Past Productions

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CLOSED “UMBILICAL BROTHERS: The Distraction” opens May 22 at ACTORS TEMPLE THEATRE

Umbilical Brothers: The Distraction is a technically-dazzling live-comedy mind-bender from the stars of The Upside Down Show.

80 – 90 minutes, no intermission
Opens May 22 thru May 31st

Content Warning : Simulated cartoonish violence, some profanity and your face may appear on screen; loud sound effects including gun shots and moments of darkness.

ABOUT THE SHOW:

The stars of The Upside Down Show in a unique live comedy experience. Do you love staring at screens? Are you staring at a screen right now? You should get out more. Specifically to a show with an enormous screen in the middle of it. The Umbilical Brothers take the energy of live performance and the spectacle of cinema and smash them together. It’s like nothing you’ve ever seen and it will blow your mind more literally than you’re expecting. The Distraction feels so much like magic you’ll want to burn them at the stake.

From The Late Show with Stephen Colbert to The Upside Down Show, viral fame to worldwide tours in 40 countries, Australia’s award-winning comedy duo The Umbilical Brothers are bringing their most ambitious show yet to New York.

The Distraction is a mind-melting mix of live performance and on-screen chaos—performed simultaneously on stage and on a giant screen through the magic of added live visual effects. Think: the Emmy-winning absurdity of The Upside Down Show, the physical brilliance of live-action animation, and the unhinged speed of your favorite TikTok fever dream.

Rapid-fire sketches, surreal visuals, and moments of total anarchy—all delivered with jaw-dropping precision. Whether you’ve been a fan since Speedmouse or just discovered them through viral clips, this is the ultimate Umbilical experience.

Catch them up-close at the Actor’s Temple Theatre, where every expression, every perfectly-timed disaster, and every laugh lands just inches away. It’s immersive, explosive, and utterly unforgettable. You won’t want to blink. Bring eye drops.

On stage: David Collins and Shane Dundas. Under the screen: Doug Bayne, summoning explosions, glitches, and glorious nonsense in real time.

Don’t wait. It’s their only scheduled U.S. performance.

“Marcel Marceau on really good drugs.” – The Sydney Morning Herald

“My faith in comedy was restored.” – The Times, London

“A delight for the eye, the ear and the spirit.” – The New York Times

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“PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE
Thursday, May 22 – 7:00 PM
Friday, May 23 – 10:00 PM
Saturday, May 24 – 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM
Sunday, May 25 – 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM
Thursday, May 29 – 7:00 PM
Friday, May 30 – 10:00 PM
Saturday, May 31 – 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM”

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“The Distraction – The Umbilical Brothers
Actors Temple Theatre, 339 W 47th St., New York, NY 10036 

May 22–31, 2025 (see full schedule above)
Recommended for: Ages 8 and up

Tickets: $50 – Telecharge.com | 212-239-6200 

Please do direct people to telecharge
resellers are marking up tickets by to over $150.

Actors Temple Theatre

Located at 339 West 47th Street
(Between 8th and 9th Avenue)

 

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Love In Idleness @ Actors Temple Theatre is CLOSED

https://www.telecharge.com/Love-In-Idleness-Tickets

Love In Idleness, a new musical comedy about a pharmaceutical scientist who invents the title drug to reignite passion in his long-term relationship with a drag performer is set for a limited Off-Broadway engagement this fall at Actors Temple Theatre, opening November 21, 2024.

The cast of Love In Idleness  features  Stanton Morales, Mikey LoBalsamo, Josey Miller, Liam Searcy, Brett Bainer, Michael Hegarty, Duncan Smith, Haley Izurieta, Nicholas Joseph C. Ochoa, Jackson Kanawha Perry, Dan Follett, Jesse J Potter,  and  Kyle Munson.

Photo by Adam Smith

Written by Jay Baer, with music by Andrew David Sotomayor, and directed by Kyle Pleasant, Love in Idleness  is a full-length musical comedy inspired by  A Midsummer Night’s Dream  set in 2025 NYC. Obie, a scientist for a pharmaceutical company, invents the title drug to reignite the spark in his long-term relationship with Tim, a drag performer at New York’s hottest gay club. Things go hilariously wrong, yielding absurdly mismatched pairings between Tim, Obie’s coworker and friend Hermione, her boyfriend, and more. While Obie grapples with these mismatched lovers, an evil right-wing group is conspiring to harness the drug’s power to serve its diabolical purposes. In the end, non-pharmacological love reigns and all is well.

Love In Idleness features scenic design by  Josh Iacovelli,  lighting design by  Mike Wonson,  sound design by  Ray Schilke  and costumes  by Sarah Marshall.  Kyle Pleasant  directs and choreographs, assisted by  Drew Minard.  The Musical Director is  Robbie Torres. Casting is by  Lara Hayhurst. Sarah Adams  is the Production Stage Manager. Production staff also includes  Matthew Palmer  and  Nilton Emilio.

Read more at Stage and Cinema:

Recommended Off-Broadway Opening: LOVE IN IDLENESS (Actors Temple Theatre)

“Love In Idleness”


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Actors Temple Theatre, 339 West 47th St.
November 21, 23, 24, 2024
For tickets ($48.50-$110.50 incl. fees),
visit Telecharge

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MEDEA: A MUSICAL COMEDY at Actors Temple Theatre is CLOSED

Medea: A Musical Comedy is the kitschiest, critically acclaimed musical, now playing off-Broadway at Actors Temple Theatre!

This hit production follows characters Paul, the super gay star and Elsa, playing the title role who hate each other off-stage then suddenly find themselves falling in love, shockingly.

The flamboyant director of the show, a campy musical version of Euripides’ Medea, and all of Paul’s lovers are stunned and disappointed that Paul has fallen for Elsa.

The quintessential backstage story spirals out of control with many twists, turns, and sequins along the way! Get tickets now and become one of thousands of theatregoers at one of the funniest and murderous musicals in town!

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“Exuberantly funny!” – Variety

“Manages to combine provocative thinking and exuberant theatrics!” – The Wall Street Journal

“Tastelessly amusing!” – Los Angeles Times

“Bold! Outrageous! Funny! And truly unapologetic!” – San Francisco Weekly

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First Preview 10/10/2024

Opening 10/19/2024

On Sale Through 02/01/2025

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www.medeanyc.com

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Winner of six Bay Area Critics Circle Awards including “Best Musical,” the LA Weekly Award for “Best Musical,” and the GLAAD Media Award for “Best Theatre,”

Medea: A Musical Comedy, a campy, and critically-acclaimed musical take on Euripides’ MEDEA is written and directed by John Fisher. Fisher directs a cast of nine.

Creative Team

Author: John Fisher
Music: Multiple Rock/ Pop Artists
Lyrics: John Fisher
Director: John Fisher
Choreographer: Hunter Hope Barnett

 

The press calls Medea: A Musical Comedy “A delight! Pure fun! A dazzling display! Executed with such performance panache that you gasp with gratitude! Irresistible!” (Variety), “Exuberantly funny! Bristles with wit and intelligence!” (San Francisco Chronicle), “Riotous slapstick! As smart as it is sassy, as hip as it is hyper, and wondrously provocative in just about every sense of the word!” (San Francisco Examiner), “Manages to combine provocative thinking and exuberant theatrics!” (The Wall Street Journal), and “Tastelessly amusing!” (Los Angeles Times).

The runtime is 100 minutes with no intermission.

PERFORMANCES are Thursdays at 7:00 p.m.; Saturdays at 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.; and Sundays at 2:00 p.m. Plus: Sunday, October 13 at 6:00 p.m.; Tuesday, November 19 at 7:00 p.m.; Wednesday, November 20 at 7:00 p.m.; Wednesday, November 27 @ 7:00 p.m. There are no performances on October 12 and 24, or November 21, 2024.

TICKETS range from $58.50 to $110.50 and can be purchased by visiting Telecharge, or by calling 212-239-6200.

Direct ticketing link: https://www.telecharge.com/Medea-A-Musical-Comedy-Tickets.

Medea: A Musical Comedy is produced by Jon Zimmerman in association with Edmund Gaynes; General Manager: Bennett Theatricals; Press Representative: Paul Siebold/Off Off PR.

The Actors’ Temple Theatre in the heart of the Times Square Theatre District

Located at 339 West 47th Street, New York, NY 1003

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Oct 7th The Play: In Their Own Words at Actors Temple Theatre CLOSED

The truth about that day in the words of those who lived through it.


“This was a huge news story [ but] we noticed it wasn’t being told,” he says
“Everyone had moved on to Gaza, the turning off of the electricity.

No one wanted to focus on October 7 in Israel.”

“We are journalists first and foremost and we don’t like seeing stories suppressed . . . October 7 is a story of humanity, surviving, and fighting back against the forces of darkness. They are stories of resilience and stories that had to be told.”

The survivors of October 7 deserve to be heard.

“It’s telling their stories and giving them a voice which in today’s crazy world is a political act . . . The day changed them, we think it also changed Israel and we think you can’t talk about Gaza without first understanding what happened in Israel on October 7. That’s why we wrote this play.” [Ann McElhinney]

Official Opening, May 13, 2024

Actors Temple Theatre
May 2-June 16, 2024

https://www.october7theplay.com/creativeteam

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Investigative journalists Ann McElhinney and Phelim McAleer were in Ireland when they heard about the October 7th attacks in Israel.

They watched footage of the brutality in shock.

They thought it would be a day that changed everything.

But they noticed that their neighbors, the press, and politicians were eager to “move on”and wanted to have people forget October 7.

The conversation very quickly moved to condemning what Israel was planning in Gaza.

There was no condemnation of the October 7 massacres.

That’s when Ann and Phelim knew they had to travel to Israel to discover the truth for themselves, and as journalists, they had to bring that truth to the world.

In November 2023, they traveled throughout Israel and interviewed survivors, rescuers, heroes and those who lost loved ones.

They were honored that people trusted them to tell their stories.

OCTOBER 7: In Their Own Words is a verbatim play – with no editorializing, no added drama – just the truth.

Isn’t that what journalism should be?

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This astonishing play takes you into the heart of the October 7th attacks against Israelis of all ages, ethnicities, and circumstances.

Stories of horror and heroics are presented verbatim, using only the words of those who experienced the attacks and dealt with the aftermath.

Despite pain and loss, these are also stories of hope, resilience, and even humor.

Don’t miss this historic opportunity to bear witness to the tragedy and heroism of those who endured October 7th. In their own words.

Never again is now.

“To forget the dead would be akin to killing them a second time.”
⁃ Elie Wiesel

 

From Miranda Devine at the NY POST:

Putting all the drama of Oct. 7 terror attack on stage

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Actors Temple Theatre

339 West 47th Street

Between 8th and 9th Avenue

New York NY 10036

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THE PARLIAMENT OF POETS Opens Feb 15 at Actors Temple Theatre; CLOSED

CLOSED:Frederick Glaysher performs The Parliament of Poets, and Tolstoy, Merlin, Black Elk, Du Fu, Dante, Job, Vyasa, Borges, other world poets.

Apollo, the Greek god of poetry, calls all the poets of the nations, ancient and modern, East and West, to assemble on the moon to consult on the meaning of modern life, seeking our common humanity, with Don Quixote as Master of Ceremonies. The 90-minute solo production includes musical interludes, literary, cosmic projections, and humanity coming together in peace and global community.

Glaysher has performed more than sixty times around the USA, Canada, and Scotland, making now his NYC debut. The show revives the storytelling role of the Ancient Greek rhapsodes, blended with the dramatic theatre readings of Charles Dickens and Edgar Allan Poe.

“Certainly wowed the crowd with the performance and the words themselves.” –Hudson Valley Writers Guild

“Our world is desperately in need of this message of peace, love and humanity.” –Rev Eric Williams, St. Philip’s Episcopal Church

“A great epic poem of startling originality and universal significance, in every way partaking of the nature of world literature.” –Hans Ruprecht, Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada

           Recommended for ages 18 and up

Some critique of sexual harassment, abuse, and rape of women.
Not suitable for children.

No Children Under 12

Children under 12 years old will not be admitted.

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Creative Team

Author: Frederick Glaysher
Director: Michigan Michael Chekov
Producer: Apollo’s Troupe
Press Agent: Dan DeMello, DDPR
General Manager: Edmund Gaynes

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Dates : First Performance 02/15/2024/ On Sale Through 03/02/2024

 

 

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Excerpt from Classical Poets  Review

Of special interest to members of The Society of Classical Poets is Book 6. Keep in mind, the journey of the poet from Earth to Moon and back again involves visiting all the continents on Earth and engaging in dialogue with all the poets across all time. Book 6 covers China and much of its sentiments will ring a very pleasant note with supporters and followers of Falun Gong: there is a fabulous expose of political corruption in China, with lines like:

“The Marxists have proved the worst in all
of human history. Insatiable lust for blood.
Only university professors in my country
continue to worship at their sanguine shrines.
They always claim it’s ‘for the people.’
but never get around to asking them
what they want. Duty and heaven forgotten.”

Please note too the arch humour against the U.S. university professors who still argue for Marxism; there is actually a lot of humour in the poem. Thematically, too, it is epic: it is about the survival of the human race, despite—Dante-like—facing the full horrors of human history.

“https://classicalpoets.org/2016/01/25/review-the-parliament-of-poets-by-frederick-glaysher-earthrise-press-2012/”


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Box Office Hours: Tickets can be purchased in person at the box office one hour prior to the performance.

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Actors Temple Theatre

Between 8th and 9th Avenue
New York NY 10036
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” Madwomen of the West” Will Return to Actors Temple Theatre TBA

Caroline Aaron, Brooke Adams, Marilu Henner, and Melanie Mayron,  star in Madwomen of the West, a hilarious new comedy about an LA gals brunch that goes terribly wrong.

Madwomen of the West Off Broadway Play Tickets

 

Caroline Aaron (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel), Brooke Adams (The Dead Zone), Marilu Henner (Taxi), and Melanie Mayron (thirtysomething) star in a rip-roaring new comedy by Sandra Tsing Loh (NPR). Welcome to Jules’ stunning Brentwood mansion, where hangry (she’s on a sugar cleanse) Marilyn is throwing a surprise birthday brunch for Claudia, who hates birthdays. Champagne corks pop—and tempers flare—when their long-estranged celebrity friend Zoey crashes the party, fresh from her TED Talks. Expect hilarity, outrageous rants, and unexpected wisdom about what it means to be a woman (no matter what pronouns you use) in the 21st century.

Madwomen of the West Cast Members:

Caroline Aaron, Brooke Adams, Marilu Henner, Melanie Mayron

Madwomen of the West Creative Team

Author: Sandra Tsing Loh
Director: Tom Caruso
Producer: LDOS Media Lab


Running Time: 98 minutes, no intermission

Saturdays at 2 and 7 PM beginning Nov. 11
Sundays at 2 PM beginning Nov. 12
Mondays at 7 PM beginning Nov. 20

Madwomen of the West Tickets

Upcoming Dates and Times Telecharge link:   https://www.telecharge.com/Off-Broadway/Madwomen-of-the-West/Ticket

Or Call 212-239-6200

Madwomen of the West tickets starting at $39.50.
Telecharge is the official ticket seller.
Tickets subject to a service charge.

Audience : Recommended for 16 +
Children under the age of 5 are not permitted in the theatre.

First Preview Date Opening Date On Sale Through
November 11, 2023 December 4, 2023 December 31, 2023

Box Office Hours : Tickets can be purchased in person at the box office one hour prior to the performance.

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Actors Temple Theatre

339 West 47th Street /Between 8th and 9th Avenue /New York NY 10036

TBA

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Anne Frank, a Musical open Actors Temple Theatre October 11, 2023CLOSED Nov 5

Anne Frank, a Musical, tells the story of Anne Frank through the lyrics and music of Jean Pierre-Hadida.

Opens October 11 thru November 5th

David Serero returns as producing, directing, and starring (as Otto Frank) in this English language premiere adaptation of the highly successful and well-reviewed production in France, which has been touring for ten years and was recognized by the Anne Frank Museum in Amsterdam. At the crossroads of musical theater, opera, and oratorio, the twelve artists onstage will bring Ms. Frank’s world to life in capacity.

This educational musical piece showcases the universal legacy of one of the most important Jewish figures of the past century.

This theater piece includes emotive music that respects Anne Frank’s character. A very emotional musical, yet full of hope with a strong message for humanity. It’s a perfect way for everyone to know about Anne Frank and her legacy and the Holocaust.

For this production of Anne Frank, a Musical, David Serero won the 2020 BroadwayWorld Awards for Best Performer and Best Producer of a Musical of the Decade.


Anne Frank, a Musical Cast Members:

David Serero

Anne Frank, a Musical Creative Team

Author: Jean-Pierre Hadida
Music & Lyrics: Jean-Pierre Hadida
Director: David Serero
Producer: David Serero Productions
Press Agent: The Culture News

Actors Temple Theatre

Located at 339 West 47th Street
(Between 8th and 9th Avenue)

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Oh Soledad– A Musical Journey of Peace : CLOSED

Oh Soledad Off Broadway Musical Show Tickets

Join Oh Soledad – A Musical Journey exploring how one woman’s grace helped shape Costa Rica’s path to enduring peace.

Based on historical reality, Oh Soledad is the story of a woman who by her very persona, dignity, and grace made a significant contribution toward changing the ethos of her previously turbulent culture to an ethos of peace (which has sustained in Costa Rica for seventy years now). We desire to share this story hoping “the spirit of Soledad” will become embraced throughout our current cultures toward the goal of peace, and away from current trends.

This work was written to address the question “How and why did Costa Rica become and sustain as a nation of peace, in contradistinction to its neighbors of similar heritage? And “How can we now benefit from this example & lesson?”

“Witness the mesmerizing tale of Soledad, the woman who dared to dream of peace in a turbulent world. Oh Soledad is a testament to the enduring spirit of humanity, the power of peace, and the strength of a woman who left an indelible mark on her nation. Step into a world where love for fellow man and country intertwine to create an extraordinary legacy.”

– Finalist for the second annual Rave Theater Festival

– Summerfest Theater Festival Official 2021 Selection

Oh Soledad – A Musical Journey of Peace Cast Members:

Andrea Hernández Mieres, Maxwell Stengel, Jordi Viscarri, Cecília Carollo, Savannah Ritz, Nea Somogyi, Michael Valladeres, Johanna Gracia Lara

Oh Soledad – A Musical Journey of Peace Creative Team

Author: KM Berry
Music & Lyrics: KM Berry
Director: Melissa Lewyn
Choreographer: Myah Segura
Producer: Ken Berry, Oh Soledad Musical LLC

Running Time: 90 minutes, no intermission

First Preview Date Opening Date On Sale Through
August 2, 2023 August 3, 2023 August 20, 2023

Thursday, Saturday and Sundays at 8 pm.

Exceptions: Sundays Aug 6 and 13 at 5 PM
Sun Aug 20 7:30 pm

Oh Soledad – A Musical Journey of Peace Tickets

Oh Soledad – A Musical Journey of Peace tickets starting at $32.50.
Telecharge is the official ticket seller. Tickets subject to a service charge.

Audience : Recommended for 12 +
Children under the age of 4 are not allowed in the theatre.

Box Office Hours : Tickets can be purchased in person at the box office one hour prior to the performance.

Actors Temple Theatre

339 West 47th Street

Between 8th and 9th Avenue

New York NY 10036

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Samuel Clemens: Tales of Mark Twain -CLOSED

Samuel Clemens recounts his life as the legendary Mark Twain
and the history that surrounded him through stories and images of the times.

Samuel Clemens recounts his life as the legendary Mark Twain and the history that surrounded him through stories and images of the times.Against a backdrop of historic images, Samuel Clemens recounts the life and times of Mark Twain from his meager childhood to literary titan to humble end. No matter the highs or lows, Sam is always able to find the ‘every man’ humor in his situation with a “snapper.”

This original, solo show, won five T.A.N.Y.S. awards in 2022 on its way to this limited NYC engagement. Twain’s observations of life are , for better or worse, still so applicable today.

Saturdays at 8, Sundays at 2, beginning May 6th, 2023 [ CLOSED]

Samuel Clemens: Tales of Mark Twain Cast
Joe Baer

Samuel Clemens: Tales of Mark Twain Creative Team
Author: Joe Baer
Director: Joe Baer

Producer: Baerhands Theater & Television, Inc
Press Agent: DeMello PP DDPR

Samuel Clemens: Tales of Mark Twain Tickets starting at $59.50.

Audience : Recommended for 12 + Children under the age of 4 are not permitted in the theatre.

Box Office Hours : Tickets can be purchased in person at the box office one hour prior to the performance.


Actors Temple Theatre
339 West 47th Street
Between 8th and 9th Avenue
New York NY 10036

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COWBOY, the powerful story of Bass Reeves, the first black U.S. Deputy Marshal-CLOSED

From the author of Black Angels Over Tuskegee, Layon Gray, Cowboy is the first full on western to hit a Broadway or off-Broadway stage in over 80 years: COWBOY
the powerful story of Bass Reeves RETURNS to Actors Temple Theatre beginning – May 25, 2024 at Saturdays – 4:00 pm

Cowboy is set in 1888 Oklahoma Indian territory. The story follows Bass Reeves and his Indian companion as they search for two criminals fleeing to the Mexican border, one of whom Reeves has a death warrant for. They all find themselves stuck in an old saloon as a deadly tornado slowly approaches.

He is the greatest U.S. Deputy Marshal you’ve never heard of. Many scholars believe that Bass Reeve’s life inspired the Lone Ranger character.

“Playwright Layon Gray has a gift for turning a wide range of stories from Black history into engaging, thought-provoking 21st century drama. The title refers to yet another illustration of slavery’s legacy, a story that’s key to the play. After experiencing Cowboy, you may never hear the word the same way again.” – Miami Herald

“Cowboy is everything audiences expect of a rousing western! Gray is a fine writer—as in Tennessee Williams, there’s a regional poetry in the characters’ communication, but he’s an even better director. – ” Florida Theatre Onstage

“Cowboy is a theatrical wonder! Gives reason to go back to theatre.”- Miami Artzine

“The multitasking Gray is a memorable Bass Reeves, observant and clever and two steps ahead of everyone else. His speeches are key to the play’s richness and to the way it emotionally connects past and present.” – Artburst

MEET THE CAST:
Layon Gray, Thaddeus Daniels, Lamar Cheston, Anthony Goss,
David Roberts, Clinton Faulkner

Kenneth Browning,  Aaron Watkins

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Cowboy Creative Team

Author: Layon Gray
Director: Layon Gray
Producer: Layon Gray
American Theatre Company
Choreographer: Diego Villada
Light Design: Mitch Ost
Set Design: Josh Iacovelli

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FOR TICKETS STARTING  AT ONLY  $58.50 contact TELECHARGE
https://www.telecharge.com/EventOverview?productId=13940

Performances Saturdays at 4:00 pm

Special Information: Gunshots and strobe lights are used in this production.

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Check out these Cowboy Related Links for more information:

Cowboy Official Show Website
Cowboy on Facebook
Cowboy on Tik Tok
Cowboy on Instagram
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WINNER of 5 Broadway World Awards

WINNER: Best Play
WINNER: Best Director
WINNER: Best Supporting Actor
WINNER: Best Lead Actor
WINNER: Best Production


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Actors Temple Theatre
339 West 47th Street
Between 8th and 9th Avenue
New York NY 10036