Staff Picks No. 79
Neck Down : Nic Adams and Marissa Joyce Stamps (full amazing team below!!!)
We Are Here (part of The Exponential Festival)
January 9th-12th 2025
I just saw this last night! And wow. This is one of those - the elements all come together and create something beautiful and unique - kinda shows. The writing, direction, performance and design are all in great conversation together. It also makes sense in a satisfying way, not an obvious one or one that assumes the audience is basic or stupid. In a way that feels like a completed rubik's cube. ALSO, Pitter has a monologue that just took the wind out of me and then breathed new life back into me.
FULL TEAM:
Written by Nic Adams
Directed by Marissa Joyce Stamps
Produced by Melissa Mickens
Lights by Andre Segar
Sound by Eden Segbefia
Sets by Ettie Pin
Costumes by Karen Boyer
Stage Managed by Sarah Samonte
Assistant Stage Managed by Deniz Demirkurt
Featuring:
Alton Alburo, Angela Chew, Cristina Pitter*, Essence Lotus, Jack Dahill, and Riley Wood*
Staffer: Theresa Buchheister
CASSANDRA : Susannah Yugler
The Brick (part of The Exponential Festival)
January 11th-13th 2025
I’ve been on such an Ancient Greeks kick lately, and in particular thinking a lot about malevolent deities. So, I’m stoked for Susannah Yugler’s “Cassandra”, an adaptation of “Trojan Women”, part of Exponential Fest at the Brick this weekend. This is a movement work, all spoken text is pre-recorded, exploring the horrors of foresight in an era of deeply willful ignorance. Dance, self-delusion, a live-scored by Devin Shaffer. Come through!
FULL TEAM:
written & directed by Susannah Yugler
movement made in collaboration with the ensemble: Nick Alselmo, Josie Bettman, Joel Dean, Robin Denzer, Aimee Grumbach, Ellie Quiring, and Vita Taurke
original music performed by Devin Shaffer
Staffer: Joshua Dumas
Showcases at The Factory : Heidi Latsky & Ballez
Chelsea Factory
January 11th-12th 2025
There’s sooooo much going on right now in performance. I was really mad I missed Ballez’s take on Coppélia last year, which I heard was a marvel of queer ballet clownery. Thrilled it’s back, paired with another show, and tickets are 10 clams!
Staffer: Travis Amiel
Telemachus: Books I-IV of Homer’s Odyssey : Joseph Medeiros
TheaterLab
January 3rd-13th 2025
Listen up folks, if you have not heard of Joseph Medeiros, it's time to witness his wonders — in Greek. Joseph is performing The Odyssey, and completing one of his own, by performing all 24 books in Ancient Greek. His Telemachy will be the first four books: that's six hours of content. You can do it! I'm telling you this is dazzling and seeing Book 1 is in my tippy top of theatrical experiences. You might never see a god up close like this.
Additional note - Joseph had 10 Broadway credits under his belt, including Wicked and Three Tall Women. Gagged!
Staffer: Billy McEntee