Welcome to The Actors Temple Theatre

Jets attendance at Black Angels Over Tuskegee featured in the New York Times!

stlukestheatre — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 20:15:13 +0000

Black Angels Over Tuskegee (front row) with the New York Jets
(© Tristan Fuge)" width="502" height="299" />

After Cameo on Cable, Jets Hit Broadway

By BRUCE WEBER

The police stopped rush-hour traffic at Eighth Avenue and West 47th Street on Wednesday so the buses could pass through and their passengers, burly men in jackets and ties, could make the curtain. These were the Jets, en route to the off-Broadway Actors Temple Theater. It was just before 9 a.m., earlier even for actors than for professional athletes.

“Last time I did a 9 a.m. show I was in the third grade,” said Layon Gray, who wrote, directed and performed in the play “Black Angels Over Tuskegee.” “I was a tree.”

But the Jets had a luncheon scheduled and then they were off to Philadelphia, where they will play the Eagles Thursday night in their final preseason game. If they were going to see the show and absorb its message about comradeship and loyalty and pride, it had to be early. Everyone was there (well, not Darrelle Revis), including Coach Rex Ryan and the team owner, Woody Johnson.

It was an odd scene, a parade of huge, well-dressed guys filing quietly and obediently into the tiny theater, where several took up more than one seat apiece. A bystander prompted a sizable lineman: “Better than practice, right?”

“I’d rather be practicing,” he responded.

How did this come to pass? Serendipitously.

The play, part history and civics lesson, part inspirational narrative, concerns half a dozen men who during World War II were among the United States’ first black military aviators, known popularly as the Tuskegee Airmen, and who cohere into the proverbial band of brothers. It has been running since February to modest reviews — “an agreeable drama,” The New York Times called it — and one day last spring Ray Anderson, the N.F.L.’s executive vice president for football operations, was walking after dinner with his wife, Buffie, passed by the theater and decided to buy tickets.

Afterward, taken by its themes, its historical poignance and its relevance, racially speaking, to a league whose players are overwhelmingly black, the Andersons were thrilled, and Buffie suggested to her husband that he take his staff to see it. He did, and he subsequently issued a statement extolling the play as “a dynamic teambuilding experience.”

He added, ‘Black Angels’ is a must-see.”

(Anderson could have more use for his skills as a drama critic in a few weeks when “Lombardi,” a new play about the Green Bay Packers coach, opens on Broadway, with the N.F.L. as a producer.)

Buffie Anderson also sent her friend, Sara Hickmann, to the show. Hickmann, formerly director of the N.F.L.’s player assistance services, is now a Jets staff psychologist.

“And the entire time I was watching it, I was thinking, ‘I have to figure out way to get the team to see this,’ ” Hickmann said. “It was so relevant to what they’re trying to do, coming from all walks of life and maybe not always loving everyone on the team, needing to be away from family and friends, experiencing life tragedies. There were similarities in terms of the kind of banter the characters engage in, in terms of being educated and having role models.”

Hickmann took her idea to the Jets’ general manager, Mike Tannenbaum, who approved it, and the league also approved the outing as part of the life-skills program that each team is required to provide for its players. At first, the Jets talked about inviting the performers to their training camp, but Hickmann wanted the players in the theater.

“There’s something about the humility of the building when you walk in,” she said.

The players were a respectful, attentive audience, and a reasonably appreciative one, though there was some confusion about how long to applaud, and the actors’ curtain call concluded in silence. Still, they were murmuring approval on the way out and several asked to purchase T-shirts, though there was a limited supply in size XXXL.

“The play was as good as advertised,” Ryan said. “The message was outstanding, about teamwork, the way you have to take care of each other, the way you have to go through adversity and still go out and function on a high level.”

Jason Taylor, the linebacker signed from the Miami Dolphins, saw the play as being about “guys coming together and not letting someone else tell you what you can’t be.”

He acknowledged that some of his teammates may have initially rolled their eyes at the idea that watching a play together might be beneficial. But he thought the majority found it both relevant and moving.

“I found myself getting emotional at times,” he said. “You can sit in a room full of testosterone and big tough guys. But if you let your guard down and let your guard down and be a true man, you’ll find something in it for you.”

As for the actors, they were delighted, too.

“We saw a few tears shed by those big fellas,” said Thom Scott II, who plays Abraham, a voluble but sensitive young man who has the added burden of looking out for his brother, who is prone to fits.

“I think this play offers a lot that can help them for their Super Bowl run; I’m rooting for them now,” Scott said after admitting he has always been a Steelers fan.

To see the original article: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/02/sports/football/02jets.html?ref=sports

Zero Hour’s Jim Brochu featured in the New York Times!

stlukestheatre — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 20:14:33 +0000

“JIM BROCHU plays Zero Mostel in “Zero Hour” at the Actors Temple Theater.

My dad was friends with David Burns, who was in “The Music Man” and “Do Re Mi” and “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.” Three nights after “Forum” opened — it was the 11th of May 1962 — I was at the theater wearing my little military uniform. I went to LaSalle Military Academy, which is now defunct. I snuck out on stage after the show and bang, I crashed into Zero. He said: “Who are you? General Nuisance?” I had my breath taken away from me. I said, “I’m here to see my friend David Burns.” He said, “You never come to see me.” I don’t know why he said that. I said, “I will.” And I did. It was life changing for me.”

For the full article see:
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/02/theater/02meeting.html?_r=1

“The amount of talent on the stage, and the joy they have in playing together, are enough to make All American Girls a good day at the ballpark” – nytheatre.com

stlukestheatre — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 19:56:01 +0000

FROM THE CREATOR OF THE HIT PLAY,

BLACK ANGELS OVER TUSKEGEE

COMES THE NEW PLAY:
ALL-AMERICAN GIRLS: NEGRO BASEBALL LEAGUE

THE UNTOLD STORY OF THE ALL-NEGRO FEMALE BASEBALL TEAM IN 1945 CHICAGO

Winner NAACP Award – Best Play

Layon Gray, the writer and director of the long-running Off-Broadway hit Black Angels Over Tuskegee, continues to expand African-American theatre with his latest work, ALL-AMERICAN GIRLS, a tale of racism, deceit and betrayal after the coach of an all-Negro female baseball team goes missing in 1945 Chicago. The drama captures an era in American history when women were called on to keep baseball alive as the men went off to fight in World War II.

Winner of an NAACP Award for Best Play, ALL-AMERICAN GIRLS will feature “One Life to Live” star Daphanee Duplaix and Cover Girl model Mari White, along with Setor Attipoe, Yasha Jackson, Ashley Jeffrey, Arlene McGruder, Chantal Nchako, Catherine Peoples, and Antoinette Robertson.

Daphanee Duplaix Mari White

The Actors Temple Theatre is located in Manhattan at 339 West 47th Street (between 8^th and 9^th Avenues). Performances are Wednesday evenings at 8pm and Thursday evenings at 7pm, in rep with Black Angels over Tuskegee. Tickets, which are $36.50 to $59.50, are available through Telecharge.com or by calling 212-239-6200.

ALL-AMERICAN BASEBALL GIRLS is produced Off-Broadway by Edmund Gaynes, The Black Gents, and The Layon Gray Experience.

The Zero Mostel Show: Zero Hour starring Jim Brochu featured on Broadway.com

stlukestheatre — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 19:16:42 +0000

From Broadway.com: “Since a young age actor Jim Brochu has been compared to the iconic theater great Zero Mostel, star of such classics as A Funny Thing Happened On The Way to the Forum and Fiddler on the Roof. Brochu, who knew Mostel before his passing in 1977, has long been a fan of the actor—and now his off-Broadway solo show, Zero Hour, allows him to become Mostel on stage. Watch as Brochu, who also wrote the show, discusses what it’s like to channel such an outrageous theatrical legend and offers insights into Mostel as a person. You can bet that Zero Hour provides plenty of ‘comedy tonight!”

Watch the video interview with Jim Brochu…

Now playing in an OPEN-ENDED run at Actors Temple Theatre.
To purchase tickets, go to www.telecharge.com
or call: 212-239-6200.

August Performance Schedule

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BLACK ANGELS OVER TUSKEGEE now in its 8th month!

stlukestheatre — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 18:56:39 +0000

Black Angels Over Tuskegee is the narrative of the Tuskegee Airmen – six men embarking upon a journey to become pilots in the United States Army Air Forces. The play explores their collective struggle with Jim Crow, their intelligence, patriotism, dreams of an inclusive fair society, and brotherhood. The play goes beyond the headlines of the popular stories of the Tuskegee Airmen and exposes the men who exhibited the courage to excel, in spite of all the overwhelming odds against them.

“Uplifting! Inspirational! This show is also tough to resist. By the end, when the pilots overcame their obstacles and finally got up into the air to the swelling of music, tears welled up
in my eyes.”
- New York Times

“Dynamite performances!”
- Time Out NY

Performances started on June 5 at Actors Temple Theatre for an OPEN-ENDED run after transferring from St. Luke’s Theatre. See below for the July performance schedule. To buy tickets, call Telecharge at 212-239-6200. Or go to www.telecharge.com.

August Performance Schedule

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2010 Drama Desk Award Winner Zero Hour comes to The Actors Temple Theatre on June 19!

stlukestheatre — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 19:52:25 +0000

Winner of the 2010 Drama Desk Award! Set in theatre legend Zero Mostel’s painting studio on West 28th Street, a naïve reporter attempts to interview the famously volatile artist, prompting an explosion of memory, humor, outrage and juicy backstage lore. Mostel is remembered for his comedic genius and his definitive roles, but in the 1950′s he was equally known for his place on the infamous Hollywood blacklist. Directed by three time Oscar-nominated film star Piper Laurie, Jim Brochu’s striking portrayal brings all of Mostel’s swagger, ferocity, intelligence and fantastic wit back to the stage in this volcanic tour-de-force.

www.zerohourshow.com

To buy tickets, go to www.telecharge.com or call 212-239-6200.

JUNE SCHEDULE OF PERFORMANCES:

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HEBREW SCHOOL DROPOUT (now closed)

stlukestheatre — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 22:11:59 +0000

“Laugh out loud funny!” – NY Times

Hebrew School Dropout Or: How I Converted from
Judaism to Catholicism and Back to Judaism AND Lost Those Stubborn
Last 10 Pounds! is a hilarious new comedy by Dave Konig, the
three-time Emmy Award winning comedian. He hosted his own late-night
HBO comedy series (the infamous Hardcore TV), wrote, produced, and
starred in the cult hit talk show parody The Dave Konig Show on USA
Network, and won all his Emmys for the hilarious Konig Underground
segments on Metro (NY) TV’s Subway Q & A. He also recently performed
in Grease on Broadway.

Saturdays at 3 and 8, Sundays at 3 at Actors Temple Theatre 339 W. 47th St.

FOR TICKETS: 212-239-6200

www.davekonig.com

Limecat Family Theatre presents The Princess and the Frog Prince! (now closed)

stlukestheatre — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 22:42:49 +0000

The Limecat Family Theatre is proud to present its all new musical comedy spectacular about teamwork and keeping your promises… For children of all ages!
“The Princess and the Frog Prince”
Come join the fun when forgetful Queen Lureen turns Prince Chris and best friend, Bob, into a frog and a mouse! OOOPS! They soon discover that only a kiss from a princess will break the spell. With hilarious help from a supporting cast of animal friends, bakers and Queens, the Prince and Bob go looking for a princess who will actually keep the promise of a kiss!
Opening on Sunday, April 18 @ 12:30pm, Actor’s Temple Theatre

The 60 minute show (12 songs and dances) ends with a free giveaway to all children.

From the creators of:
The Tortoise and the Hare’s Holiday Hoop-La! and The Goldfish Twins Swim The Big Blue Sea
CLICK HERE to visit us online at LIMECAT.ORG
CLICK HERE for tickets at TELECHARGE.COM / or call 212-239-6200

Splendid Misery opens March 6! (now closed)

stlukestheatre — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 20:39:16 +0000

SPLENDID MISERY
A new play by Robert Reimer

LIMITED ENGAGEMENT!

Dating in your mid-50′s can be complicated! On the hottest day of
the year in a tiny apartment in Queens, Alaina and Carl are
forced into close quarters with their children from previous
marriages. Jewish playwright Robert Riemer’s redemptive story is
hilarious, thoughtful and heart-wrenching. The show celebrates
the triumphs of risking one’s heart to new possibilities.

For tickets and information visit www.telecharge.com or call (212) 239-6200.
THE ACTORS TEMPLE THEATRE is located at 339 West 47th Street (between 8th and 9th Avenues).

Show schedule:
Saturday at 8 PM
Sunday at 3 PM
Runs March 6 – March 21
www.firecatNYC.com

Alice in Wonderland Thru the Looking Glass (rated PG-15) EXTENDED thru March 21!

stlukestheatre — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 20:27:40 +0000

ALICE IN WONDERLAND THRU THE LOOKING GLASS

FIRECAT PRODUCTIONS is pleased to announce its upcoming production of “ALICE IN WONDERLAND THRU THE LOOKING GLASS “adapted and directed by Z.J. and DENISE DEVIN with original music and lyrics by CHRISTOHER REINER being presented at THE ACTORS TEMPLE. The production continues its run Saturday March 6 at 3:00 PM Sundays, March 7, 14 and 21 at 7:00 pm. Tickets are $45.00 for reserved seating or $25 for general admission.

“ALICE IN WONDERLAND THRU THE LOOKING GLASS ” is Firecat Production’s provocative musical comedy adaptation of the Lewis Carroll classics, about Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Thru the Looking Glass, and her sinfully- psychedelic quest, along with the colorful characters of the Wonderland Resistance Team, to kill the Queen of Hearts! Not recommended for audience under 15 years of age. For more information visit www.firecatnyc.com.

Reprising her role as ALICE which she played in the critically acclaimed Los Angeles production is JESSICA AMAL RICE. Also featured in the cast are JESSICA AMAL RICE, STEPHANIE BASHALL, JOSHUA M. FEDER, NICOLE INTRAVIA, CHRISTEN MADRAZO, GEOFFREY PARRISH, SHANLEY PASCAL and DERIN TOLU. The design team includes costumes by JERI BATZDORFF and sets by SAMANTHA LEVIN.

FIRECAT PRODUCTIONS shows are approximately 1 hour in length draw on both classical and original works applying the doctrines of Artaud, Brect, Chekhov, Turgenev, Dostoevsky, and George Lucas. Their West Coast work has been described by the Los Angeles Times as “A model of bare bones ingenuity…”

For tickets and information visit www.telecharge.com or call (212) 239-6200. ACTORS TEMPLE THEATRE is located at 339 West 47th Street (between 8th and 9th Avenues).

Photo credit: Firecat Productions