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Artboard-25
Artboard-25

Grantors

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Sponsors

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Sponsors

Donors

Donors

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Meet Our Donors

Tributes

Tributes

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Our Tributes

Performers

Michael C. Brown

*

Skull

Jaden Dominique

*

Construction Worker

Allyson Gishi

*

Swing

Dahlya Glick

*

Person in Business Suit Levitating

Christopher Hobson

*

Sunny

Sarah Isola

*

Smize

Steven Klenk

*

Prince

Keith Mankowski

*

Guardsperson

Oshie Mellon

*

Kissy Face/Information Desk Person

Sheridan Mirador

*

Nerd Face

Gina Morgigno

*

Princess

Maeghin Mueller

*

Pile of Poo

Zachary A. Myers

*

Police Officer

Samantha N. Sostarich

*

Swing/Dance Captain

Andrew Tufano

*

Dancing Person #2

Alana Walker

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Person Dancing #1

Eustace J. Williams

*

Swing

Setting

The play takes place inside a smartphone, in a digital world called Emojiland.
There will be one 15-minute intermission

Songs & Scenes

Act I
"It's Just So Great To Be Alive"
Smize, Sunny, Construction Worker, Police Officer, Princess, PIBSL, Skull & Ensemble
"Sad on the Inside"
Smize
"Princess is a Bitch"
Princess, Guardsman & Ensemble
"The Progress Bar"
Company
"Zeros & Ones"
Nerd Face & Smize
"Cross My Bones"
Skull & Nerd Face
"New Crown in Town"
Prince & Princess
"Work Together"
Police Officer & Construction Worker
"Stand For"
Construction Worker, Police Officer & Ensemble
"Thank Me Now"
Skull & Company
Act II
Entr"acte/"Firewall Ball"
Princess, Prince, Sunny & Ensemble
"Pile of Poo"
Pile of Poo & Company
"Virus"
Company
"A Thousand More Words"
Police Officer
"Anyway"
Smize & Nerd Face
"Start Again"
Nerd Face & Skull
"It's Just So Great To Be Alive" (reprise)
Company
Bows
Company

Production Staff

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Venue Staff

School Administration Staff

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Musicians

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Board Members

Student Advisory Board

Credits

Lighting equipment from PRG Lighting, sound equipment from Sound Associates, rehearsed at The Public Theater’s Rehearsal Studios. Developed as part of Irons in the Fire at Fault Line Theatre in New York City.

Special Thanks

*Appearing through an Agreement between this theatre and Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.

“Actors’ Equity Association (“Equity”), founded in 1913, is the U.S. labor union that represents more than 51,000 actors and stage managers, Equity fosters the art of live theatre as an essential component of society and advances the careers of its members by negotiating wages, improving working conditions and providing a wide range of benefits, including health and pension plans. Actors’ Equity is a member of the AFL-CIO and is affiliated with FIA, an International organization of performing arts unions. www.actorsequity.org

United Scenic Artists ● Local USA 829 of the I.A.T.S.E represents the Designers & Scenic Artists for the American Theatre

ATPAM, the Association of Theatrical Press Agents & Managers (IATSE Local 18032), represents the Press Agents, Company Managers, and Theatre Managers employed on this production.

Cast
Creatives
Cast
Creatives

Meet the Cast

Michael C. Brown

*

Skull
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)
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)
Pronouns:
he/him

Michael is thrilled to be part of this incredible ensemble of characters.  Along with his musical theatre experience he has toured with Todrick Hall, Cirque, traveled the world on cruise ships and is a TikTok star. Thanks to my family, Shane and Auggie.

Jaden Dominique

*

Construction Worker
(
)
(
)
Pronouns:
she/her

Jaden is a Senior at Texas Christian University pursuing her Bachelors in Fine Arts with an emphasis in Musical Theatre. She is so blessed to be a part of this wonderful show. She would like to thank God, family, Her agent Mikey Nagy and the entire Emojiland production team.

Allyson Gishi

*

Swing
(
)
(
)
Pronouns:
she/he

Allyson is a graduate of AMDA College of the Performing Arts with a BFA in Musical Theater. She has spent a summer performing with the College Light Opera Company, and performed at the Hollywood Bowl with Kristen Chenoweth. She is beyond excited to be joining the Emojiland cast! Joshua 1:9

Dahlya Glick

*

Person in Business Suit Levitating
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)
(
)
Pronouns:
they/them

Based in LA, Dahlya is a vocalist, musician, writer, and actor. Proud member of Story Pirates and comedic band, Femmedy Trio (@femmedytrio). TV: Awkwafina is Nora of Queens, Scream Queens, Spongebob Squarepants, Perry Mason, I Can See Your Voice. Love to family, friends, and Emojiland team.

Christopher Hobson

*

Sunny
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)
Pronouns:
he/they

Christopher (currently looking for representation) is from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and is super excited to launch his career as Sunny in Emojiland-The Musical. Honored to make his professional debut, he gives gratitude to his family and teachers for believing in him and pushing him to be his best.

Sarah Isola

*

Smize
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)
(
)
Pronouns:
she/her

Sarah is ecstatic to be making her National Tour debut in Emojiland! She is a recent graduate of UNCSA (HS Drama). Most notable performances include Legally Blonde (Elle Woods) performing with Broadway Icon’s Chita Rivera & Laura Bell Bundy.

Steven Klenk

*

Prince
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)
(
)
Pronouns:
he/him

Steven is thrilled to be making his national tour debut with Emojiland! He is a recent graduate of Millikin University (BA Theatre, Communication minor) and he sends endless thanks to his family, friends, and teachers for their unwavering love and support. Look Momma!!

Keith Mankowski

*

Guardsperson
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)
(
)
Pronouns:
he/him

Keith is THRILLED to be making his National Tour debut. Recent credits: Side Show (Bearded Lady) at White Plains Performing Arts Center, Off-Broadway Credit: Contact High: A New Musical (2019). Shout out to my friends & family for their constant support I wouldn't be here without you!

Oshie Mellon

*

Kissy Face/Information Desk Person
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)
(
)
Pronouns:
she/her

Oshie is currently a musical theatre major at James Madison University. Favorite credits include Legally Blonde, Head Over Heels, and Godspell. Many thanks to the Emojiland Team for this opportunity and to my family for their endless support.

Sheridan Mirador

*

Nerd Face
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(
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Pronouns:
he/him

Sheridan’s most recent credits include Paul (A Chorus Line), Warren (Ordinary Days), and Davey (Newsies). He is currently studying Musical Theatre at Missouri State University, where he is receiving a BFA. He would like to thank his family and friends for the endless amount of love and support.

Gina Morgigno

*

Princess
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)
(
)
Pronouns:
she/her

Gina is a NYC based actress who could not be more thrilled to be part of the Emojiland fam after falling in love with the previous run! Big thanks to the creative team for the opportunity to step into those pink stilettos and bring Princess on the road!

Maeghin Mueller

*

Pile of Poo
(
)
(
)
Pronouns:
she/her

An Orlando native, Maeghin most recently performed as Blanche Barrow in Bonnie and Clyde and as the Gingerbread Witch in Hänsel und Gretel. She’s also sung internationally as The Abbess in Suor Angelica in Vienna, Austria and as Woman 4 in the five-time award-winning show, F*ckboys the Musical in Melbourne, Australia.

Zachary A. Myers

*

Police Officer
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)
(
)
Pronouns:
she/her

Zachary is a musical theatre performer from Fort Smith, Arkansas. They're thrilled to be making their National Tour Debut! Zachary would like to thank Binder Casting, Visceral Entertainment, the rest of the Emojiland creative team for this opportunity; and for the doors this will open for the trans/non binary performers of the industry. And to Jhoni & Stacy "Love ya to the moon & back, I wouldn't be here without you two."

Samantha N. Sostarich

*

Swing/Dance Captain
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(
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Pronouns:
she/her

Samantha is thrilled for her First National Tour! Regional: The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Rona Lisa Peretti), Hairspray(Velma Von Tussle),Annie (Lily St. Regis), Boeing Boeing (Gretchen), Spamalot (Lady of the Lake), Matilda (Mrs. Wormwood), and Who’s Holiday! (Cindy Lou).  Love to family & friends.

Andrew Tufano

*

Dancing Person #2
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)
(
)
Pronouns:
he/him

Andrew is thrilled to be making his National Tour debut! He is a recent grad of Millikin University (BFA in Musical Theatre/Minor in Dance). Recent credits include Steven Kodaly in “She Loves Me”, Ensemble and U/S Monty in “Violet”, and 2 seasons at Six Flags Great America. A proud Chicago native, he thanks his teachers, family, friends, & Mom and Dad. Visit @andrew.tufano on Insta! Let’s dance :)

Alana Walker

*

Person Dancing #1
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)
(
)
Pronouns:
she/her

Alana is from Greensboro, NC and has studied all styles of dance at her home studio, Pointe! Technique and Conservatory, alongside with Elise Jonell. Alana’s near future goal is to keep performing and soon make it into the tv/film industry.

Eustace J. Williams

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Swing
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)
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)
Pronouns:
he/him

Eustace is a Chicago-based artist who is utterly thrilled to be a part of the First National Tour of Emojiland The Musical. He extends his gratitude to God, his family, Songbird B.L.U., and Sunshine for their love and support. #All Things in Divine Order

Meet the Team

Keith Harrison

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Co-Writer/ Orchestrations
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Pronouns:

Thomas Caruso

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Director
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Lena Gabrielle

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Music Director
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David Goldstein

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Scenic Designer
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Kenny Ingram

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Choreographer
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Vanessa Leuck

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Costume Designer
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Helen Louise

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Production Stage Manager
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Ethan Nienaber

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Associate Director
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Pronouns:

Mandie Rapoza

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Associate Choreographer
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Pronouns:

Lisa Renkel & POSSIBLE

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Projection Designer
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Jamie Roderick

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Lighting Designer
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Pronouns:

Adele Rylands

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Violence Consultant
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Josh Samuels

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Sound Designer
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Bobbie Zlotnik

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Hair Design
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Becky Abramowitz

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Assistant Stage Manager
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Binder Casting

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Casting
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THE DODGERS

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Co-Producer
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Tinc Productions

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Production Management
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MP Productions, LLC

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Co-Producer
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Alan Scheinbaum

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Co-Producer
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YesBroadway

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Social Media & Influencer Marketing
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Jacquelyn Bell

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Associate Producer
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Brad Cerenzia

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Co-Producer
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Dan Demello

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Publicist
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Visceral Entertainment

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Executive Producer & General Manager
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Vanessa Leuck & Ethan Popp

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Co-Producer
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Cast
Creatives

Media

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2021 National Touring Cast

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While You Wait

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DAD DON’T READ THIS To Transfer To Greenwich House Theatre Later This Month
Kobi Kassal
June 3, 2026

Following its sold-out, twice-extended run at St. Luke’s Theatre, New York Times critic’s pick production of Eliya Smith’s Dad Don’t Read This will transfer to Greenwich House Theater for a strictly limited engagement, June 17 – July 11, 2026. Directed by Chloe Claudel, this co-production is produced by Try For Baby Productions and The Goat Exchange. The show features performances by Drama Desk winner Amalia Yoo (John Proctor is the Villain), Renée-Nicole Powell (Grief Camp), Sophie Rossman, and Kayta Thomas. Dad Don’t Read This is set to open at Greenwich House Theater (27 Barrow St) on Tuesday, June 23. Tickets are now on sale at www.daddontreadthis.com.

Runyonland Productions, which was recently honored at Theatrely’s 2026 Broadway Breakout Brunch, have joined the transfer as Executive Producers. 

‍Dad Don’t Read This is set in suburban Central Ohio, where four girls meet weekly for a sleepover. They talk and sleep and play The Sims, a computer game that simulates real life, on a laptop. They gossip, snack, and attempt to get drunk. They strive to fulfill their needs, struggle to understand the relationship between doing and being seen, and begin to suspect they don't have a whole lot of agency.

Wait, nevermind; that’s The Sims.

‍Dad Don’t Read This is about the people who know you before you know anything.“Dad Don’t Read This is my love letter to adolescence and to teenage friendship and also an attempt to document how excruciating it is to be only partially a person,” says playwright Eliya Smith. “I’m deeply moved by the way audiences, especially young people, have embraced this play.”

The creative team for Dad Don’t Read This includes Forest Entsminger (scenic & props design), Olivia Vaughn Hern (costume design), Abigail Sage (lighting design), Mitchell Polonsky (sound design), Lena Engelstein (choreography), Dante Gonzalez (costume consultant), Mya Piccione (production stage manager), Madeline Riddick-Seals (assistant stage manager), and Arin Edelstein (production assistant).

Broadway’s PARANORMAL ACTIVITY Has Found Its Cast
Alan Koolik
June 2, 2026

Broadway is about to get pretty spooky! Today it was announced that Paranormal Activity has found its cast for Broadway and the Boston production. Written by Levi Holloway (Grey House) and directed by Felix Barrett (Sleep No More), Paranormal Activity will begin performances Friday, August 14, 2026 and officially open Tuesday, September 15, 2026 at the August Wilson Theatre (245 West 52nd Street) for a strictly limited run.

Paranormal Activity in Boston and on Broadway will star Cher Álvarez as Lou, Travis A. Knight as James, Shannon Cochran as Carolanne and Andrea Syglowski as Etheline Cotgrave with understudies Caron Buinis, Caroline Hendricks and Michael Holding. Álvarez, Knight, Cochran, Buinis, Hendricks and Holding are all making their Broadway debuts and reprising their roles from previous productions across North America. Syglowski will make her Paranormal Activity debut in the Boston and Broadway productions and is currently appearing in the Broadway production of Dog Day Afternoon. 

James and Lou move from Chicago to London to escape their past, but they soon discover that places aren’t haunted, people are… With an original story inspired by the film franchise, Paranormal Activity reimagines the modern ghost story with an intimacy that only live theatre can provide. ‍

This play will feature scenic and costume design by Tony Award Nominee Fly Davis (Caroline, Or Change 2021), illusions design by Tony Award Winner Chris Fisher (Stranger Things: The First Shadow), lighting design by Anna Watson (Giant), sound design by Tony Award Winner Gareth Fry (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child), video and projections design by Drama Desk Award Winner Luke Halls (The Lehman Trilogy), and General Management by Samuel Dallas/Envoy Theatricals. ‍

Paranormal Activity will arrive on Broadway directly from a strictly limited pre-Broadway engagement in Boston at the Emerson Colonial Theatre from July 11 through July 30. Prior to Boston, Paranormal Activity played sold-out engagements at Chicago Shakespeare Theater in Chicago, Center Theater Group at The Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles, Shakespeare Theatre Company in Washington D.C., and American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco. A production in Toronto at the CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre begins performances on June 9, 2026, and will run through July 5, 2026. The production first premiered at the Leeds Playhouse in the UK before transferring to the Ambassadors Theatre in the West End, where it received a Laurence Olivier Award nomination this year for Best Entertainment or Comedy Play.

Tony Nominee Daniel J. Watts Is Doing Great, and Painting In The East Village
Kobi Kassal
June 2, 2026

Get those paintbrushes ready. Starting today through June 14, Tony nominee Daniel J. Watts is giving folks an inside look at his painting process with a live residency entitled Process of Saying Yes (in partnership with Long Gallery Harlem) at the East Village Basement downtown. 

He will showcase his signature freestyle dance painting technique with elements of improvisation, live looping, spoken word, and storytelling for 90 minutes of unadulterated freedom and authenticity. Each evening will culminate in the sale of the created work. 

Night after night, Watts will be accompanied by a rotation of Featured Musicians: Tony-nominated orchestrator/composer Michael Thurber (Just In Time; Goddess), Grammy-nominated composer/bassist Divinity Roxx (Divi Roxx Kids; The Beyonce Experience), Julian Rozzell, Jr. (The Skin of Our Teeth), MïRÄNDÄ (Harness; LMK), DJ DUGGZ (Motown The Musical; S.N.O.B), and Ari Grooves (Tina: The Tina Turner Musical; S.N.O.B). They will be paired with Special Guest performers Daniela Bauer, Nick Biello, Louis Cato, Leo Coltrane, Jake Goldbas, Alphonso Horne, Dana Marie Ingraham, Sunny Jain, Lucas Kadish, Kaila Mullady, Taharqa Patterson, & Vee. See event page for specific performer dates. 

A few days before COVID-19 caused the 2020 Broadway shutdown, Patricia McGregor, long-time collaborator and Artistic Director of the renowned New York Theatre Workshop, floated the idea of Watts dancing in paint. The following summer, a chance encounter with LA-based visual artist, Upendo Taylor, helped turn the idea into a reality. “I told Upendo I was thinking about it. The next day he showed up with a large piece of canvas and said, ‘Let’s get to it!’” The artist explains the process is more than creative, it is also cathartic. “I didn’t realize how much the pandemic was affecting me until I started painting. I finally had a vehicle to help me transmute the feelings of immense uncertainty.” 

The current news cycle continues to reflect ceaseless international conflicts, political turmoil, alienating algorithms, and a world incorporating artificial intelligence. Process of Saying Yes is an opportunity for audiences to witness something being made in real time by real people. The artist says, “As a painter, I spend most of my time in a silo. The residency affords me the privilege to engage with community. My hope is that operating in a space of abundant ‘yes’ will help me become more definitive with my ‘no’.” 

In conjunction with the partnership with Long Gallery Harlem (2073 Adam Clayton Powell, Jr Blvd), selected works will be exhibited and available, at the gallery, from the end of the residency through July 31. Gallery director and founder, Lewis Long, states, “A decade ago, Daniel performed a version of his show ‘The Jam’ here in conjunction with visual artist Dareece Walker. We have had the privilege to witness his artistic growth over the last 10 years and we’re thrilled to have him return to Long Gallery Harlem with his own visual work.” A live performance will take place at the gallery on July 4. 

For tickets and more information, visit here.

Theatrely News
EXCLUSIVE: Watch A Clip From THEATER CAMP Starring Ben Platt, Noah Galvin, and Molly Gordon
Theatrely News
READ: An Excerpt From Sean Hayes Debut YA Novel TIME OUT
Theatrely News
"Reframing the COVID-19 Pandemic Through a Stage Manager’s Eyes"
EXCLUSIVE: Watch A Clip From THEATER CAMP Starring Ben Platt, Noah Galvin, and Molly Gordon
By: Maia Penzer
14 July 2023

Finally, summer has arrived, which can only mean one thing: it's time for camp! Theater Camp, that is. Theatrely has a sneak peak at the new film which hits select theaters today. 

The new original comedy starring Tony Award winner Ben Platt and Molly Gordon we guarantee will have you laughing non-stop. The AdirondACTS, a run-down theater camp in upstate New York, is attended by theater-loving children who must work hard to keep their beloved theater camp afloat after the founder, Joan, falls into a coma. 

The film stars Ben Platt and Molly Gordon as Amos Klobuchar and Rebecca-Diane, respectively, as well as Noah Galvin as Glenn Wintrop, Jimmy Tatro as Troy Rubinsky, Patti Harrison as Caroline Krauss, Nathan Lee Graham as Clive DeWitt, Ayo Edebiri as Janet Walch, Owen Thiele as Gigi Charbonier, Caroline Aaron as Rita Cohen, Amy Sedaris as Joan Rubinsky, and Alan Kim as Alan Park. 

Theater Camp was directed by Molly Gordon and Nick Lieberman and written by Noah Galvin, Molly Gordon, Nick Lieberman & Ben Platt. Music is by James McAlister and Mark Sonnenblick. On January 21, 2023, Theater Camp had its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival.

You can purchase tickets to the new film from our friends at Hollywood.com here.

‍

READ: An Excerpt From Sean Hayes Debut YA Novel TIME OUT
By: Kobi Kassal
29 May 2023

Actor Sean Hayes is what we in the biz call booked and blessed. On top of his Tony-nominated performance as Oscar Levant in Good Night, Oscar, Hayes has partnered with Todd Milliner and Carlyn Greenwald for the release of their new YA novel Time Out. 

Heralded by many as Heartstopper meets Friday Night Lights, Time Out follows hometown basketball hero Barclay Elliot who decides to use a pep rally to come out to his school. When the response is not what he had hoped and the hostility continually growing, he turns to his best friend Amy who brings him to her voting rights group at school. There he finds Christopher and… you will just have to grab a copy and find out what happens next. Luckily for you, Time Out hits shelves on May 30 and to hold you over until then we have a special except from the book just for Theatrely:

The good thing about not being on the team the past two weeks has been that I’ve had time to start picking up shifts again at Beau’s diner and save up a little for college now that my scholarship dreams are over.

     The bad part is it’s the perfect place to see how my actions at the pep rally have rotted the townspeople’s brains too.

     During Amy’s very intense musical theater phase in middle school, her parents took her to New York City. And of course she came back home buzzing about Broadway and how beautiful the piss smell was and everything artsy people say about New York. But she also vividly described some diner she waited three hours to get into where the waitstaff would all perform songs for the customers as a way to practice for auditions. The regulars would have favorite staff members and stan them the way Amy stans all her emo musicians.

     Working at Beau’s used to feel kind of like that, like I was part of a performance team I didn’t know I signed up for. The job started off pretty basic over the summer—I wanted to save up for basketball supplies, and Amy worked there and said it was boring ever since her e-girl coworker friend graduated. But I couldn’t get through a single lunch rush table without someone calling me over and wanting the inside scoop on the Wildcats and how we were preparing for the home opener, wanting me to sign an article in the paper or take a photo. Every friendly face just made the resolve grow inside me. People love and support the Wildcats; they would do the same for me.

     Yeah, right.

     Now just like school, customers have been glaring at me, making comments about letting everyone down, about being selfish, about my actions being “unfortunate,” and the tips have been essentially nonexistent. The Wildcats have been obliterated in half their games since I quit, carrying a 2–3 record when last year we were 5–0, and the comments make my feet feel like lead weights I have to drag through every shift.

     Today is no different. It’s Thursday, the usual dinner rush at Beau’s, and I try to stay focused on the stress of balancing seven milkshakes on one platter. A group of regulars, some construction workers, keep loudly wondering why I won’t come back to the team while I refuse proper eye contact.

     One of the guys looks up at me as I drop the bill off. “So, what’s the deal? Does being queer keep ya from physically being able to play?”

     They all snicker as they pull out crumpled bills. I stuff my hands into my pockets, holding my tongue.

     When they leave, I hold my breath as I take their bill.

     Sure enough, no tip.

     “What the fuck?” I mutter under my breath.

     “Language,” Amy says as she glides past me, imitating the way Richard says it to her every shift, and adds, “even though they are dicks.” At least Amy’s been ranting about it every free chance she gets. It was one thing when the student body was being shitty about me leaving the team, but the town being like this is even more infuriating. She doesn’t understand how these fully grown adults can really care that much about high school basketball and thinks they need a new fucking hobby. I finally agree with her.

     [She’s wearing red lipstick to go with her raccoon-adjacent eyeliner as she rushes off to prepare milkshakes for a pack of middle schoolers. I catch her mid–death glare as all three of the kids rotate in their chairs, making the old things squeal. My anger fades a bit as I can’t help but chuckle; Amy’s pissed-off reaction to Richard telling her to smile more was said raccoon makeup, and her tolerance for buffoonery has been at a negative five to start and declining fast.

     I rest my arms on the counter and try not to look as exhausted as I feel.

     “Excuse me!” an old lady screeches, making me jump.

     Amy covers up a laugh as I head to the old lady and her husband’s table. They’ve got finished plates, full waters. Not sure what the problem is. Or I do, which is worse.

     “Yes?” I say trying to suppress my annoyance.

     “Could you be bothered to serve us?”

     Only five more hours on shift. I have a break in three minutes. I’ll be with Devin at Georgia Tech tomorrow. “I’m sorry, ma’am,” I say, so careful to keep my words even, but I can feel my hands balling into fists. “What would you—?”

     And suddenly Amy swoops in, dropping two mugs of coffee down. “Sorry about that, you two,” she says, her voice extra high. “The machine was conking out on us, but it’s fine now.”

     Once the coffee is down, she hooks onto a chunk of my shirt, steering us back to the bar.

     “Thanks,” I mutter, embarrassed to have forgotten something so basic. Again.

     “Just keep it together, man,” she says. “Maybe you’d be better off with that creepy night shift where all the truckers and serial killers come in.”

     Honestly, at least the serial killers wouldn’t care about my jump shot.

     It’s a few minutes before my break, but clearly I need it. “I’ll be in the back room.”

     Right before I can head that way though, someone straight-up bursts into the diner and rushes over to me at the bar. It’s a middle-aged dad type, sunburned skin, beer belly, and stained T-shirt.

     “Pickup order?” I ask.

     “You should be ashamed,” he sneers at me. He has a really strong Southern accent, but it’s not Georgian. “Think you’re so high and mighty, that nothing’ll ever affect you? My kid’ll never go to college because of you and your lifestyle. Fuck you, Barclay Ell—”

     And before this man can finish cursing my name, Pat of all people runs in, wide-eyed in humiliation. “Jesus, Dad, please don’t—”

      I pin my gaze on him, remembering how he cowered on the bench as Ostrowski went off, how he didn’t even try to approach me. “Don’t even bother,” I snap.

     I shove a to-go bag into his dad’s arms, relieved it’s prepaid, and storm off to the break room.]

     Amy finds me head in my arms a minute or two later. I look up, rubbing my eyes. “Please spare me the pity.”

     She snorts and hands me a milkshake. Mint chocolate chip. “Wouldn’t dare.” She takes a seat and rolls her shoulders and neck, cracks sounding through the tiny room. “Do you want a distraction or a shoulder to cry on?”

For more information, and to purchase your copy of Time Out, click here.

‍

Reframing the COVID-19 Pandemic Through a Stage Manager’s Eyes
By: Kaitlyn Riggio
5 July 2022

When the COVID-19 pandemic was declared a national emergency in the United States in March 2020, Broadway veteran stage manager Richard Hester watched the nation’s anxiety unfold on social media.

“No one knew what the virus was going to do,” Hester said. Some people were “losing their minds in abject terror, and then there were some people who were completely denying the whole thing.”

For Hester, the reaction at times felt like something out of a movie. “It was like the Black Plague,” he said. “Some people thought it was going to be like that Monty Python sketch: ‘bring out your dead, bring out your dead.’”

While Hester was also unsure about how the virus would unfold, he felt that his “job as a stage manager is to naturally defuse drama.” Hester brought this approach off the stage and onto social media in the wake of the pandemic.

“I just sort of synthesized everything that was happening into what I thought was a manageable bite, so people could get it,” Hester said. This became a daily exercise for a year. Over two years after the beginning of the pandemic, Hester’s accounts are compiled in the book, Hold Please: Stage Managing A Pandemic. Released earlier this year, the book documents the events of the past two years, filtering national events and day-to-day occurrences through a stage manager’s eyes and storytelling.

When Hester started this project, he had no intention of writing a book. He was originally writing every day because there was nothing else to do. “I am somebody who needs a job or needs a structure,” Hester said.

Surprised to find that people began expecting his daily posts, he began publishing his daily writing to his followers through a Substack newsletter. As his following grew, Hester had to get used to writing for an audience. “I started second guessing myself a lot of the time,” Hester said. “It just sort of put a weird pressure on it.”

Hester said he got especially nervous before publishing posts in which he wrote about more personal topics. For example, some of his posts focused on his experiences growing up in South Africa while others centered on potentially divisive topics, such as the 2020 election and the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.

Despite some of this discomfort, Hester’s more personal posts were often the ones that got the most response. The experience offered him a writing lesson. “I stopped worrying about the audience and just wrote what I wanted to write about,” Hester said. “All of that pressure that I think as artists we put on ourselves, I got used to it.”

One of Hester’s favorite anecdotes featured in the book centers on a woman who dances in Washington Square Park on a canvas, rain or shine. He said he was “mesmerized by her,” which inspired him to write about her. “It was literally snowing and she was barefoot on her canvas dancing, and that seems to me just a spectacularly beautiful metaphor for everything that we all try and do, and she was living that to the fullest.”

During the creation of Hold Please, Hester got the unique opportunity to reflect in-depth on the first year of the pandemic by looking back at his accounts. He realized that post people would not remember the details of the lockdown; people would “remember it as a gap in their lives, but they weren’t going to remember it beat by beat.”

“Reliving each of those moments made me realize just how full a year it was, even though none of us were doing anything outside,” he adds. “We were all on our couches.” Readers will use the book as a way to relive moments of the pandemic’s first year “without having to wallow in the misery of it,” he hopes.

“I talk about the misery of it, but that’s not the focus of what I wrote... it was about hope and moving forward,” Hester said. “In these times when everything is so difficult, we will figure out a way to get through and we will move forward.”

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