaborators.  Too early to say who, we’re turning the play into a musical!

Phillip (in red on far left) and Chris (holding paper, center right) at an earlier workshop of the work.

At an event at The Artist Co-Op, a co-working space for creators in the heart of NYC. A valuable resource!

Perhaps most exciting, I’ve begun studies in an exclusive Theater Resources Unlimited producing class taught by Broadway producers Jana Robbins and Erin Craig. A monthly class in a yearlong program, this TRU course provides a valuable experience in producing all types of theater. My classmates are highly creative and motivated theatrical producers, and the instructors are leaders in the field – an idyllic environment.
 
All in all, I’m taking the role of producer more seriously. I love bringing work that is entertaining as well as socially relevant and inspiring to the public. Sometimes the best way to do that is to “be the change” and write that story. Sometimes it’s about finding a story and bringing it to life. Both are essential, both inspire me, and so both are for me.

In summary:

• Magic the Play revision is barreling along.
• Interning at NYTF is a valuable experience.
• My NYTF exclusive, promotional video campaign has been green-lighted, the first release coming soon.
• First Wikipedia article was published. Amerike: the Golden Land.
• In Between the Lines, a drama with music about cocaine, nightlife and relationships, is in development.
• Sociopath Roommate is being transformed into a musical.
• TRU Producer Class is an idyllic education for me.

 
Upcoming events:

• Magic the Play, February 19–25, tix coming soon.
• The Sorceress at NYTF, December 25 – January 1st, $25 tickets.

 
Till next month!

Me on a short vacation in Wynwood Park , Miami Beach. The area is full of beautiful street art – very exciting!