First Look: LISSABON

La MaMa presents
Lissabon
by Zachary Karabashliev
directed by Hristo Hristov
in association with New Heritage Theatre Group


With James Edward Becton*, Sean Carvajal*, Aixa Kendrick, Tony Naumovski*, Christopher Sutton*

Scenic & Light Design: Christophe Pierre
Costume Design: David Withrow
Sound Design: David D. Wright

March 27 – April 13, 2014
Thursday thru Saturday at 7:30pm and Sunday at 2:30

Tickets: $18 Adults; $13 Students & Seniors; ten tickets for every performance are available,in advance, for every performance vial web, phone or at the box office. 10 @ $10 tickets not available day of show.

For Tickets and Info: Click Here

Coming Soon: The Tom Murrin Full Moon Performance Festival

The TOM MURRING FULL MOON PERFORMANCE FESTIVAL will celebrate the life, work, art, theater and general good-guy-ness of Tom. There will be readings, performances as well as an art exhibit and panel discussion. At the center of the festival will be two full productions of plays by Tom dating back to 1969. 

 First up, St. Fortune will stage COCKSTRONG

La MaMa presents
St. Fortune's production of
COCKSTRONG
by Tom Murrin

April 17–19, 2014 
Thursday and Friday at 7:30pm, Saturday at 2pm and 7:30pm

For Tickets: Click Here

and then Radiohole will stage MYTH OR METH (OR MAYBE MOSCOW) 

- after Tom's Myth (or Maybe Meth).

La MaMa presents
Radiohole's production of
MYTH OR METH 
(OR MAYBE MOSCOW)
after Tom's Myth (or Maybe Meth).

April 24–27, 2014
Thursday to Saturday at 7:30pm, Sunday at 2:30pm and 5pm) 

For Tickets: Click Here

For the full Festival schedule: Click Here

6 Questions: Luke Leonard

Luke Leonard, director of Bum Phillips All-America Opera answered our 6 Questions about the show, his work and working at La Mama.

1. Where did the idea come from to turn Bum’s story into an opera? 

I knew that I wanted my next work to be music-driven and had been moving in the direction of opera since 2009/2010. The first opera that I directed was David Lang and Mac Wellman’s The Difficulty of Crossing a Field. I was thinking about happiness as a theme and the sacrifices made for contentment. I was also reflecting on how playing sports influenced my directing, so I was looking for books written by coaches. Bum’s name popped into my head one day and the warmest smile crossed my face. I grew up during his tenure as head coach of the Houston Oilers, so his name is connected to memories of my childhood. Coincidentally, Bum wrote an autobiography in 2010 and after I read it, I felt strongly that he was the perfect anchor to hinge themes associated with happiness and the American Dream. The approach is nontraditional, it isn’t about following a protagonist to experience catharsis. We aren’t trying to manipulate anyone, although, there are plenty of moments that provoke emotional responses. Kirk’s libretto often speaks directly to the audience, so it is inclusive/aware of the entire theatrical event. We have to cast the audience. I feel this work can stimulate discourse about values and Americana. 

2. Are you a football fan? 

I am a fan, but similar to how I am a fan of acting. I prefer to see it live. 

3. How is football like opera/theater? 

Big men, special costumes, tragic tales, epic journeys, loyal fans, skilled performers, large casts, etc. The main similarities that interest me are the lessons learned from participating in these fields: discipline, teamwork/collaboration, respect, honesty, camaraderie, and techniques that condition the body for accomplishing superhuman feats. 

4. What was the most challenging element in making this show? 

I imagine it’s the same answer for most, if not all, nonprofit theatre companies: producing is the most challenging and time consuming element. Fundraising has been extremely difficult and I’ll be honest, for the first time we are in the red. This is the largest production that Monk Parrots has undertaken and (despite getting close) we did not receive the support that was needed to cover artist fees and production costs. Luckily, we raised approximately $20,000 from individual donors, but it is not nearly enough to support a production this size. The struggle to finance my work is so tasking that it makes me wonder how much longer I can endure. I have two families to support after all, my immediate family and my artistic one. And I’ve been at it a long time. My first show was at Theater for the New City in 1997. I only took a three year hiatus for grad school, then came back to New York in 2010 and started producing consistently thanks to the help of organizations like Lower Manhattan Cultural Council via their space grants and the artistic homes that we have nurtured at places like La MaMa, Dixon Place, and 59E59 Theaters. Still, the biggest challenge continues to be financing our shows and operating expenses for office space and salaried positions. Anyone working in the nonprofit sector understands the stresses and uncertainties. It is a full-time commitment. I work 12-13 hours a day on average and 16-17 hours when in production. I don’t mind the work. I only wish we had financial backing that would allow us to do more and become more sustainable. “Nothing without great effort.” 

5. Who has inspired you? 

I have been fortunate to have experienced three renowned directors firsthand: Joseph Chaikin, Anne Bogart, and Robert Wilson. Joe taught me to offer everything. Anne and SITI Company taught me to use everything. Bob taught me to see everything. 

I am inspired by the fine arts and admire art criticism because it seeks appropriate criteria to fairly evaluate artwork. A piece like Bum Phillips requires a new lense. I consider every choice with my company, Monk Parrots, and everything that we put on stage. Kirk and Peter’s approach to the libretto and score is intentional and experimental. It is easy to pass off new work as inconsequential if it does not fit a pre-existing model. You can say it’s not opera, but you can’t say it’s not good. So what is opera and why do we go to the theater? 

There are several highly educated, motivated, and earnest theatre artists creating new work that is sophisticated, current, and connected to theatre/art history. The amount of labor that these people put into their work deserves fair and informed criticism versus opinions solely based on the norm. I appreciate writers that take the time to try and interpret the decisions we have made. I’ve always enjoyed Michael Feingold’s writing. At the risk of sounding pretentious, I’ve joked with Co-Producing Artistic Diretor, Joey LePage, that Monk Parrots doesn’t make theatre art, we make art theatre. 

6. What does working at la mama mean to you? 

The answer to the last question is a good segue. Ellen [Stewart, La MaMa’s Founder] was also interested in making art theatre. The works she directed were about unity. They did not favor one element over another, although, I think it is safe to say that she preferred music, singing, and dance over dialogue. Still, she tried to bring all elements together to create harmony. 

I think my first encounter with Ellen was in 1996 at the Annex (The Ellen Stewart Theatre). She introduced Joseph Chaikin’s Firmament with her signature bell and I was moved to tears because I knew this was a special place. It’s difficult to explain because it’s not intellectual, it’s visceral. Ellen created a holy theatre, a safe place for artists to do what they do best: take risks, inspire ideas, add content to our time, and build community. Her legacy is carried on by the La MaMa family, which begins in New York City and stretches across the world because La MaMa is international. La MaMa is universal and eternal. 

To be working at La MaMa, on the stages graced by theatre Gods and blessed by Ellen et al., is the greatest accolade. My fondest memories in New York and Italy are of my La MaMa family, which include my wife, daughter, and Monk Parrots, and I couldn’t be happier or luckier to be a part of La MaMa’s rich history. Thank you MaMa and thank you Mia for believing in this crazy idea to do a football opera.


La MaMa presents 

Monk Parrots' 

Bum Phillips 

All-American Opera 

Concept, Direction, Production Design by Luke Leonard (Monk Parrots)
Libretto by Kirk Lynn (of Rude Mechs)
Music by Peter Stopschinski (of Rude Mechs)

Commissioned and produced by Monk Parrots (New York) 

March 12 – March 30, 2014 
Thursdays – Fridays – Saturdays @ 7:30pm Sundays @ 2:30pm 

Tickets: $25 Adults; $20 Students/Seniors

A special benefit performance on Thursday, March 20! 

For Tickets and Info: Click Here

Indie Theater Now Talks With The Nerve Tank's Chance Muehleck

The good people at Indie Theater Now spoke with  The Nerve Tank's Chance Muehleck about their production, THE MAIDEN which open's at The Club @ La MaMa this week!

"We're thrilled to be at La MaMa. There's an astonishing history there, and Mia Yoo has taken the reigns from Ellen and is leading the organization into very exciting territory. "The Maiden" was conceived with the Club space in mind, and we're grateful to Mia and her team for supporting us and our site-responsive vision quest."

Read the full interview: HERE

La MaMa presents
The Maiden
Created by The Nerve Tank

March 28 – April 13, 2014
Friday - Saturday at 10pm and Sunday at 5:30 

The Club @ LaMaMa
74 East 4th Street
Between Bowery and 2nd Avenue
New York, NY 10003

Tickets: $18 Adults; $13 Students/Seniors; ten $10 tickets are available for every performance, in advance via web, phone or box office. Not available day of show. 

For Tickets and Info: Click Here

New This Week @ La MaMa: LISSABON

Five humans meet in an empty space. 

Each one individually is determined to escape and be free. 

The space is the place, the place and time is unknown. 

The characters are A,B,C,D and a girl. 

Is this a reality or a game of the mind? 

Are they going to find out, 

who they are, 

what they are

and why they are?

La MaMa presents
Lissabon
in association with New Heritage Theatre Group
by Zachary Karabashliev
directed by Hristo Hristov
With James Edward Becton*, Sean Carvajal*, Aixa Kendrick, Tony Naumovski*, Christopher Sutton*

Scenic & Light Design: Christophe Pierre
Costume Design: David Withrow
Sound Design: David D. Wright

March 27 – April 13, 2014
Thursday thru Saturday at 7:30pm and Sunday at 2:30

Tickets: $18 Adults; $13 Students & Seniors; ten tickets for every performance are available,in advance, for every performance vial web, phone or at the box office. 10 @ $10 tickets not available day of show.

For Tickets and Info: Click Here

Rehearsal in Nickyland!

  Nicky Paraiso & Dane Terry sing "Endless Love" from La MaMa on Vimeo.
Video of Nicky and Dane Terry rehearsing SPRINGTIME IN NICKYLAND! Coming this Friday and Saturday only at The Club @ La MaMa!

La MaMa presents
Springtime 
in Nickyland!
with your host Nicky Paraiso 

Two performance ONLY!
Friday,March 21 and Saturday March 22 @ 10pm! 

The Club @ La MaMa
74 East 4th Street
Between Bowery and 2nd Avenue
New York, NY 10003

For Tickets and Info: Click Here

Deadspin on BUM PHILLIPS ALL-AMERICAN OPERA

Robert Silverman took an inside look at Bum Phillips All-American Opera for Deadspin.

But if you spend a few moments watching the production unfold—and I was lucky enough to be allowed to watch them run through the end of Act 1 and a portion of Act 2—you realize that, yes, there is a natural kinship between the NFL and the grand clash of high emotions that is usually opera's terrain. One involves lots of oversized and oversexed pituitary cases being subjected to epic violence and cruelty. The other is professional football.

Read the full article: HERE 

La MaMa presents 

Monk Parrots' 

Bum Phillips 

All-American Opera 

Concept, Direction, Production Design by Luke Leonard (Monk Parrots)
Libretto by Kirk Lynn (of Rude Mechs)
Music by Peter Stopschinski (of Rude Mechs)

Commissioned and produced by Monk Parrots (New York) 

March 12 – March 30, 2014 
Thursdays – Fridays – Saturdays @ 7:30pm Sundays @ 2:30pm 

Tickets: $25 Adults; $20 Students/Seniors

A special benefit performance on Thursday, March 20! 

For Tickets and Info: Click Here

Leslie Lee Memorial Service

Photo by Carmen L. DeJesue

Signature Theatre and Negro Ensemble Company will honor the late Leslie Lee with a memorial service and celebration of his work on Monday, March 24th beginning at 3pm at The Romulus Linney Courtyard Theatre at The Pershing Square Signature Center, 480 West 42nd Street between 9th and 10th Avenues. The memorial is free and open to the public.

The memorial service honoring Leslie Lee will be curated by Heather Massie, founder of The Leslie Lee Legacy Fund for the continued production of his works and legacy of writing. Financial support can be made by tax deductible contributions through Fractured Atlas. HERE

Interview with Zachary Karabashliev

Vera Asenova interviews Lissabon author, Zachary Karabashliev for TCG Blog, TCG Circle.

"Write sad, edit happy."

Read the full interview HERE 




La MaMa presents
LISSABON
by Zachary Karabashliev
directed by Hristo Hristov
in association with New Heritage Theatre Group 

March 27 – April 13, 2014 
Thursday thru Saturday at 7:30pm and Sunday at 2:30 

First Floor Theatre @ La MaMa 
74 East 4th Street 
(between Bowery and 2nd Avenue) 

Tickets: $18 Adults; $13 Students/Seniors; Ten tickets are available for every performance as part of La MaMa's 10 @ $10 ticketing initiative. 10 @ $10 Tickets are available ONLY in advance, via web, phone or box office - not available day of show. 

For Tickets and Info: Click Here

Spring 2014 Season Announced

La MaMa's Spring 2014 Brochure has arrived!

Theodora Skipitares 

The Tom Murrin Full Moon Performance Festival 

La MaMa Moves 

The Nerve Tank 

Four Clowns 

Magis Theatre Company 

...and much, much more!

Check it out: HERE

A Night At The Bum Phillips Opera

There is a great writeup of BUM PHILLIPS ALL-AMERICAN OPERA by Mike Tanier at Sports On Earth: 

"This is not your typical night at the opera. Bum Phillips All-American Opera is not about Teutonic gods or Shakespearean kings, but a football coach who never reached the Super Bowl and whose team no longer exists. Instead of legendary battles, the characters reenact the 1979 AFC playoffs. Instead of Siegfried, there's backup quarterback Gifford Nielsen."  

Read the full article: HERE

---

La MaMa presents 
Monk Parrots' 

Bum Phillips 

All-American Opera 

Concept, Direction, Production Design by Luke Leonard (Monk Parrots)
Libretto by Kirk Lynn (of Rude Mechs)
Music by Peter Stopschinski (of Rude Mechs)

Commissioned and produced by Monk Parrots (New York) 

March 12 – March 30, 2014 
Thursdays – Fridays – Saturdays @ 7:30pm Sundays @ 2:30pm 

Tickets: $25 Adults; $20 Students/Seniors; a limited number of $10 tickets are available IN ADVANCE as part of La MaMa's 10 @ $10 ticketing initiative. But hurry, these tickets are only available in advance and the sell quickly! 

A special benefit performance on Thursday, March 20! 

For Tickets and Info: Click Here

Behind The Scenes @ BUM PHILLIPS ALL-AMERICAN OPERA

Bum Phillips All-American Opera from La MaMa on Vimeo.

Watch this behind the scenes video for 
Bum Phillips All-American Opera 
and get your tickets quickly!

La MaMa presents 
Monk Parrots' 

Bum Phillips 

All-American Opera 

Concept, Direction, Production Design by Luke Leonard (Monk Parrots)
Libretto by Kirk Lynn (of Rude Mechs)
Music by Peter Stopschinski (of Rude Mechs)

Commissioned and produced by Monk Parrots (New York) 

March 12 – March 30, 2014 
Thursdays – Fridays – Saturdays @ 7:30pm Sundays @ 2:30pm 

Tickets: $25 Adults; $20 Students/Seniors; a limited number of $10 tickets are available IN ADVANCE as part of La MaMa's 10 @ $10 ticketing initiative. But hurry, these tickets are only available in advance and the sell quickly! 

A special benefit performance on Thursday, March 20! 

For Tickets and Info: Click Here

Large Likenesses: The Work of Theodora Skipitares

On Monday, March 17th there will be an extensive look at the work of master puppet artist, Theodora Skipitares at the Martin E. Segal Theatre Center at The CUNY Graduate Center.

Beginning at 3pm there will be screenings of Trilogy: Iphigenia, Odyssey, Helen, Queen of Sparta + The Traveling Players Present the Women of Troy.

Followed by Evening Performance + Conversation: An excerpted performance of Skipitares’ upcoming work The Chairs (coming to The Ellen Stewart Theatre in May 2014), featuring Judith Malina and others. Conversation with legendary performance artist Martha Wilson.

All events are FREE.

Large Likenesses: 
The Work of Theodora Skipitares

Monday, March 17th - 3pm - 8pm

Martin E. Segal Theatre Center
The CUNY Graduate Center 
365 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10016

For more info: Click Here

First Look: BUM PHILLIPS ALL-AMERICAN OPERA

All Photos by Corey Torpie

Previews begin tonight!

La MaMa presents 
Monk Parrots' 

Bum Phillips 

All-American Opera 

Concept, Direction, Production Design by Luke Leonard (Monk Parrots)
Libretto by Kirk Lynn (of Rude Mechs)
Music by Peter Stopschinski (of Rude Mechs)

Commissioned and produced by Monk Parrots (New York) 

March 12 – March 30, 2014 
Thursdays – Fridays – Saturdays @ 7:30pm Sundays @ 2:30pm 

Tickets: $25 Adults; $20 Students/Seniors; a limited number of $10 tickets are available IN ADVANCE as part of La MaMa's 10 @ $10 ticketing initiative. But hurry, these tickets are only available in advance and the sell quickly! 

A special benefit performance on Thursday, March 20! 

For Tickets and Info: Click Here

Coffeehouse Chronicles #118: Elizabeth Swados

Ellen Stewart and Elizabeth Swados

The next installment of Coffeehouse Chronicles, on Saturday, March 29th, will examine the career of Elizabeth Swados. 

The panel will include Bob Hershon (moderator), Emma Tattenbaum-Fine, Rebecca Keren, Preston Martin, Kris Kukul, Federico Restrepo, Liz Swados, and a special video appearance by Andrei Serban.  

Performances will include: excerpts from from works by Liz Swados including: Runaways, The Haggadah, The Reality Show and sxcerpts from Trojan Women performed by Great Jones Repertory Company 

Coffeehouse Chronicles Series Director: Michal Gamily 

La MaMa presents 

Coffeehouse Chronicles #118 

Elizabeth Swados 

Saturday, March 29, 2014  - 3 to 5pm

The Club @ La MaMa

74 East 4th Street

Between Bowery and 2nd Avenue

New York, NY 10003

Admission is Free

For information and free reservations: Click Here 

The Tom Murrin Full Moon Performance Festival...is coming!

The New York Times reports on The Tom Murrin Full Moon Performance Festival, coming in April to The Club and The First Floor Theatre at La MaMa:

"The festival was organized and programmed by several of Murrin’s colleagues, including Scott Adkins, Laurie Berg, Erin Courtney, John Gernand, Sarah Maxfield and Lucy Sexton, as well as Murrin’s widow, Patricia Sullivan, and its offerings include several of Murrin’s comic (and often political) plays, as well as new works created in his freewheeling spirit."

Read the full write up: Here

La MaMa Presents
The Tom Murrin 
Full Moon 
Performance Festival

April 17 – April 27, 2014

For full Festival Schedule and Tickets: Click Here

People You Should Know: Luke Leonard

Zack Calhoon over at Visible Soul spoke with Luke Leonard, director of BUM PHILLIPS ALL-AMERICAN OPERA, which begins performances tomorrow night, Wednesday, March 12th. 

"It is a dream come true and an honor for me to direct in the Ellen Stewart Theater at La MaMa. I love the feeling that we are making something special, something unknown and untried, and that we have the support of La MaMa to take some risks on a more visible level."

Read the full article: HERE

--

La MaMa presents 
Monk Parrots' 

Bum Phillips 
All-American Opera 

Concept, Direction, Production Design by Luke Leonard (Monk Parrots)
Libretto by Kirk Lynn (of Rude Mechs)
Music by Peter Stopschinski (of Rude Mechs)

Commissioned and produced by Monk Parrots (New York) 

March 12 – March 30, 2014 
Thursdays – Fridays – Saturdays @ 7:30pm Sundays @ 2:30pm 

Tickets: $25 Adults; $20 Students/Seniors; a limited number of $10 tickets are available IN ADVANCE as part of La MaMa's 10 @ $10 ticketing initiative. But hurry, these tickets are only available in advance and the sell quickly! 

A special benefit performance on Thursday, March 20! 

For Tickets and Info: Click Here

Kid Lucky Show You How It's Done: Beatbox Festival Coming This Week

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Kid Lucky out door beat rhyming freestyle - check it out!

The 4th Annual American Human Beatbox Festival starts this Thursday, March 13! 

OPENING NIGHT OPEN MIC 
Thursday, March 13th @10 PM  
This night showcases beatboxers from all over America Feat: Kid Lucky, Baba Israel, D-Cross, Yako, Soulatii, MC Beats, and last year’s Beatrhyme Battle champion Kaila Mullady 

2nd ANNUAL AMERICAN BEATRHYME CHAMPIONSHIPS 
Friday, March 14th @ 10PM  
Beatrhyme battlers go head to head in a fast paced, no holds barred, battle of beats, flows, and punchlines. Feat: D-Cross, Emcee Grafitti, DECM, Esalaah, Mandibul, Kenny Urban, BBK, Baba, King Homeboy, and more 

THE SOUNDS OF COMEDY AND DRAMA 
Saturday, March 15th @ 10 PM  
Beatboxers connect sound and comedy. With influences from Michael Winslow, Darren Robinson, Zero Boy and more, these vocalists set a new bar for comedy, theater, and vocal sound. Featuring Yuri Lane, Shockwave, Phat, Verbal Ase, Baba, and more! 

La MaMa presents
4th Annual 
American Human 
Beatbox Festival
Curated and Hosted by Kid Lucky

March 13 - 15, 2014 @ 10pm
at the Club at La MaMa
74 East 4th Street
(between Bowery and 2nd Avenue)

Single Tickets: $15 in advance; $20 Day of Show; Buy 2 tickets and save: pairs of tickets are available (in advance only) for $20.

For Tickets and Info: Click Here