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Emerging Artists Theatre Company |
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Founded in 1993, the mission of EMERGING ARTISTS THEATRE is to provide a dynamic home for emerging writers and artists, to develop their work from an idea to a fully realized production.
In the past 16 years, EAT has premiered over 275 new works, garnered a Drama Desk Award nomination for Capathia Jenkins in (Mis)Understanding Mammy: The Hattie McDaniel Story, received the American Theatre Wing Award for Consistent Excellence in Theatre, and was named Best Off Off Broadway Theater Company in NYC for Actors to Work With by Back Stage.
During its 2009- 2010 season, under the Artistic Direction of Paul Adams, EAT will showcase over two-dozen new works.
Schedule of Upcoming Productions
Production History
| WHY’d Ya Make Me Wear THis, Joe?
| Open: 04/28/05 Close: 05/06/05
A script-in-hand workshop, with a brief discussion after each performance. Come and be a part of the development of this new play. | |
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(mis)UNDERSTANDING MAMMY: The Hattie McDaniel Story
| Open: 02/07/07 Close: 03/04/07
(mis)UNDERSTANDING MAMMY: The Hattie McDaniel Story is a play with music that reveals a side of Hattie McDaniel's life that few people knew. Hattie achieved stardom by becoming the first African-American to win an Academy Award, but she paid a high price for fame. By playing a succession of maids and cooks, most notably Mammy in Gone With the Wind, she became the target of an unrelenting campaign against "Mammyism" led by Walter White of the NAACP, who thought her roles were shameful and degrading to their race. Despite her own efforts to bring dignity and humanity to her roles, within seven years of winning her Oscar, her film career was virtually destroyed. The play is set in 1952 at the Motion Picture Country Home and Hospital in Woodlands Hills, California, where Hattie is battling breast cancer. In her weakened state of mind, she imagines that Walter White has come to visit her and possibly reconcile their differences. For the first time Hattie directly confronts her most vocal critic to prove to him that she was in fact a credit to her race. In recounting her miraculous life story as the daughter of a slave who became a world-renowned movie star, Hattie proudly illuminates a life that was too often misunderstood. | |
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2008 Fall EATfest
| Open: 11/04/08 Close: 11/16/08
EMERGING ARTISTS THEATRE and PAUL ADAMS, ARTISTIC DIRECTOR present the 2008 Fall EATfest, for a two-week limited engagement at Roy Arias Theatre Center, Off-Broadway Theatre (300 West 43rd St, 5th floor, NYC). Performances begin Tuesday, November 4, 2008, and run through Sunday, November 16, 2008. Series A The Sky is Falling An endearing comedy about family searching for meaning in the universe. Stripping Eden A poignant portrait of a boy and girl left alone. Next A hilarious wait on the shipping line, with packing tape, chewing gum and a statue of questionable origin. Jack Goes Up, Jack Goes Down An incisive look at corporate culture and the battle of the sexes. Sharing the Pie A bittersweet, contemporary tale of family, friends and unrequited love. Hi Speed Disconnect A laugh out loud tale of cell phones, blind dates and foreign languages. running time: 110 with an intermission. Series B Furious A touching and comic tale of a daughter's desire for her father's affection. Hot Line You never quite know who you might get on the other end of the phone.
A brother and sister delve into an intimate discussion about her attraction to a bedpost. We Appear to Have Company A British approach to a silent intruder has international repercussions. Negotiating A Mindfield A challenging exploration of mind, memory and poetry. Weimar Hole Two American Performance Artists find an enthusiastic crowd awaits them in a foreign country. running time: 110 with an intermission. Series C Old Flame In this moving drama, a lifetime of regrets leads a man to seek the love of his youth. | |
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Claymont
| Open: 02/05/08 Close: 03/02/08
It's hard to come of age in any era, but some years are better than others. The late 1960's might be considered the worst. | |
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Elephant Girls
| Open: 02/07/07 Close: 03/04/07
Elephant Girls takes place during a Kozy Kitchen party that the perfect housewife Claire decides to host for her sister (Elizabeth), her mother (Francis) and her friends (Suzie and Jasmin). After an unexpected guest (Robina Abdul—Claire's daughter's Afghani math tutor) stops by, Claire struggles to keep the party light and humorous. At first the group greets Robina with a mixture of awkwardness, forced politeness, curiosity and unconscious racism. As the humor, conversation and wine flow, they seem to work their way toward a genuine connection and understanding. It is only after a tragic accident occurs—and a subsequent attempt to cover it up—that the women learn each other's true characters. They find themselves exploring the complexities of human behavior and the consequences of their own life choices. What happens to a little girl in the absence of love? What happens when strangers half a world away take up her cause? Inspired by National Geographic's famous cover photo The Afghan Girl, Elephant Girls culminates in six women spiraling into a maelstrom of white-hot emotion that leaves their relationships forever changed. | |
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| Emerging Artists Theatre: Spring Eastfest
| Open: 03/13/07 Close: 04/01/07
The Spring EATfest is a three week short play festival where playwrights debut new, short, works which are then presented three at a time on a rotating schedule. | |
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Fall EATFest
| Open: 10/31/06 Close: 11/19/06
EATfest is the Emerging Artists Theatre Company's semi-annual showcase of new works by emerging playwrights. | |
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| Fall Eatfest!
| Open: 10/16/07 Close: 11/04/07
Series A The List by Kristyn Leigh Robinson, directed by Molly Marinik Max loves football. He really loves it. But when Jenny, his wife of two years, announces that she has a date, will he realize what's really important? With Scott Katzman and Maya Rosewood Water and Discarded Hair by Jessamyn Fiore, directed by Kel Haney National Treasure by Jon Spano, directed by Derek Jamison Tom Cruise, Get Off the Couch by Kevin Brofsky, directed by Aimee Howard Emily Breathes by Matt Casarino, directed by Ryan Hilliard Astray by Corey Rieger, directed by Robert Cambeiro Clothes Encounter by David Almeida and Stephen J. Miller directed by Nick Micozzi Den of Iniquity by Patrick Gabridge, directed by Ian Streicher Layout by Richard Ploetz, directed by Paul Adams Lucky Day by Mark Lambeck directed by Jonathan Warman UnEmbalmed by Joe Byers, directed by Carter Inskeep Is That a Gun in Your Pocket by Carol Mullen, directed by Ned Thorne Series C The Adventures Of by Kathleen Warnock, directed by Deb Guston For the Good of the Nation by Jeff Hollman, directed by Eric Chase The Gipper by Peter Levine, directed by Deb Guston Martin, Are You Mad At Me? by Colette Herbstman, directed by Samantha Manas Safe by D.W. Gregory, directed by Ian Streicher Pithy, Enticing, Appellation by Chris Widney, directed by Melissa Attebery | |
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Heaven in Your Pocket
| Open: 09/16/08 Close: 09/28/08
THE NEW YORK MUSICAL THEATRE FESTIVAL (NYMF) and EMERGING ARTISTS THEATRE and THE NEW YORK NEW MUSICAL THEATER FESTIVAL is pleased to announce the world premiere production of HEAVEN IN YOUR POCKET, directed by Alan Souza. HEAVEN IN YOUR POCKET will play a limited engagement as part of the New York New Musical Theater Festival at the 45th Street Theatre (354 west 45th Street). Performances begin Tuesday, September 16 and continue to Sunday, September 28. En route to musical stardom in Nashville, The Heavenly Belles – a female family singing trio from Heaven, Oklahoma – take an unexpected detour to Kansas City where an unusual inheritance wreaks havoc with their plans. A handsome cowboy, a kindly Miss-Fixit and a "can-do" decorator all chime in with the Belles as they face the music (and each other) in this lighthearted, tuneful romp! The production features scenic design by Tim McMath, costume design by David Withrow, and lighting design by G. Benjamin Swope. Aaron Blank is the sound designer, Jenny Lee Mitchell is the Producer's representative and Jennifer Marie Russo is the stage manager. | |
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Penny Penniworth
| Open: 02/29/16 Close: 02/29/16
The Off-Broadway Hit & New York Times Critic Pick Returns To The Stage For A One Night Only Benefit Performance For Emerging Artists Theatre! PENNY PENNIWORTH is Charles Dickens' "lost" epic as mounted by a short-staffed theatre troupe with Royal Shakespeare Company aspirations. Set in Victorian England, it tells the story of young Penny Penniworth whose childhood love is driven out of town after nearly killing a wealthy businessman. Soon, Penny finds herself penniless, left alone to make her way through a convoluted maze of strange relationships, anonymous benefactors and ultimate justice. This 70 minute farce features Christopher Borg, Jamie Heinlein, Lee Kaplan, and Ellen Reilly. TICKETS $75 Includes post-show mingle with the cast & a special "Penny" cocktail and hors d'oeuvres. The benefit performance supports Emerging Artists Theatre (EAT) New Work Series. The three-week developmental festival that provides artists of different disciplines the opportunity to present one night of a "work in progress" with audience feedback. Successful Fringe, NYMF, and Off-Broadway shows have been born out of this festival, and Emerging Artists Theatre is excited to present a new round of opportunity to local artists. | |
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Penny Penniworth
| Open: 09/08/10 Close: 10/03/10
PENNY PENNIWORTH is Charles Dickens’ "lost" epic as mounted by a short-staffed theatre troupe with Royal Shakespeare Company aspirations. Set in Victorian England, it tells the story of young Penny Penniworth whose childhood love is driven out of town after nearly killing a wealthy businessman. Soon, Penny finds herself penniless, left alone to make her way through a convoluted maze of strange relationships, anonymous benefactors and ultimate justice.
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Real Danger
| Open: 02/05/07 Close: 03/03/07
REAL DANGER begins with a surprise reunion between two friends nine years after graduation from college. Edward, who is en route from New York to Canada for a back-country excursion in a canoe, initiates the reunion with his friend and soccer teammate Ferdy, who is living with Vickie in Cleveland, Ohio. Edward has made contact because he needs to apologize to Ferdy for an old wrong. As the play progresses, however, Edward learns about Vickie's outstanding career as a professional photographer, a career that has taken her into dangerous places and relationships. He learns about how Ferdy and Vickie met and how they decided to become fugitives for fear that Vickie's former lover would kill them if he could find them. For Edward, the reunion moves quickly away from his original purpose and becomes a series of shocking surprises that he could not have envisioned when he made the decision to seek out his old friend. | |
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Spring EATfest 2008
| Open: 04/15/08 Close: 05/04/08
EMERGING ARTISTS THEATRE and PAUL ADAMS, ARTISTIC DIRECTOR PRESENT 2008 Spring EATfest THREE-WEEK ENGAGEMENT TICKETS ON SALE NOW AT EATHEATRE.ORG EMERGING ARTISTS THEATRE and PAUL ADAMS, ARTISTIC DIRECTOR present the 2008 Spring EATFest, for a three-week limited engagement at Roy Arias Theatre Center (300 West 43rd St, 5th floor, NYC). Performances begin Tuesday, April 15, 2008, and run through Sunday, May 4, 2008. Series A The Food Monologues is an experimental play that explores womens' love/hate relationships and obsessions with food. Performed by a cast of 13, this all-female play, features monologues and ensemble-driven scenes that examine body image and shame, eating disorders, weight gain/loss, societal expectations and perceptions about women and beauty. Six of the monologues have been published by Meriwether and Smith & Kraus. Series B Islands of Repair A seasoned married couple try to survive being lost at sea in a rubber raft. They battle sharks, the elements, and each other . . .but will they survive? Love, Me (Margaret) When Margaret's boyfriend breaks up with her, she reaches out to her former English teacher to learn a better way of being loved. Her teacher, serving time for the mercy killing of his wife, hardly thinks himself an expert on the subject, but Margaret disagrees. Spinning a theory based on the reports of Harry's crime, she uses her obsessed co-worker, Louis, as a test subject, and journeys to a darker place than even she imagines. The Letter Arnold, a successful but lonely executive, is desperate to confess his feelings to Rebecca, a beautiful but equally lonely co-worker. Too nervous to face her, Arnold is egged on by a sly but well-meaning assistant to reveal his feelings in an e-mail. However, small but critical mistake leads to unforeseen and comedic complications as love and technology prove to be a troubling combination. Onions When Aaron discovers he is dying, he seeks comfort from his mother. Unfortunately, she is unable to give him the love and support he so desperately needs. With the help of Hazel, a nurse and former high school acquaintance, Aaron attempts to make one last connection with the woman who raised him. Series C Antiques Retired antiques dealers, Gus and Mac, spend the day antagonizing each other while sitting on a bench on the boardwalk looking out at the sea. Old hurts surface and change their relationship forever. Break During the late hours of a summer night on the coast of eastern Long Island, a displaced Englishman and the drug addict, who breaks into his home, confront their differences and discover their secret similarities. Neither is who he seems. Undercurrents Melinda, a young woman in a white dress, mysteriously finds herself on a raft with Huckleberry Finn, the start of a surrealistic dream, a dream that Melinda attempts to analyze as she continues her journey following Marilyn Monroe, the Unsinkable Molly Brown, her mother, and a series of lost loves down the River of No Return. Fast Light and Brilliant Following a chance meeting, two lonely strangers find they have a lot in common, including an intense attraction. But, the path to intimacy is not without obstacles. On a deserted hotel terrace, lit by a field of randy fireflies, the pair contemplates the nature of romance and marriage'"and the repercussions of a single kiss. George & Bill are Friends Former Presidents George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton make an unlikely pair as they travel the world raising money and acting as freelance diplomats. What do they talk about when they think no one is listening? EATFest plays the following regular schedule through Sunday, May 4, 2008: Tuesdays at 7 pm '" Series A Tickets are $18.00 and $10.00 with student ID/senior. For reservations, please visit www.eatheatre.org, or call 866-811-4111. Tickets may also be purchased in person half-hour prior to the performance at Roy Arias Theatre Center (300 West 43rd St, 5th floor). TDF accepted. PRESS FROM SPRING EATFEST 2007 "Spring EATfest 2007 offers a little something for everyone: a touching domestic comedy; a drama about Iraq; and an uproarious parody of The Sound of Music." "In Spring EATfest 2007, three playwrights and ten actors deliver a lively evening of entertainment." "If the other six plays in the Spring EATfest 2007 are as good as these three (and from overheard lobby scuttlebutt, they are), it should be a good evening out". | |
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| Spring Eatfest
| Open: 03/07/06 Close: 03/26/06
The company's semi-annual festival of new short plays. Series A - Tue & Fri at 7pm, Sat at 5pm Series C - Thu & Sat at 7 pm, Sun at 5pm | |
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The Sensational Josephine Baker
| Open: 09/07/10 Close: 10/03/10
The unforgettable story of the one and only Josephine Baker springs to life in this tightly woven play featuring several of Baker’s signature songs. The story follows Josephine on her journey from conservative St. Louis, Missouri to the risqué cabarets of the Rue Pigalle, France, from little girl to showgirl. Howard gives voice to this uncensored and emotional tale through an array of fascinating female characters: Josephine’s domineering mother, Carrie McDonald; fellow chorus girl Lydia Jones; Ada “Bricktop” Smith , owner of the infamous nightclub “Bricktop’s in Montmarte…” And finally a raw, fearless portrayal of Ms. Baker herself in a series of defining moments: from the hilarious antics which rescued her from the obscurity of the chorus, to the humiliation of being shunned by a narrow-minded American public, to her life-long search for unconditional love… compelled throughout it all by an enduring passion to live life to the fullest. About the Company: Emerging Artists Theatre Company Founded in 1993, the mission of EMERGING ARTISTS THEATRE is to provide a dynamic home for emerging writers and artists, to develop their work from an idea to a fully realized production. In the past 16 years, EAT has premiered over 275 new works, garnered a Drama Desk Award nomination for Capathia Jenkins in (Mis)Understanding Mammy: The Hattie McDaniel Story, received the American Theatre Wing Award for Consistent Excellence in Theatre, and was named Best Off Off Broadway Theater Company in NYC for Actors to Work With by Back Stage. During its 2009- 2010 season, under the Artistic Direction of Paul Adams, EAT will showcase over two-dozen new works. | |
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| Tonylust: The Broadway Bloodbatch of 2006
| Open: 04/21/05 Close: 06/04/05
Producer Leslie J. McMahon wants another Tony and she's gonna get her Tony and no one is going to stand in her way! This long awaited sequel to BERNADETTE AND THE BUTCHER OF BROADWAY pits producer against producer in an epic battle royale to secure the Tony Award for Best Musical. No Tony voter is safe as simple luncheons of the past have given way to press conferences, television commercials and mudslinging of the lowest degree. | |
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| Triple Threat
| Open: 02/07/06 Close: 02/26/06
"EDENVILLE": Tuesdays and Fridays at 7:00 pm, Saturdays at 5:00 pm Written by GREGORY FLETCHER and directed by TOM WOJTUNIK, "EDENVILLE" is a romantic comedy that follows Jules on his rollercoaster ride towards that promised paradise: life with Mr. Right. Just when he thought it was safe to celebrate his first anniversary with Mr. Right, he finds himself back on the single's scene in search of a concept: does Mr. Right really exist, and if so, how does one meet him exactly?
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Vile Affections
| Open: 08/12/06 Close: 08/26/06
Vile Affections opens in 1620 when Mother Benedetta Carlini is about to be investigated for being a false mystic. It is eleven years before Gallileo is brought before the Holy Inquisition so there is cautious talk of a sun centric universe. During Mother Carlini's investigation the earth does, indeed, become uprooted from its usual place in the universe: the investigators uncover the first written record of a lesbian relationship. Vile Affections is based on a true story. It is part of the New York International Fringe Festival | |
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Why D’ya Make Me Wear This, Joe?
| Open: 07/18/06 Close: 07/21/06
Joe is a 1940's love story, this time about two women. Aubra is a housebound, Fifth Avenue opera diva, whose career collapsed when she was crippled in the polio epidemic of 1931. Charlie is a modern day "Rosie the Riveter," whose job as a projectionist at the Flatbush Cinema fuels her dreams of becoming a movie producer. Charlie's fiancé arranges for Charlie to take care of Aubra, while he and Aubra's fiancé go off to fight in the Second World War. While the men are away the two women fall desperately in love. But, the war soon ends and they both must decide between their love for each other and their responsibilities to their men. So explodes the complexities of what it means to be gay or "crippled" or a woman in the 1940's. Part of the Fresh Fruit Festival | |
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