MCC is presenting the plays as part of the 2011 Monday night PlayLab series, which allows audiences to catch works in development and participate in post-performance talkbacks with the creative team. All performances are at 7 PM.
The first presentation will be Lewin's Alexandria, under the direction of Shana Gold on April 18. "Egypt, summer of 2005," press notes state. "The Quasim family has operated a small café for three generations. But when a huge American coffee franchise makes them an offer they can’t refuse, the family is suddenly caught between a familiar past and an unknown future, as the anti-Mubarak movement gathers steam, casting suspicions everywhere."
Napier will stage the April 25 presentation of his play The Writing On the Wall, which is described as such: "It’s said that Hollywood is the only place where your friends don’t stab you in the back… they stab you in the face. And that’s just what happens to TV writer Nelson when his latest work gets tangled up in a power struggle between his boss and the star of the show. A dark comedy about trying to hold on to friendship, loyalty, and honor."
The final offering will be Dudley's Terms of Encampment on May 9. The playwright will also direct. "When a retired octogenarian crime-fighter despairs and threatens to take his own life, his alarmed grandson takes action to show him his life has meaning," according to MCC. "In opening Grandpa’s mind, however, he simultaneously opens a Pandora’s Box of trouble, one that may take a super-hero to close."
For reservations phone (212) 727-7722, ext. 244. The Baruch Performing Arts Center is located at 25th Street between Lexington and Third Avenue. For more information, visit mcctheater.org.