SPF, running July 1-27, will utilize the Public Theater as the staging ground for its 2008 productions, creating a partnership with the New York institution known for developing new works and establishing the names of many theatre artists.
Seven plays and one musical have been selected from over 1,000 entries for the festival of new works founded in 2004 by Arielle Tepper Madover – the Tony-winning Broadway producer of Frost/Nixon, Monty Python's Spamalot and The Pillowman.
The 2008 SPF selections include:
Music and lyrics by Joe Iconis
Book by Joe Iconis and Robert Maddock
"With the prospect of a dead-end life looming, this rock musical follows a group of Long Island teens in their struggle to make something of their band and of themselves. As they perform to escape, the music can’t drown out what is imminent, and they face decisions that will shape the rest of their lives."
By Billy Finnegan
"Esther Demsack finds herself accidentally employed as young Everette Brewster's governess. In this over-the-top comedy Everette tries desperately to turn her into his own Auntie Mame. While moving through their world of showtunes and movie stars, Esther digs deeper to find the dark secret haunting Everette and the entire Brewster family."
By Stephen Brown
"One irreparable mistake propels Peter from successful lawyer to prison inmate as his world gets turned upside down. In this powerful drama, Peter wrestles with his personal desires and societal taboos, as he copes with his choices and tries to re-build relationships."
By Sarah Hammond
"A magic gift entwines the fates of two sets of sisters living over a hundred years apart. Each girl must endure the trials of growing up, but only one can master the gift inherited from her ancestors. A provocative, mystical drama where sisterhood is tested and time stands still."
By Jennifer Haley
"Welcome to everyday suburbia where teens become completely obsessed with an unusual video game. As they advance to each new level, the lines between reality and virtual reality blur. In this sci-fi thriller, only those with a true 'killer' instinct survive."
By Sylvia Reed
"Roddy learned early in life that he was capable of completing tasks that others could not. Now retired, and with the fate of his family's home resting in his hands, this evocative drama follows Roddy as he grapples with the ghosts of his past, and seeks peace in a world where the morality of his job defines him.
By Jacquelyn Honess-Martin
"The ultimate test of their relationship transpires when Thomas and his daughter Ruth have a young student with an unusual story enter their lives. Challenged by their own views on religion in a world of suffering, Ruth and her father seek understanding in this timely examination of identity and truth."
By Matthew Lopez
"Dreaming of a life as Broadway gypsies, the Candelarias refuse to vacate their Manhattan apartment scheduled for demolition. Music, dance, and golden years of the Broadway musical all take center stage in this touching and funny play about the strength of family in the face of impending disaster." Tickets for SPF 2008 go on sale June 1. For further information visit www.spfnyc.com.
