When the citizens of the New-York-esque Metropolis were in trouble, they turned to Superman. When the citizens of New-York-esque Gotham City were in trouble, they turned to Batman (and Robin). So when the citizens of New-York-esque New York City are in trouble, whom do they turn to?
Alberto, the gardener!
At least according to playwright Crystal Field in her new comedy Biotech, which will premiere at Lower East Side's Theatre for the New City Aug. 5 and tour the five boroughs through Sept. 17. All performances are free.
In Biotech, mad scientists have genetically aligned a man's penis and a potato in a hybrid, known as Dick Tater, that will take over the world. The seed for this mixed breed mutant is planted in the Esperanza Garden (on Suffolk Street). It's up to the plant-talking Dr. Doo-Lily Alberto, whose was born in the garden, to save the city and all of mankind.
Field also directs her sci-fi phenomenon which will be TNC's 22nd annual street theater production. The multi-faceted Field is also currently the artistic director of the TNC, which she co-founded in 1970. Her first work Mama Liberty's Bicentennial Party (1976) ran as the TNC Street Theatre piece for that year. She has written a new work for the company each year.
Music for Biotech was composed and arranged by Joseph-Vernon Banks. Costume design by Alessandra Nichols. The 2 PM performances, unless noted otherwise, are scheduled as follows:
8/5/00 - TNC - 10th Street & First Avenue - Manhattan
8/6/00 - Peace Place Park - 124th Street (btwn 2nd & 3rd) - Manhattan
8/12/00 - St. Mark's Park - 10th Street & 2nd Avenue - Manhattan
8/13/00 - Herbert von King Park - Marcy & Tompkins - Bed Stuy, Brooklyn
8/17/00 - 8 pm - West 10 Street - Boardwalk - Coney Island, Brooklyn
8/19/00 - St. Mary's Park - 147th Street & St. Anne Avenue - Bronx
8/20/00 - St. Albans Park - Merrick & Sayers Avenues - St. Albans, Queens
8/26/00 - Concert Grove - near Wollman Rink - Prospect Park - Brooklyn
8/27/00 - Sobel Court & Bowen Street - Staten Island
9/9/00 - Wise Towers - West 89 Street & Amsterdam Avenue - Manhattan
9/10/00 - Central Park Bandshell - Manhattan
9/16/00 - Tompkins Square Park - 7th Street & Avenue A - Manhattan
9/17/00 - Washington Square Park - Manhattan
For more information call (212) 254-1109 or visit the TNC site.
-- by Ernio Hernandez
