The 1980s saw the change of name from Palisades Theatre Company to American Stage, as well as the change of address from an old movie house on Central Avenue to a new home on 3rd Street South. This week’s Living Room Plays selections showcase the variety of programming that American Stage has always looked to present.
Tonight’s Curated Scene Selections: William Shakespeare’s A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM Charles Ludlam’s THE MYSTERY OF IRMA VEP Lanford Wilson’s SERENADING LOUIE
We would like to thank our sponsors, donors and trustees who contribute to American Stage year-round, and whose generosity continues to help us innovate.
THE MYSTERY OF IRMA VEP – A PENNY DREADFUL is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. concordtheatricals.com
HOW I LEARNED TO DRIVE received its world premiere at the Vineyard Theatre, New York City. Off-Broadway production produced by the Vineyard Theatre in association with Daryl Roth and Roy Gabay. SERENADING LOUIE This playiswas made possible by arrangement generous support presented by special with from the Pew Charitable TrustInc., andNew the York Dramatists Play Service, John Simon Guggenheim Foundation. It was written and developed at the Perseverance Theatre, Juneau Alaska, Molly Smith, Artistic Director.
WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE William Shakespeare (1564 – 1616) was an English poet, playwright, and actor, widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world’s greatest dramatist. He is often called England’s national poet and the “Bard of Avon” (or simply “the Bard”). His extant works, including collaborations, consist of some 39 plays, 154 sonnets, two long narrative poems, and a few other verses, some of uncertain authorship. His plays have been translated into every major living language and are performed more often than those of any other playwright.
CHARLES LUDLAM Charles Ludlam grew up in Queens, New York. At twenty-four, he founded the Ridiculous Theatrical Company, where he wrote, directed and performed in almost every production for the next two decades, often with Everett Quinton, his life partner and muse, by his side. His many plays included TURDS IN HELL, DER RING GOTT FARBLONJET, a riff on Wagner’s Ring Cycle, BLUEBEARD, and THE MYSTERY OF IRMA VEP, his most popular play, and a performer’s tour-de-force. Ludlam continued working until almost the day he died of PCP pneumonia, just three months after his AIDS diagnosis.
LANFORD WILSON
Lanford Wilson was an American playwright and a pioneer of the Off-Off-Broadway and regional theatre movements. His plays are known for experimental staging, simultaneous dialogue, and deferred character exposition. Some of his plays include THE GREAT NEBULA IN ORION, THE HOT l BALTIMORE, THE 5TH OF JULY, THE RIMERS OF ELDRITCH & TALLEY AND SON. Wilson attended schools in Missouri, San Diego, and Chicago before moving to New York City in 1962. From 1963 on his plays were produced regularly at Off-Off-Broadway theatres such as Caffe Cino and La Mama Experimental Theatre Club.
A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM
LYLE SWEPPENHEISER Lysander
SKYE LINDBERG Hermia
A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM
KIANNA JACKSON Helena
JOHN PEREZ
Demetrius
THE MYSTERY OF IRMA VEP
BENJAMIN T. ISMAIL*
Lady Enid/Nicodemus
MATTHEW McGEE*
Lord Edgar/Jane
SERENADING LOUIE
ALÉA FIGUEROA* Gabrielle
STEPHEN LIMA Alex
STEPHANIE GULARTE
SADIE LOCKHART
BENJAMIN T. ISMAIL & MATTHEW McGEE
KRISTIN CLIPPARD
CEO/Producing Artistic Director Director, A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM Directors, THE MYSTERY OF IRMA VEP
Director, SERENADING LOUIE
Our sincere gratitude to the performers’ unions: ACTORS’ EQUITY ASSOCIATION, AMERICAN GUILD OF MUSICAL ARTISTS, AMERICAN GUILD OF VARIETY ARTISTS, SAG-AFTRA
JOHN MILLSAP
Production Captions
JILL CASTLE
Costume Manager
RACHEL HARRISON* Stage Manager
JERID FOX
Director of Production & Media
UP NEXT
CREATIVE CONVERSATIONS MONDAY, AUGUST 24 | 6 p.m. Leading Through Personal Crisis
A discussion about American Stage's recently announced impending leadership transition
Thank you for joining us. If you haven’t already done so, please consider making a donation to American Stage in support of this performance and to help us keep our community connected to powerful storytelling.
Donations can also be made through AMERICANSTAGE.ORG/DONATE Thank you for helping us stay connected. Powerful Stories. Virtually Told.
Thank you for experiencing VIRTUAL STAGE
FRIDAY, AUGUST 21 | 8 p.m.
The ‘90s American Stage establishes itself as the preeminent professional theatre in the Tampa Bay area.
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FALL PROGRAMS START SEPTEMBER 12. Our Virtual Academy gives students of all ages the opportunity to explore new people, places and ideas safely from home as we adventure together beyond the physical stage.
Visit AMERICANSTAGE.ORG/VIRTUALACADEMY to learn more.
Listen to Spotlight: The American Stage Podcast, with a range of special guests offering insights into the ideas, the artistry and the humanity underlying American Stage’s work and world of live theater.
Visit AMERICANSTAGE.ORG/PODCAST
Explore Creative Tips, free mini how-to videos from members of the American Stage team to engage our creative minds, bodies and imaginations at home. Perfect for all ages!
Thank you for joining us. If you haven’t already done so, please consider making a donation to American Stage in support of this performance and to help us keep our community connected to powerful storytelling.
Donations can also be made through AMERICANSTAGE.ORG/DONATE Thank you for helping us stay connected to all in our community.