The festival, which runs June 3-29, is the biggest one yet. In addition to more than two dozen one-night-only performances of new works (all at 7 PM), this year's Fest includes late-night programming three nights a week as well as the brand-new ANT Fest Lounge.
On Wednesdays and Fridays at 9 PM, the 54/10 Concert Series brings dynamic sounds from bands on the brink to Ars Nova. On Thursdays at 9 PM, ANT Fest editions of New York's favorite variety show Showgasm takes the stage, showcasing more of this year's Fest participants alongside Ars Nova's lineup of comedy, music and variety acts. This year, the all-new ANT Fest Lounge invites audiences and artists to hang out together and keep the party going late every night.
A highlight of the festival's performance schedule follows.
June 3 at 7 PM
Those Lost Boys: Ten Year Reunion
Created and performed by Frankie Alvarez, Nick Choksi, Damon Daunno, Gabe Ebert, Brendan Spieth, Elvy Yost
"In 2001, Those Lost Boys skyrocketed to global rockstardom. In 2003, they split. Ten years later, they've reunited for a one night only storytellers' concert. Songs will be sung, hazy memories will be rediscovered and early-aughts tunes will rock Ars Nova."
June 7 at 9 PM
"54/10 Concert Series, with live sets by some of New York's best up-and-coming bands and musicians: tonight, Blue Kid and Nick Blaemire and the Hustle." June 10 at 7 PM
antTunes: Edition Six
Music and lyrics by Rachel Peters, Tim Rosser, Sam Salmond, Charlie Sohn, Katya Stanislavskaya
"You may not know their names yet but you'll see them on Broadway marquees and Billboard charts in the future. Ars Nova presents an evening of rising stars of the contemporary musical theater scene in this night of not-your-grandma's-musical theater."
June 12 at 7 PM
Steve: A Docu-Musical
Created and performed by Colin Summers
Directed by Nessa Norich
Additional music by Andrew Eckel and Steve
"Meet Colin, a 20-something making music out of online strangers' poetry for cash. Now meet Steve, a highly eccentric, if not absurd, 40-something who'd really like his words set to music. Over the course of two years, a particularly odd online friendship forms. This is that story."
June 13 at 7 PM
Pod Corkin: Professional Motivator & Fear Specialist
Created and performed by Adam Lerman
"Pod Corkin, Professional Motivator & Fear Specialist, presents his keynote speech, 'You Are Everything and More So Because of It!,' in which he will teach you how to get motivated and eliminate fear."
June 13 at 9 PM
"Showgasm, Ars Nova's rowdy variety show/party hybrid hosted by comedian John Early. The drinks are cheap, the acts are fresh, and the music is live! Come. You've never looked better."
June 15 at 7 PM
Dunkfest ‘88
Created by Matt Schatz
Directed by Wendy Goldberg
"Summer of '88: a handful of larger-than-life ballers show up at a local gym to compete for a $10,000 grand prize in an annual slam-dunk contest. But unexpected drama takes center court in this hip-hop musical comedy about dope beats, fly dunks and second chances."
June 18 at 7 PM
The Woodsman
Created by James Ortiz and Diana Stall
Directed by James Ortiz
"Woodsman-in-love Nick Chopper has been transformed into a heartless Tin Man by a Wicked Witch determined to prevent his happiness. This unique show delves deeper into the history of L. Frank Baum's beloved character, using Bunraku puppetry and song to offer a heartbreaking and adult perspective on a classic story."
June 21 at 7 PM
Debutante
Created and directed Annie Tippe
Written by Ryann Weir
"Four heiresses living in decadence during the Great Depression straddle 1930‘s feminine grace and 1980's camp and opulence. This comedic show is a loving portrait of poor little rich girls coming of age as they're presented to the world."
June 22 at 7 PM
Welcome to the Jungle
Created and performed by Chad Luke Schiro
Directed by Jessica Dermody
"This sketch-pop-dance odyssey offers a look at the absurdity of humans. From R.E.M. to Nicki Minaj, Russell Brand to the Pope (not to mention plenty of monkeys), wild times are in store in this fast-paced, down ‘n dirty dance through the racy rainforest."
June 26 at 7 PM
Ludo's Broken Bride: A Rock Opera
Music and lyrics by Ludo
Adapted and directed by Stacey Weingarten
Music Direction and arrangements by David Levinson
"Time-travel, dinos, zombies and puppets. This rock opera has it all! Set to a score by the band Ludo, this is the epic adventure of one man's time-traveling voyage from the Age of Dinosaurs to the Zombie Apocalypse, all to save his true love's life."
June 28 at 7 PM
The Imaginary Menagerie
Created and performed by Kate Douglas
Directed by Hunter Bird
Musical Director Matthew Marsh
"If David Lynch wrote a musical puppet movie this might be it! Katherine arrives in a house at the end of the world, where three talking paintings guide her through her memories to help her recall where she's come from and understand where she's going. All with the help of her friend Lucy, who happens to be a deer head."
A complete performance schedule, more information and tickets can be found at arsnovanyc.com or by calling (212) 352-3101.
