LBP NEW WORKS FESTIVAL 2023

The Studio Collaborative: LBP NEW WORKS FESTIVAL 2023

Company: LBP New Works Committee producing

Dates: March 31 & April 1 @ 7pm, 2023

Tickets: Free

CHOOSE YOUR DATE:

RESERVE YOUR TICKETS HERE:

• Friday, Mar. 31, 2023 at 7pm – Local Winner:

  BILLIE SITS FOR CARL (ANNOTATED) – With talk-back after the show

• Saturday, April 1, 2023 at 7pm – Non-Local Winner:

  FINDING MR. RIGHTSTEIN – With talk-back after the show

All Collaborative Shows do not have assigned seating, so it is first come, first serve.

PLEASE NOTE: The Studio Theater is on the 2nd Floor, it is only accessible by stairs, there is no elevator.

COVID Patron Safety Protocol

• Masks are strongly encouraged to be worn inside the theatre spaces, but are not required except for special performances.
• Masks are required for those coughing and sneezing
• Masks are available for any patron or volunteer who would like or need one

THE SHOWS:

BILLIE SITS FOR CARL (ANNOTATED)

Local Winner of the LBP New Works Festival 2023

Playing in the Long Beach Playhouse Studio Theater

Reading on Friday, March 31, 2023

By Chuck Cummings

Directed by Robyn Hastings

BILLIE SITS FOR CARL (ANNOTATED) is the true story of jazz singer Billie Holiday’s visit to photographer Carl Van Vechten’s Manhattan apartment to have her portrait taken. But Billie doesn’t just want an 8 x 10 glossy, and Carl, who has photographed many mid-twentieth century American luminaries, has an agenda of his own. Well, at least according to the playwright, who makes us question what’s true. 

Cast:

• Robb Tracy (CARL VAN VECHTEN)
• Anne Gundry (FANIA MARINOFF)
• Ervin Bolisay (SAUL MAURIBER)
• Hadiza Hinish (BILLIE HOLIDAY)
• Robin Harrison (PLAYWRIGHT)
• Melissa Calasanz (NARRATOR)

INTERVIEW WITH playwright Chuck Cummings about his play from STAGE EXPLORATIONS:

FINDING MR. RIGHTSTEIN

Non-Local Winner of the LBP New Works Festival 2023

Playing in the Long Beach Playhouse Studio Theater

Reading on Saturday, April 1, 2023

By Nancy Davidoff Kelton

Directed by Meredith Miranda

Joanna, age 50, journeys towards forgiveness, understanding her mother. and self-love. Her mother was in a mental institution which Joanna called “the nervous hospital.” Their evolving relationship, finding a home for Mom, and understanding mental illness are major themes. Joanna bonds with her father. That has a price including reminders that her looks disappoint. Joanna’s struggles with herself, her family, and Wrongstein men, along with her growth are dramatized with humor and pain.

Cast:

• Judy Gish (JOANNA)
• Nancy Fleming (MOM & OTHERS)
• Robb Tracy (DAD & OTHERS)
• Holly Jeanne (MILDRED AND OTHERS)
• Alex Lohman (NARRATOR / DIANE AND OTHERS)
• Amara Phelps (MOLLY / WENDY & OTHERS)
• Mitchell Nunn (LARRY / SHELDON AND OTHERS)
• Ervin Balisay (ROBERT / SAM & OTHERS)

INTERVIEW WITH playwright Nancy Davidoff Kelton about her play from STAGE EXPLORATIONS:

DESCRIPTION OF THE FESTIVAL: 

The annual festival nurtures emerging and established playwrights to develop new scripts. Reading 100+ scripts a year, the New Works Literary Committee chooses two top plays to receive a staged reading with critical feedback from professional theatre critics and audience talk-back.