Camouflage

Produced by Camouflage Productions

Author: Gail Roberts

We all have something to hide — or something we'd rather not face, and pretty often, we're bedeviled by both.  As we get older the blinders get tighter and our attitudes, sometimes brought about by circumstances only vaguely remembered, harden. In Camouflage, a woman journeys by bus, but the physical journey also takes her into her past and, in the process, holds out hope for change.

By interacting with an entertaining array of people from the present and from the past (Gail Roberts plays them all!), Camouflage underscores a very contemporary human condition:  Our preference to hide our own foibles from ourselves and others.  It's as up to date as today's breakfast; wherein we try to convince ourselves that bacon is as good for us as Fiber 1. 

We hope that audiences, after seeing Camouflage, may reflect on how to make their lives a little brighter and to love those close to them, if not unconditionally, at least somewhat more so. 

Mark Schoenberg, director

Jihad for Vent and Dummy

Produced by Coulter and Star Ventriloquists

Author: Ronald Coulter and Sid Star

Jihad for Vent and Dummy is about you, the audience.  The fun and secrets of ventriloquism invite you to frolic with belief.  Expect a shocking play within a comic show.  You will experience provocative content before it is verbalized.  Is this a solo show?  Yes, but never tell my puppet partner, Sid Star, or our stagehand.

Jihad means holy war.  Jihad is always one collection of beliefs at war with a different collection of beliefs.  Apparently we're going to kill each other over these conflicting beliefs.  Jihad...  explores the process rather than the content of belief.  Here is an opportunity for personal and political discovery embracing hope.  Laughter can so do this.

Actors, ventriloquists and clergy are athletes of belief.  We have robust ability and elaborate techniques to inspire and manipulate belief.  Often this manipulation is in your best interest.  Usually it's harmless; sometimes it's not.  Jihad for Vent and Dummy suggests an alternative human dynamic that is superior to belief's dangerous conceit.  COME PLAY WITH US.

Ronald Coulter, writer/performer

The Black Jew Dialogues

Author: Ron Jones and Larry Jay Tish

Our show is a fast-paced comedy and was written by my dear friend, veteran performer, Ron Jones and me, Larry Jay Tish. The Black Jew Dialogues combines sketch comedy, improv, interactive video, and audience participation. We play a myriad of characters that take the audience on a hysterical and poignant journey through many of our closest held beliefs (and misbeliefs).  The Black Jew Dialogues was born from the dialogue that a black man (Ron) and a Jew (Larry) had when they locked themselves in a cheap hotel room for a couple of weekends to try to sort out why American blacks and Jews don't get along like they used to.  The show reveals the absurdity of hate, racism, prejudice, bias and why chicken livers are adored by both groups. The show is a rollicking ride through the history of blacks and Jews, from the time of the Pharaohs to Barack Obama.

When times are tough it is especially pertinent to laugh and reveal the humor in being human. Plus, the show not only sheds light on complicated issues in a way that resonates with audiences, but also gives them the opportunity to engage in an open and mature exchange of ideas. A great part of the show's success has been that it deals with sensitive and complicated issues in a unique and engaging way. We use humor to knock down barriers and open the path to an honest and real discussion on race, multiculturalism, and prejudice. Is it political theatre? Maybe somewhat. It does come with a message, which I won't give away, you'll have to come see it. One of my favorite emails we received was from a father who took his 17-year-old son to see the show. He said that he went to grab a bite with his son after the show and they talked for three hours! He said that was more than he had spoken to his son in years. He was very appreciative of our work.

We have just finished performing our 110th show... from Edinburgh, Scotland to New Orleans to Chicago! But never New York City? We have always wanted to present The Black Jew Dialogues in New York City (I was raised in Brooklyn and Queens) and the Frigid Festival has been the best opportunity to do so. (read: it makes the most financial sense so far.) But most importantly we continue to tour the show because we are committed to "changing the world one show at a time." We hope you can make it down to the Kraine Theater to participate in the laughter, ideas, and ongoing dialogue. (Plus, we really can use the money.)

Larry Jay Tish, co-creator/performer

Coffee Dad, Chicken Mom, and the Fabulous Buddha Boy

Produced by Mischief and Mayhem Theatre

Coffee Dad, Chicken Mom and the Fabulous Buddha Boi is a show about family and love and finding out that who you thought you were and who your family thinks you are may not be the same person. It is also a show about love and finding peace with yourself, where you've been and who you're becoming.

Coffee Dad, Chicken Mom and the Fabulous Buddha Boi is pertinent for an audience today or any day because there isn't a single person in the entire world who hasn't struggled with gigantic questions of self and hasn't worried or wondered how their family will react. These moments of uncertainty and the desire for support are the things that bind us together as human beings. The desire for love and acceptance and certainty extends through the hearts of every global citizen.

We have chosen to present this show because it is simple, beautiful, well written and well performed. We want to expose this gorgeous, touching play to an audience beyond our tiny sphere of Western Canada and ultimately we want to remind people that they are not alone in their struggle and no matter how dark it seems someone is on your side and someone is there, sitting in a dark kitchen, holding your hand.

Michelle Kennedy, director

How Does a Drug Deal Become a Decent 3rd Date?

Produced by Green with Envy Productions

It's a thoughtful, mature and humourous look at the the thoughtless, immature and deadly serious world of dating. One girl and the three funny fellas who fail her. Hey, going out on a limb here, are you free Friday? You are very cute.

There are very few themes that apply to any time in all of mankind's history. War and love come to mind and as we all know, war + love = dating. It's the things on earth everyone has in common — poor romantic choices and math. So about Friday...dinner and a movie? Those jeans are very, very attractive.

There are premises writers return to again and again because they are universal, they are recognizable and above all they are human.  And misery loves company. And company loves hilarious misery. Am I right? Really, the two of them should date. Wow, you have a great smile, you know that?

Carmine Lucarelli, director

On Second Thought

Produced by Wog Productions

Author: Paul Hutcheson

On Second Thought is an autobiographical piece of physical hilarity!  Humorous stories woven under the theme of those "How did I get here??" moments in life that everyone can relate to. 

Often, in this technology driven society we forget to look back on our lives and relive the moments in life that helped shape us.  Whether it be a school yard incident, familial relationship or a near death experience, we all have stories.  On Second Thought reminds audiences to take stock of their lives and to remember that we are all extraordinary.

On Second Thought has toured to a few festivals garnering fantastic reviews and even some awards.  It has always been a dream of this small town Canadian boy to perform in New York City.  I am bringing a show I am confident audiences in the "theatre mecca" will enjoy and relate to.

Paul Hutcheson, performer/writer

The Hefner Monologues

Author: John Hefner

My show's about making a name for yourself when someone else already has. In my case, that name happens to be Hefner. And yes, I do mean THAT Hefner! I''m the black sheep of the white bunny family: the estranged Anti-Hefner, a manic, awkward geek with a tendency to flail his arms and put on impromptu stripteases set to "You Put The Lime In The Coconut!" This is not your typical "identity monologue" show. And it's all true. Even the really crazy parts.

People should see my show because it's funny, honest, and 100% wank-free. Also, because I am poor and would like to eat. Man cannot live on Hot Pockets alone!

I chose to present this show, first and foremost, to entertain people. I''ve always admired performers like Richard Pryor, John Leguizamo, and Christopher Titus: people who can make comic gold out of even the most painful and embarrassing parts of life. I wanted to tell my own story from the sorely-underrepresented awkward arms-flailing geek-boy perspective.

John Hefner, writer/performer

The Giant's Causeways

Author: Nora S. McLaughlin

Can the friendship between two boys, one Catholic, the other Protestant, stand up to the political, social and religious struggles surrounding them in Northern Ireland during the 60's and 70's? The Giant's Causeways takes the audience on an emotional journey through this friendship as the boys deal with death in many ways, figure out just how many Causeways there are and how many potatoes is a lot of potatoes.  It's a story with a touch of magic that's unique to Irish tales. Directed by Jill Harrison and featuring James Fauvell and Thomas Hodgskin.

The struggle of the Catholics in Belfast, Northern Ireland, particularly during a time they call, the Troubles, is echoed in conflicts throughout the world: equality of rights, regardless of race, religion or social status.  Though the roots of such struggles may differ, the effect on individuals, families and friends is universal.  How can Americans connect with a struggle that has gone on in Belfast, Northern Ireland for over 30 years?  The Catholics drew inspiration from Martin Luther King and the Civil Rights Movement, a defining moment in American history both then and now.

I wrote this play based very loosely on a story that my father experienced on his return back to Belfast, where he grew up.  Writing and researching for this piece has been a four year journey into my family's history, the history of Ireland and what it means for me to be Irish.

Nora Sun McLaughlin, writer

Freedom 85!

Produced by Hi-D Theatre

Author: Debra Hale

Freedom 85 was inspired by the late Sybil Collins, a very funny and spirited woman who served in World War II in Britain.  She moved to a retirement home and told me "I didn’t expect it to end like this."  In our play, this poignant situation becomes humorous too as she "breaks out" with the help of an alcoholic waitress. Another actress and I create a community of small town characters in Sybil's life both now and during wartime.  Expect to laugh and be moved as the two central characters find out how much they need each other.  Audiences have told us that our show has a big heart.

Seniors are moving into retirement homes in huge numbers.  How are they coping?  Do we still value their input and seek their connection to our communities and families?  Do we still need them? Judging from the response to the premiere of Freedom 85, we do!

I wrote the show as an acting challenge and it became anchored in the story of this wonderful woman who I still miss everyday. What fun for two actresses to play old men, young British Gals, a Jamaican Cook and a menacing biker, just to mention a few.  To me this is an exciting form of storytelling and theatrical magic that keeps an audience engaged and entertained.

Debra Hale, writer/actress

habeas corpus

Produced by the real kim harmon

habeas corpus is  a year-long project on the topic of getting rid of things. we have been and are currently soliciting responses from folks on the topic of "what would you get rid of?" and responses  are built into a multi-media theatrical performance, incorporating what turned out to be both expected and completely unpredictable themes. habeas corpus invites audience interaction (both during the show and RIGHT NOW at www.therealkimharmon.com), contains original live music, physical theatre elements, a spiraling structure, and is both ridiculously silly and devastatingly sincere. We do not recommend this show for children, though childish adults are particularly welcome!

habeas corpus is as today as it gets — we adapt the show as responses come in, so it is about what is happening, right now, for people across the United States as well as abroad; there are both unique and universal perspectives to each show. What I love most about this show is the fun of the dark, dark comedy inherent in its extremely intimate nature. I don't know of another show like it in New York right now.

Part of the goal of the real kim harmon is about bridging east and west coast styles of performance experimentation together. Our cast for the New York presentation is half New York artists and half San Francisco artists, which creates a particularly dynamic feel. This is part of what inspired our investigation into how people are affected by things, how they feel limited, how they limit themselves, and we are interested in exploring the idea of how to find freedom — basically, to have unlimited access to one's self, one's personal body — habeas corpus.

Kim Harmon, artistic director