Article about “Encore Encore”

Posted on May 25, 2014 by admin

Janette Johnston, who plays Dorothy Parker in “Encore Encore,” managed to discover that there is actually a Dorothy Parker Society in New York City! The society was founded in 1999 by Parker enthusiast Kevin Fitzpatrick.

The Dorothy Parker Society is an interesting place that holds special events to educate people about Dorothy Parker. They even conduct tours of places in New York City where Dorothy lived or frequented.

The mission of the society is:

to promote the work of Dorothy Parker
to introduce new readers to the work of Dorothy Parker
to expand the fan base of Dorothy Parker
to have as much fun as possible
to take part in service projects in the spirit of Dorothy Parker

Mr. Firzpatrick has been so kind as to blog about the upcoming production of “Encore Encore” on his website – so please do check out his article!

“Early Life of Dorothy Parker Brought to Stage”

Poster for “Encore Encore”

Posted on May 25, 2014 by admin

(poster by Paula D’Alessandris)

Great rehearsal for “Encore Encore”

Posted on May 23, 2014 by admin

I was fortunate to attend a rehearsal of “Encore Encore” the other night at The Gallery Players in Brooklyn, NY. The rehearsal was especially enjoyable because the actors were rehearsing in the theater space where they’d be performing. The Gallery Players has a wonderful stage (surprisingly big!) and is really a very fine theater.

The actors did a wonderful job developing their roles and using the stage to its fullest. I’m excited to see what the play will look like by the time it’s finished. What a wonderful opportunity for my play to be performed by such talented people and in such a great space!

I also had the pleasure of meeting the producer of the Black Box New Play Festival, Dominic Cuskern.

Rehearsal photos for “Encore Encore”

Posted on May 22, 2014 by admin

(photos by Paula D’Alessandris)

“Harriman-Baines” a finalist!

Posted on May 20, 2014 by admin

I learned today that my play – “Harriman-Baines” – is a finalist in a new play contest contest sponsored by 12 Peers Theater in Pittsburgh. The theater company is “dedicated to bringing stimulating and thought provoking theater to all Pittsburgh audiences.” Their mission is to “provide challenging and engaging theater” and “highlight social, political, and ethical issues that exist in both classical and contemporary works.”

The Literary Manager of 12 Peers Theater was kind enough to say the following about my play: “We want you to know that we think your play is excellent; we thought the characters were all very engaging and dynamic, and we really enjoyed the twists and surprising revelations of the plot.”

“Harriman-Baines” is one of 30 finalists in 12 Peer’s “Summer Scribes Series.” The play will receive a public reading in August if it is included among the four winners.

Get your tickets now!

Posted on May 17, 2014 by admin

Tickets for my play “Encore Encore” have gone on sale!!!

Interested parties may also call TheaterMania at (212) 352-3101.

Single ticket prices for performances at The Gallery Players are $18 for Adults and $14 for Children 12 and under and Senior Citizens.

“Encore Encore” is being performed on the following dates:

Thursday, June 12 – 8pm
Friday, June 13 – 8pm
Saturday, June 14 – 8pm
Sunday, June 15 – 3pm

According to The Gallery Players: “Purchasing tickets in advance is strongly recommended as performances at The Gallery Players frequently sell out. Walk-up sales of any remaining tickets take place at the door 10 minutes prior to curtain with cash only.”

Come and see my play!!!

Posted on May 17, 2014 by admin

Great first read-through

Posted on May 10, 2014 by admin

I traveled to New York City today to have my first meeting with the director of my play “Encore Encore” and our excellent cast of actors and actresses. I had a great time meeting the talented people involved in the production and engaging in some early discussions concerning the play and my inspiration for it. I was especially impressed by the success of the read-through and the great job work exemplified by the actors. It’s always tricky when you engage a script for the first time!

I am also grateful for the read-through because it brought to my mind various issues that I need to address before bringing the play to an audience. I am working with the director now to tweak little bits of the play and make sure that it’s the best that it can be for the June performance dates.

One of the best parts of theater is the process of collaboration – and I look forward to working with our cast and crew to make the piece the best that it can be!

More to come!

Cast and crew for “Encore Encore”

Posted on May 1, 2014 by admin

I am very happy to announce that my play “Encore Encore” has a great cast and director!

For a director, I am pleased to be working with Paula D’Alessandris, Artistic Director of Mind The Gap Theatre, a theatrical company in New York City “dedicated to producing the best new British plays in NYC” and to encouraging “an exchange of new works between the US and UK.”

For a cast, we have a wonderful crew of actors and actresses, with a surprisingly international background, who are bringing their fresh talents to the Off-Off-Broadway stage and who are all enthusiastic about bringing Dorothy Parker and the Algonquin Round Table to life again.

Janette Johnston