THEATER

Horse Trade Management Group is presenting the 7th Annual FRIGID New York Festival, a fun and open, and uncensored theatre festival on the fringe of the mainstream. This one-of-a-kind festival is one of the best of theatre productions in the city and should be marked on everyone's calendar. The shows will run from February 20th through March 3rd at The Kraine Theater & The Red Room and UNDER St. Mark's. 100% of box office proceeds will go directly to the artists and tickets are already on sale here. Check out all the shows you don't want to miss below! 36 Hours Presented by aWe Creative Group - New York, NY Written by Amy E. Witting, Directed by Bricken Sparacino Four years after a brief rendezvous Annie and Patrick reunite at Heathrow Airport and discover how life-changing 36 hours can be. A Day in the Life of Miss Hiccup Presented by Shoshinz – Tokyo, Japan Written & Performed by Yanomi The mysterious Miss Hiccup lives alone, but is definitely not lonely. She is forever accompanied by a raucous cast of sounds and music that make her life an absurd adventure. A hilarious and beautiful story by an award-winning Japanese performer. Bathtub Jen and the Henchmen Written by Jennifer Harder, Charley Layton, Glen Heroy, & David Rosen – New York, NY A steampunk collaboration of prohibitionistic proportions! Sneak into a world of slapstick, stand-up, and vaudeville with Jersey's finest speakeasy entrepreneur and her curmudgeonly ex-con husband as they embark on poorly judged money-making schemes, erotic escapades gone awry, run-ins with a keystone cop, and vignettes that include accordion, ukulele, clarinet, spoons, and trumpet. Commencing Presented by Estraña Theatre Company - Brooklyn, NY Written by Jane Shepard, Directed by Christina Massie The beautiful Kelli eagerly anticipates the blind date her friends have set her up on. To her dismay, it turns out her date is one very disappointed lesbian named Arlin. Mutually appalled, yet appallingly intrigued, they proceed to pull the screws loose on both straight and gay women's culture, to find the common ground between them in the search for true love and self acceptance. exHOTic Other Presented by Keep It Movin’ Productions – New York, NY Written & Performed by Una Aya Osato How many layers must you lose to get to the center of yourself? Come join award-winning and critically acclaimed writer/performer Una Aya Osato and her burlesque alter ego exHOTic other as they take on the world and take off their clothes. Generic Magic Realism Presented by Temerity Theatre – Brooklyn, NY Written by Ed Malin, Directed by DeLisa White, Starring Nat Cassidy What happens when the magical world of your average South American person is transplanted to a more northern, less magical, more real location? Join Octavio as he discovers poetry, satire, love, birds, chocolate, hippies and explosives on the way from the Andes to San Francisco during the fragrant 1960s. iMime, There’s An App For That Presented by Laughing Nomad Productions – Minneapolis, MN Choreographed & Performed by Kirsten Stephens Inspired by irretrievable hours sucked into Angry Birds, YouTube, and deciphering privacy settings. Each “app” opens a window into the bizarre, addictive, and sometimes surprisingly human things we follow, share and become with our gadgets. iMime tells the stories of our lives, both real and virtual, through stylized, poetic movement. JonBenét Ramsey: Murder Mystery Theater Presented by Medium Face Productions – Brooklyn, NY Who Killed JonBenét? And when? And how much? The creators of the off-Broadway hit, Bayside! The Unmusical! (Saved by the Bell Musical) proudly presents a true crime musical comedy. We boldly recreate that fateful night of the fateful murder in that fateful town of Boulder, Colorado. With music! Little Pussy Written & Performed by John Grady – New York, NY John Grady's true tales of being picked on, chased down, and beat up, from his youth to adulthood. Will he ever stand and fight? Are bullies and the bullied destined to fine each other? If so, who will save him? From the creator of the fringe hit, Fear Factor: Canine Edition. Losing My Religion: Confessions of a New Age Refugee Written by Seth Lepore, Directed by Thomas Griffin– Westhampton, MA A hysterical romp through America’s spiritual enterprise exposing the blurry line between self-help and faith. Yoga gurus, healthy chocolate peddlers and Buddhists with God complexes ego-trip their way toward absurdity. Love in the Time of Time Machines Presented by The Theatre Elusive – Toronto, Ontario Written by David Tichauer, Net Petrie, & Gillian English Once upon a time, Klein and Gabrielle broke up. And that was the end of it. OR WAS IT?! In a world where time's arrow spins like a compass needle at the North Pole, do the actions of two people amount to a hill of beans? Sure, but what does that hill of beans amount to? I don't know, you're the bean expert! Maison des Reves Written & Performed by Talie Melnyk – New York, NY Directed by Gretchen Cryer In 1909 Alexe Popova confessed to killing over 300 men, liberating women of her community from their abusive husbands. For 30 years she fought the War on Women in her own way, with a little lethal poison. Come ‘try’ her for yourself at Maison des Reves! My BoX Written & Performed by Killy Dwyer – New York, NY “I’m not sure I’m good enough to make something bad enough that today’s society will hate enough to love.” - Killy. My BoX is a dark comedy exploring pop culture shock in this digital age of simultaneous connection and isolation. Weaving storytelling, performance art, experimental projection and original live music, this "Mock$tar" creates a unique experience nightly. My Pussy’s Purrin’ Again! Written & Performed by D’yan Forest– New York, NY A vibrant, 78 year old woman, discovering the purrin' stirrin's of sex at age 12 (oh! Camp Takawalananakiki!), admits to the many lies of her life and discovers no matter how the world has tried to stop her adventurous soul-- her pussy’s purrin again! Comedy, song, dance, and a glockenspiel, too. My Three Moms Written & Performed by Virginia Bryan – New York, NY One birthed her, one nursed her, one raised her. Now she’s burying all three. A daughter is called back to the red clay of Georgia to bury her moms and shape her own identity Ringmaster Presented by Boom Done, Inc. – New York, NY Written by Turhan Caylak, Directed by Adam Knight Come be a fly on the wall, high in the mountains at the home of Pops- watch this master manipulator of a bygone era in razor sharp form, as fists fly, tops come off, and bodies hit the floor- Will Pop's legacy be preserved? Or will the secrets of the Sickie Room be uncovered at last? Serving Bait to Rich People Presented by Botwot Productions – Aspen, CO Written & Performed by Alexa Fitzpatrick Ski bum Alexa Fitzpatrick serves up jokes about sushi and dating in a land locked mountain town where the men outnumber the women two to one. As a bartender at a very high-end sushi restaurant, she amusingly stumbles through the moral dilemmas of serving very expensive bait to rich people. Sisters Grimm: Fables of the Stage Presented by Bricken and Birch Productions – New York, NY Written by Bricken Sparcino & Amy E. Witting Directed by Lori Kee & Bricken Sparacino A hilarious look behind the curtain. Find out how Jack really met the Giant and what happens between the scenes of a traveling musical children’s theater troupe. No children allowed. That’s Her Way Presented by En Avant Playwrights and Emerging Artists Theater – New York, NY Written by Kathleen Warnock Directed by Vivian Meisner Stuckey and Ferro have been doing this dance since high school. Hometown hero Stuckey stayed behind in their small town while smart, ambitious Ferro went off to discover her own future. A lifetime later, she's back and the conversation continues. Will it ever end? The Dreamer and The Acrobat Presented by Petite Mort Productions – New York, NY Written by Stav Meishar, Directed by Rachel Klein Mallory is an agoraphopic baker who never leaves her shop, eager to experience the world but terrified to try. The circus comes to town with Mallory's best childhood friend – the acrobat Gitano – with whom she's always been secretly in love. To be with him, she must overcome her fears and join the outside world before the circus leaves. The God Box Written & Performed by Antonia Lassar – Brooklyn, NY A "bagels and schmeaaah" mother discovers her daughter wasn't a practicing Jew. The God Box is a hilarious and poignant tale of how faith is passed on, and what happens when it isn’t. The Sandman’s Coming Presented by Brain Melt Consortium – New York, NY Conceived & Directed by Molly Ballerstein Lulled by nursery rhymes, a man's thoughts are haunted by what separates his identity from his addiction. Finding life's beauty and embracing addiction's lifeblood entangle when what is real is only perceived through touch. Dance, multi-media, and text weave together for a chilling look into the world of an addict. The Spectator & the Blind Man: Stories of Seeing & Not-Seeing Written & Directed by Dr. ML Godin – New York, NY Voilà, enlightenment’s blind side! Set in eighteenth-century Paris, The history of Braille begins at a sideshow spectacle and ends with revolution. Hear intimate stories of triumph and degradation embedded in sound and visionscapes. Think Ken Burns on hallucinogenic steroids! The Vindlevoss Family Circus Spectacular Presented by Animal Engine– New York, NY Written by Carrie Brown & Karim Muasher Directed by Mark Gindick The mustachioed Professor Penelope Vindlevoss discovers Edward the Zombie on her recent anthropological expedition, and takes it upon herself to domesticate him. What is Edward’s final lesson? To put on a circus, of course! Physical comedy and undead logic collide in this quirky fable about how to be truly human. Traditional Dances of Sri Lanka Presented by Nishadhi Dance Troupe – Sri Lanka Mind and spirit in one as the body sways to the tunes of the yakka (devil). Twisted Beats & Circus Feats Presented by Circadelix – Sydney, Australia/Chicago, IL Written by Jesse Horne, Directed by Dan Griffiths Twisted Beats & Circus Feats tells a uniquely heartfelt story through the eyes of a slightly deranged clown who, in his quest to become a hip-hop superstar, falls in love with a wind-up ballerina. A breathtaking fusion of clowning, juggling, contortion, hip-hop rhyming, storytelling, and puppetry. Two Lovely Black Eyes Presented by Elephant Run District – New York, NY Written by Chris Harcum, Directed by Aimee Todoroff Chris Harcum (American Badass, Rabbit Island and Some Kind of Pink Breakfast) returns to the Frigid Festival with a stand-up and storytelling fueled solo performance on feuds, gunslinging and what you get when you go up against the impossible. Varieties of Religious Experience Written & Performed by Adam Strauss – Brooklyn, NY Inspired by a scientific study showing that hallucinogenic mushrooms can effectively treat obsessive-compulsive disorder, Adam Strauss embarked on his own program of vigilante psychopharmacology. VGL 5’4” Top Written & Performed by Lucas Brooks – New York, NY Directed by Matthew Klein Sick and tired of short jokes and snobbery amongst the gay population, Lucas, a sexually frustrated and vertically challenged young top, is ready to fight back. Armed with only a laptop and a quick wit, our gallant hero addresses the loaded topic of sex and how it divides us, rather than unites us, in a time of need. Wearing Black Presented by Dark Prophet Productions – New York, NY Book, Music & Lyrics by Riley Thomas Accident. Murder. Evan must navigate the drugs, debts, and relationships he inherits after his twin brother is killed. Darkly visceral, strangely intimate and set to a deeply emotional score, “Wearing Black” trespasses into of the hearts and minds of those left behind and demands to know what place love has in death.

The Lower East Side is about to get a flashback to it's days when The Slipper Room dominated 167 Orchard Street. The top palace of variety and commander of the burlesque movement in NYC has re-launched with a renovated space to feature a wide range of vaudville-esque acts including music, magic, comedy, and more.

"Since we originally opened, The Slipper Room was not just a center for burlesque but for the entire arts community in NYC," co-owner James Habacker said. "The theater became a home-away-from-home for so many unique artists in the city and across the world, and we can't wait to finally welcome them back when we re-open."

The Strawberry Theatre Festival, which takes place from August 3rd-18th at The Theater at St. Clements, has introduced a new play into its repetoire this year-- Stripped The Play, which has just come off its successful run off-off Broadway has been added to the line-up. The next performance during the festival is on August 12th at 10pm (Tickets are $22 and can be purchased here). The show, which was written by Geoffrey Cantor and Steve Stanulis, delves into the world of male strippers and there's more than just g-strings to this story. Catching up with Steve Stanulis, writer of the play, and former cop and dancer, we find out all about the show and the real world of stripping. Stanulis came up with the concept of the show because he wanted to create something that was appealing to a wider audience than just bachelorette parties. This show is for everyone, from male to female, gay or straight, and if you don't believe me, just find out more for yourself below!

Fall can be hectic, but there's a great way to escape. Take in a show at 59E59 Theaters! They recently announced their 2012 fall schedule of performances so check out what's going on below and purchase your tickets here.

Wednesday, September 5 – Sunday, September 30
FLY ME TO THE MOON, written and directed by Marie Jones
With Tara Lynne O’Neill and Katie Tumelty
Produced by Green Shoot Productions

Francis and Loretta are community care workers. Together they care for Davy, a lonely old man whose greatest loves are Frank Sinatra and the races. When Davy dies on the day his horse finally comes in, his two carers are faced with a moral dilemma that threatens to tear their lives - and their friendship - apart. This hilarious new dark comedy from Northern Ireland’s premiere playwright Marie Jones (Stones In His Pockets) is the timely tale of two women struggling in today’s tough economic climate and just how far they will go to make ends meet.

The LIT Fund (League of Independent Theater), which launched August 1st, brings together over sixty independent theater companies in New York City to create a new funding source for off-off Broadway shows. The Fund will be used to establish an endowment for independent theater, create an Emergency Fund for independent theaters, companies, and artists, and provide unrestricted grants to participating companies and venues beginning August 1, 2013.

Broadway stalwart Norbert Leo Butz says, “I have done most of my work on Broadway. I have won two Tony awards and been in a total of 8 Broadway shows. So why do I support the LIT fund? ‘Cause I can't afford to go see plays unless I am in them, that's why. I think we are discovering that the economic model for commercial productions above 34th street (and several below) has become, at best, obsolete, and, at worst, unethical. Thank God for our little theatres!!! Who else is gonna provide the city with honest and undiluted theatrical voices? I have to work mostly uptown, but when I want to SEE theatre, I head Off-Off Broadway. Everyone knows that's where the real action is!”

Summer in the city can be tough...annoyingly humid days followed by torrential downpours, no one in sight on the weekends, and the same ol' shtick going on every day. Do something a little different from hitting the nearest bar and binge drinking all night -- check out one of these six great shows going on throughout the month of August. And if you still feel the need to drink till you pass out, well, at least you got some good theater in before the lights went out.

New York City is known for its spectacular Broadway shows. But you can get equally stunning and entertaining shows without the hefty price tag and the hustle and bustle of the theatre district. Check out these must see off-Broadway shows!

The Flower Thief: Presented by Horse Trade Theater Group and The Fire This Time Festival, this play, written by Pia Wilson, is one to see. The story centers around Clark, who is grieving over the loss of his twin brother and is clinging to nature's promise of renewal. Clark turns to stealing flowers as everything else around him slowly wilts. This show, directed by Heidi Grumelot, will run August 2-19 at The Red Room at 8pm. Tickets are available here for $18.

The New York Musical Theatre Festival and Prison Dancer Live, LLC. are bringing the show Prison Dancer to a theater near you! The show, written by Romeo Candido and Carmen De Jesus and directed by Jenn Rapp, will be showing at St. Clement's from July 20th until July 28th. The show follows the lives of eight Filipino maximum-security prisoners, whose lives are changed when a video of their dance-based rehab program goes viral on YouTube. The dark prison suddenly finds itself in the spotlight and these hardcore criminals are given a second chance. Furthermore, the show is inspired by a true story! Tickets are $20 and available for purchase here. Check out the performance schedule below:

A new kind of theater show is in town and it's goal is to Get. You. Drunk. Horse Trade Theater Group and Strange Dog Theatre Company are bringing Ben Clawsons's The Virilogy: A Drinking Game to UNDER St. Mark's for your enjoyment. The show is comprised of three one-act comedies spanning a decade in the lives of the world's worst best friends.

So, you're wondering, how does the booze play into all this?

It's as easy as 1-2-3.

Step 1: Come see the show.

Join FRIGID New York 4th of July weekend for a mini-festival with the best Frigid artists and Fringe Festival artists, hand picked by Horse Trade Theater Group. This frigid event is sure to cool you off during the hot weekend! The mini-festival will play at UNDER St. Marks June 28-July 4. Tickets are $15 ($12 for students & seniors) and are available here. Check out the line-up of performances below.

Kill the Band: Mock Bottom
Presented by Killy Dwyer and Kill the Band
KILL THE BAND presents a surreal, multi-media theatrical experience to celebrate the release of their triumphant second comedy rock album, MOCK BOTTOM! Part CD release party, part psychodramedy, MOCK BOTTOM mockuments the farcical cycle of the band's breakdowns and breakthroughs. Free CD included with your ticket!
Thu 6/28 & Sat 6/30 @ 10pm