SPF presents seven plays and one musical as part of the 2008 engagement in residence at the Public Theater. Founded in 2004 by Arielle Tepper Madover — the Tony-winning Broadway producer of Frost/Nixon, Monty Python's Spamalot and The Pillowman – SPF runs through July 27.
The 2008 Summer Play Festival productions follow:
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." The cast features Blaemire (Glory Days), Sarah Glendening (Good Vibrations), Annie Golden (Xanadu), Krysta Rodriguez (In The Heights), Lance Rubin (The Plant That Ate Dirty Socks), Jason Tam (A Chorus Line) and Jason Williams (The Plant That Ate Dirty Socks). John Simpkins serves as the director.
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." The cast of Esther Demsack includes Claudia Shear (Dirty Blonde), Elzbieta Czyzewska (Hedda Gabler), Noah Galvin (Les Miserables) and Marin Hinkle ("Two and a Half Men"), under the direction of Stafford Arima (an Olivier Award nominee for Ragtime in London).
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." Joanna Settle directs Future Me featuring musical contributions from Passing Strange Tony winner Stew. The company comprises Aaron Lohr (Rent), Michael Braun (The Breach), Chris McCann (Paradise Park), Chris McKinney (Medea), Nancy McNulty (Armed and Naked in America) and Linda Powell (The Overwhelming).
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." Wendy McClellan stages the production that features Campion Hall, Erik Jensen (Spain), Julie Jesneck (Mr. Marmalade), Keira Keeley (The Thugs), Will Rogers (From Up Here) and Jessica Wortham (The Ruby Sunrise).
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." Included in the cast are David Aaron Baker (Dead Man's Cell Phone), Reyna DeCorucy (Asbury Park), Brian Gerard Murray (Stretch) and Sally Wheeler ("Two of a Kind"), under the direction of Kerry Whighan.
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." Evan Cabnet directs a cast featuring Jenny Ikeda (Top Girls), Cynthia Darlow (Old Acquaintance), Sherman Howard (Inherit the Wind), Laura Leigh (The Greeks) and Annie Pariesse ("How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days").
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. Stephen Brackett directs a company comprising Chris Chalk (The Overwhelming), Struan Erlenborn (Chitty Chitty Bang Bang), Julia Gibson (Uncle Vanya), Dan Lauria ("The Wonder Years") and Danielle Skraastad (The Receptionist).
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." The cast features Vaniek Echeverria (The Ruby Sunrise), Nathaniel Mendez (Life & Death of Jimmy Katz), April Ortiz ("Father of the Bride") and Benita Robledo (Linnea) under the direction of Caitlin Moon.
Tickets for the Summer Play Festival, priced $10, are available by visiting spfnyc.com or by phoning (212) 967-7555.
The Public Theater is located in Manhattan at 425 Lafayette Street.
