The Ritz Theatre, in Oaklyn, NJ hosts its 7th annual New Play Festival, featuring the world premiere of a full-length comedy-drama Tired of Sleeping by Richard T. Wilson, with a collection of new one-act plays . The festival runs for two weekends, May 30-June 8.

The first weekend stages a full production of Tired of Sleeping. In blue-collar suburbia, a single woman in her forties deals with her cantankerous father, his outspoken cronies, and her frustrated boyfriend.

Tired of Sleeping received a standing ovation at its first fully staged reading last September, at NYC's The Theatre Studio.

The second weekend reveals fully staged productions of five one-acts, chosen from more than 150 emerging and established playwrights from around the U.S..

Chicago playwright Jamie Pachino's Still Blonde Runs Deep is a comic monologue about an actress who struggles with her hair color. Pachino's Theodora; An Unauthorized Biography was commissioned by Chicago's Bailiwick Theatre. Understudy by Michael Friel is a bittersweet comedy exposing the inflated and fragile egos of professional actors and the machinations of Broadway directors and producers. Currently, Friel's full length play, LaMoure, ND 58458 is being produced at the Bitter End theatre in North Hollywood. As an actor, Friel appeared on Broadway in Master Class.

Local Motive by Veron Hinkle is a multi-layered play which honors the theatrical style of Mamet and Durang. Hinkle is a Member of the Dramatists Guild, and has had his plays produced at LaMama, O'Neill Theatre Center, and the American Renaissance Theatre.

Renovation by New Jersey's Alex Wilkie, explores self-deception and superficial realities. Rough by Philadephia's Barrie Creedon is a farcical look at the way the modern entertainment industry influences romantic relationships.

Performances are Friday and Saturday 8pm; Sun 2pm. For tickets or more information, please call (609) 858-5230, or refer to the Ritz Theatre regional listing on Playbill On-Line.

--By Blair Glaser