Van Dirk Fisher, Artistic Director & Producer

Presents

The Strawberry One-Act Festival Winter 2006
Series K

Loyal Companion
Written & Directed by Joseph Wohlgemuth

Time:  The present.  Place:  Around New York City.

Characters in order of appearance

Toby                                                                   Joe Wohlgemuth

Tyler                                                                   Brian Patacca

Dr. Phyllis, Neighbor, Pigeon Lady, Doctor         Tracey Hadley

Who’s Who

Tracey Hadley (Dr. Phyllis, Neighbor, Pigeon Lady, Assistant, Doctor) was last seen as Younger Sister in the premiere of ‘Til Daddy Snores at Allegro Productions.  Favorite roles include: her Toby Award winning performances as Agnes in Agnes of God and Lil’ Bit in How I Learned to Drive.  She was also seen as Kate in Like Bees to Honey with the Women‘s Theatre Group, Stella in A Streetcar Named Desire, and Amy in a tour of Wings. 

Brian Patacca (Tyler) FILM: Pastoral, Trans, Burp and Broken Eros. TELEVISION: As the World Turns, All My Children, and VH1’s Games People Play. OFF-BROADWAY: Joy and The Donkey Show. REGIONALLY: The Baltimore Waltz and The Dead Boy, both with The Provincetown Theatre Company; Love! Valour! Compassion!, and Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Internationally Brian has been seen with The Honeyboys. Northwestern University graduate. This is for Lucy.

Joe Wohlgemuth (Playwright, Director, Toby) has an M.A. in Theatre from Montclair State University.  His first play, ‘Til Daddy Snores was recently produced at Allegro Productions.  As a performer he was seen as Tommy in the New York revival of Raft of the Medusa for the Wings Theatre Company, and as Mantha in the New York premiere of Cex and the Sity.  Favorite roles: Eddie in Blood Brothers, Lita Encore in Ruthless!, Orin in Little Shop, and Sam in Personals.  Directorial credits include: ‘Til Daddy Snores, How I Learned to Drive, Amadeus, Agnes of God, and a touring production of Wings.  For my handsome boy - it is better…  

Robert Lavagno (Technical Director) has worked all over the tri-state area in all aspects of theatre.  He was the resident Properties Assistant at the George Street Playhouse, Stage Manager for Inside Out at the HERE Theater, and the resident scenic designer for Allegro Productions.  Rob thanks Joe Wohlgemuth and the cast of Loyal Companion for the opportunity to be a part of The Strawberry Festival.

Beautiful Deceivers

Written by Michael L. Counts & Directed by Dennis Gleason

 

Time:  The present.  Place:  The play takes place in various settings of a small college.

Characters In Order Of Appearance

Roslyn Forbes                                   Andrea Bertola
Professor Gabe Anthony                  
Jason Rosoff
Professor Tom Rollins                      Michael Littner
Dean Prentice                                   
Amanda Moniz-Falcone
Scott Hayward                                  
Benjamin Cooper Sulds
Leah Summers                                 
Michelle Hotaling
Deidre Miller                                    
Dawn Church
Meredith McLeod                              Cordell Fannin

Who’s Who

Andrea Bertola (Roslyn Forbes) has been seen on television in Love Monkey, Law And Order, The Sopranos, and Sex And The City.  With a BFA from Adelphi University, she appeared onstage in Suburbia, Three Sisters, Taming Of The Shrew and A Midsummer Nights Dream.

Dawn Church (Deidre Miller) A spokes model and actress, Dawn has been featured on Law And Order, The View and The Wayne Brady Show.  She also played Marian in The Music Man, plus the title roles of Juliet in Romeo And Juliet and Agnes Of God.

Cordell Fannin (Meredith McLeod) has a Bachelor of Music from Illinois Wesleyan University and experienced on & offstage. Her credits include Maria in Sound Of Music, Rose in Bye Bye Birdie, Anita in West Side Story and also Laramie Project, La Bohem, Don Quixote and The Mikado.

Michelle Hotaling (Leah Summers) Holding a BA from Marymount Manhattan College, Michelle can be seen on The West Wing as President Bartlett's daughter; she also played Claudia in Nuts, Rizzo in Grease and on was seen on The View, The Wayne Brady Show and in the movie Miss Congeniality.

Michael Littner (Professor Tom Rollins) earned a BA from Vassar College, and has done both stand up comedy and improv. His acting credits include: Angels In America, Jay in Lost In Yonkers, Eugene in Brighton Beach Memoirs, Andrew in Twelfth Night, and Benvolio in Romeo And Juliet.

Amanda Moniz-Falcone (Dean Prentice) Having studied at American Musical & Dramatics Academy, Amanda  toured in The Jack Sprat World Tour.  She has also performed as Winnifred in Once Upon A Mattress, Tina in Tony And Tina's Wedding, Ado Annie in Oklahoma, and Florence in The Odd Couple Female Version.

Jason Rosoff (Professor Gabe Anthony) has appeared Off-Broadway as Sam in A Stoop Off Orchard Street and in Stomp. He has also performed in Urinetwon, The Buddy Holly Story, Hello Dolly, Godspell, Tommy, Sweet Charity, Aladdin And As Fred In Christmas Carol.

Benjamin Cooper Sulds (Scott Hayward) Recipient of a BFA from Adelhi University, Ben has been seen as Adam in Shape Of Things, Matt in Laramie Project, Rusty in Splendor In The Grass, Ray in Beauty Queen Of Lenane and in Carrie The Musical. On tv, he's been in Law And Order.

Dennis W. Gleason (Director) No stranger to the Strawberry One-Act Festival, he directed such Finalists as On Top, Cookies, A Play About A Guitar, Good Nite Lovin Trail and Farther's Days. Just back from two Dinner Theatre shows in Wisconsin & Steel Magnolias in Louisiana, his directing credits also include the Off-Broadway hit An Adult Evening Of Shel Silverstein.

The Gregor & Olga Show
Written by Gregory Levine & Gabi Almstaeter & Directed by Monica Rodriguez

Time: 1947.  Place: A Small New York City Stage.

Characters in order of appearance

Gregor                                                         Gregory Levine

Olga                                                            Gabi Almstaetter

Miss Ruby Valentine                                    Ruby Valentine

Who’s Who

Gabi Almstaetter (Olga & Playwright) is a native from Munich, Germany. She had on-and-off love affair with theater all her life, but found her true calling only recently as “Olga”. Before creating The Gregor & Olga Show she studied improvisation with Greg Sullivan and was a member of Reform School Improv. Earlier credits include: Hermia in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Blousy in Bugsy Malone and Columbia in The Rocky Horror Picture Show. She loves collaborating with Gregory and would like to thank her friends for their patience and support.

Gregory Levine (Gregor & Playwright) is a Bronx, NY native. "Gregor" is Gregory's true alter ego, disturbing campers when he was 6 and reviving 30 years later via improv classes with Greg Sullivan and the UCB. Together with Gabi Almstaetter, he developed his character further, creating The Gregor & Olga Show. The show is Greg's acting debut and very special to his heart as he is also the self-congratulatory co-author. He thanks his adorable wife Tina for her love and patience. And his friends and family also, he supposes. Why not?

Miss Ruby Valentine (Ruby Valentine) The Sweetheart of burlesque is well know for her lyrical fan dancing and classy burlesque performances. Her perfectly classic and timeless look complements the style of The Gregor and Olga Show. Ruby has been featured in the finest burlesque shows and venues such as Le Scandal, Starshine Burlesque, The Slipper Room and Coney Islands "Burlesque by the Beach."  Miss Valentine has appeared in various local and National publications including: BUST, Time Out Magazine, The Village Voice, and The New York Press.  Visit Ruby's Website at: www.missrubyvalentine.com.

Monica Rodriguez (Director) recently left The Actors Studio Drama School and has begun her journey into the "real world."  She earned her bachelors degree at Arizona State University, where she directed Talking With... and Bitter Sauce.  Her last directorial feat was producing and directing the world premieres of  Michael Needleman and Ophelia and Lucy. She wishes to thank her directing mentors, Victoria Holloway and Marshall W. Mason, as well as the great women of WET, Sasha Eden and Victoria Pettibone. She also sends her deepest gratitude to her fantastic collaborators, and her family, both in NY and NM.

Richard Hegan (Lights & Sound) is giving his debut performance in The Gregor & Olga Show. He is new to show biz, but seems like he is slowly getting the “bug.”

Numerals:  A Fable About Knowing
Written & Directed by Devin Burnam

Time:  Easter Sunday.  The Present.  Place: A Playground.

Characters in order of appearance

Medalia                                                       Lillie Jayne

Jon                                                              Erik Wolfe

Ida                                                               Erica Livingston

Troll                                                            Nicholas Warren-Gray

Stranger                                                      Caleb Scott

Who’s Who

Lillie Jayne (Medalia) is honored that her return to theater is in a Devin Burnam production.  She studied acting with Circle Repertory Theater (Lanford Wilson, James Luse) as well as a short stint in the conservatory at the School of Fine Arts at Boston University, before hightailing it the hell out of there to see the world and pursue other interests.  As of late she has been busy in the studio with Martin Bisi recording her first full-length album with her band, The Drayton Sawyer Gang, and writing music for various side projects.

Erica Livingston (Ida) is a comedian, improvisor, actress, and robot based in New York City. She moved to New York from Mississippi to attend The American Musical and Dramatic Academy where she sold her soul for a two year conservatory education (which she still has not and probably will never pay off). She is currently shooting the film Hatchet Job right now with all the people she has dreamed of making films with.

Caleb Scott (Stranger) Caleb Scott is a performer, writer and visual artist. His theater and film credits include: BOOM (Classic Stage Company), The Golden Ass (Fringe Festival) and House of V (Map Space Theater), all of which he co-wrote with Eyases Ensemble; Joey: A Mechanical Boy and Bingo!, which he co-wrote and co-directed at Combustive Arts; MRFL (Ontological-Hysteric Theater); Salome (HERE); The World (Whitney Museum); and Winterbottem (Performing Garage). He is currently resident artist with the Combustive Motor Corporation, a multi-disciplinary performance company in Brooklyn.

Nicholas Warren-Gray (Troll) just recently finished a run as both Claire and Lefranc in Genet's The Maids and Deathwatch with the Egress Theatre Company.  Nicholas's past appearances in NYC include: roles as Tony Simpolini for Invisible City Theatre Company, Rob Force Part 1: Wanderlust, Don Fernando, Incidental, Macheath, The Beggar's Opera, and Demetrius, Midsummer Night's Dream for Aisling Arts, of which he is a proud member.

Erik Wolfe (Jon) In 1972 Erik Wolfe was sent to prison by a military court for a crime he didn't commit. He promptly escaped from a maximum security stockade to the Los Angeles underground. Today, still wanted by the government, he survives as a soldier of fortune. If you have a problem, if no one else can help, and if you can find him, maybe you can hire Erik Wolfe.

Devin Burnam (Director) is a graduate of The Tatnall School, in Wilmington, Delaware.

 

 

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THE CORE PROJECT is an ongoing intensive workshop for writers, directors and actors (or any combination thereof) to develop new plays.  Artists will collaborate on the creation and development of vibrant new works for the stage. Projects developed within the workshop will be presented as readings and considered for production in the Strawberry One-Act Festival and future Riant Theatre productions. The Core Project will be led by associate director, Richard Mover and artistic director and producer Van Dirk Fisher.  Writers should submit a one-act play, a scene from a full length or a sample of narrative work that they are interested in developing for the stage, no synopsis please. Directors should submit a resume and letter of interest or intent. Actors may contact us by email (therianttheatre@aol.com) or by mailing us their picture and resume to set up an audition.  Materials should be mailed to:  The Riant Theatre, P.O. Box 1902, NY, NY 10013.  Please include a S.A.S.E. for the return of materials. 

Upcoming Events . . .

The Finals at The Producers Club II
Friday, February 17th & Saturday, February 18th at 7pm and Sunday, February 19th at 3pm
Tickets:  $25 (includes reception after the show.)

The Toe Jam Festival Saturday, February 18th at 1pm, 3pm & 5pm;
Sunday, February 19th at 1pm. Tickets:  $15
A fun filled show featuring some of the hottest talent in NYC.
Join us and cast your vote for A Rising Star! 

At The Leonard Nimoy Thalia Theatre at Symphony Space
2537 Broadway at 95th Street

The Riant Awards Ceremony & Performance
Four of the Best Plays will be presented.
Monday, February 27th at 7pm; Tickets:  $35

Reservations:  (646) 623-3488 or Online at www.therianttheatre.com

On Sale At The Online Store

Riant T-Shirts:  $15.00     Mugs:  $10.00  (Colors:  Red, Blue or Black)
The Strawberry One-Act Festival T-Shirts:  $15.00

The Best Plays From The Strawberry One Act Festival:  Volume One:  $14.95

The Best Plays From The Strawberry One Act Festival:  Volume Two:  $16.95

Photos of the play:  Photo:  $5.  With Silver Frame: $10.  Wooden Frame:  $7.

Please sign our mailing list form so we can inform you of other Riant events.

The Strawberry One-Act Festival is celebrating its 11th season this summer. The Strawberry Festival, the brainchild of Artistic Director, Van Dirk Fisher, is a play competition in which the audience and the theatre's judges cast their votes to select the best play of the season.  Twice a year, hundreds of plays from across the country are submitted for the competition, of which 40 are chosen to compete.  Plays move from the 1st round to the semi-finals and then the finals. The playwright of the winning play receives a grant and the opportunity to have a full-length play developed by the Riant.  This summer for the first time, awards will also be presented for Best Director, Best Actor and Best Actress.  The Award Ceremony and Performance will be held at the Leonard Nimoy Thalia Theatre at Symphony Space on February 27th at 7:00pm.

This February the Strawberry One-Act Festival will go worldwide as we broadcast the festival via the internet on the second day of each series in the competition.  Go to www.therianttheatre.com.

The Strawberry Festival is a wonderful opportunity for the audience and the industry alike to see some of the best talent in the nation.  Every performance features four dynamic one-act plays.  Audiences always comment that this is one of the best theatrical events around.  There's always a lot of buzz surrounding each performance as artists converge and network on future projects.  Several of the playwrights whose plays are featured in the festival have written for the literary world as well as television and film.  "We are very fortunate to be able to fulfill our mission, which is to discover talent and showcase new plays," says Mr. Fisher.  "We are very proud of this accomplishment, but the work doesn't stop there.  Competition aside, everyone's a winner in the festival, because several actors, directors and playwrights are chosen to work on future projects at the Riant."

Van Dirk Fisher (Festival Producer/Artistic Director) has produced The Strawberry One-Act Festival, My Soul Sings Too, Sister; A Play Festival Celebrating The Spirit of Women, The International Lesbian & Gay Theatre Festival, directed and written several musicals including Somebody’s Calling My Name; Sweet Blessings; Tracks; Loving That Man Of Mine and Revelations.  Plays include:  A Sin Between Friends; The Banjo Lesson; Mixed Blessings; Hotel Paradise and The Atlanta Affair.  As an actor he has done several voice overs and commercials and has appeared on the soap opera Loving as Assistant D.A. Lyndon Haines.  He thanks God, his family and friends for their love and support.