United Stages
playbill
December 1, 2011; vol. 948
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The Shelter presents
Fairy Tale Executive Director: Dave Lankford Co-Artistic Directors: Meghan E. Jones and Michael Kingsbaker Creative Director: Jonathan Ashley Assistant Scenic Designer: Brandon Hardy Lighting Designer: Jake Fine Assistant Lighting Designer: Jessica Black Sound Designer: Andy Cohen
Dinner for the Queen
by Meghan E. Jones, inspired by Snow White by the Brothers Grimm Director: Jonathan Ashley Assistant Director: Emily Robin Fink The Woman. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Melinda Smart* Butler. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Michael Bernstein Minky. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stephen Alan Wilson*
R.I.P. Captain Wendel
by Andy Hassell, inspired by Rip Van Winkle by Washington Irving Director: Beth Jastroch Assistant Director: Stephanie Ringstaff Captain Wendel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chris Cardona* Ricky. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Alec A. Head
3 Sisters and a Carnie
by Beth Jastroch, inspired by Three Billy Goats Gruff, a Norwegian fairy tale Director: Michael Kingsbaker Assitant Director: Paco Lozano Billie Jean. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tania Verafield* Billie Sue. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ginger Kearns Willamenia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aubrey Ball Gruff. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Edwin Sean Patterson*
Kate
by Michael Bernstein, inspired by Donkeyskin by Charles Perrault Director: Meghan E. Jones Assistant Director: Morgan McGuire Kate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rachel Cora* Henry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Michael Sean McGuinness*
Terror on Haxos 9
by Jonathan Ashley, inspired by Hansel and Gretel by the Brothers Grimm Director: Olivia Killingsworth Assistant Director: Belle Caplis Dr. Lenora Gretsky. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Laine Bonstein Lt. Hank Calkins. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nick Stevens * appearing courtesy of Actors’ Equity Association
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About Fairy Tale and The Shelter
he Shelter’s Fairy Tale is a 90-minute evening of theater comprised of five short plays inspired by classic fairy tales. Each play explores the fundamentals of fairy tales, diving into their exotic worlds and finding inspiration in their rich archetypes and shadowed psychologies. The playwrights have re-imagined these elements in a grown-up world and, in doing so, expose the fears and joys which have driven fairy tales to become deeply ingrained into global culture. Ranging in genre and style, the plays are funny, sad, gruesome, touching, strange and fantastical—everything a fairy tale should be.
Started in 2009, The Shelter is a family of writers, directors and actors creating authentic theater for the New York stage. All productions are written, directed and acted by its members and are developed through the company’s weekly Shelter Sunday workshops. The heartbeat of The Shelter, Shelter Sunday, provides a safe harbor where New York’s top emerging theatrical artists can collaboratively challenge themselves to explore their artistry and hone their respective crafts. Through its productions, The Shelter strives to connect with patrons seeking innovative, independently produced theater with a focus on character-driven storytelling. Past productions include Night Windows (2011), a trio of one-act plays inspired by Edward Hopper’s 1928 painting of the same name; F***ing Christmas (2010), an assortment of short plays, each providing a singular view of a joyful, sorrowful, ridiculous and endlessly complex holiday; Motel (2010), eight short plays set in the same lone motel room, somewhere in Middle America; and 3:56 AM (2009), nine short plays set in an apartment building on the Lower East Side between the hours of 3 and 4 a.m.
For more information on The Shelter, visit www.theshelternyc.org.
W h o’ s W h o Jonathan Ashley (creative director; director, Dinner for the Queen; playwright, Terror on Haxos 9), writer, director and visual artist, grew up in Arizona then moved to the East Coast to study fine art at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston and film-making at New York University. He recently illustrated the children’s book Bella Goes Bump in the Night and his graphic designs can be seen in television commercials for AT&T and NASDAQ. Through his participation with The Shelter, he has discovered an enthusiasm for live theater and a deeper love for the craft of storytelling.
Laine Bonstein (Dr. Lenora Gretsky, Terror on Haxos 9) is totally stoked to be making a theatrical comeback with The Shelter! Though Laine has recently found other channels of inspiration, she’s happy to find a creative touchstone with a group of artists that are so rigorous and bold. Some of her favorite roles include The Cherry Orchard (Anya), Spring Awakening (Wendlah) and countless productions of Monster Literature, a bizarre and thrilling children’s’ series Aubrey Ball (Willame- housed by theater troupe Mainspring Collective. nia, 3 Sisters and a Carnie) is thrilled to be a part of Belle Caplis (assistant director, Terror on Haxos Fairy Tale. This is her first 9), originally from Louisiana, is excited to be in production with The Shel- her second Shelter production. Belle received her ter. Favorite roles include B.A. in theater from Louisiana State University You Can’t Take It with You and has trained at The Upright Citizens Brigade (Essie), Rashomon (Wife), and T. Schreiber Studio. Previous credits include The Normal Heart (Ann/ Balm in Gilead (NYIT nomination), Romeo and Ben) and Fifth of July (June). Thanks to her friends, Juliet, The Tempest, View of the Dome and Two her family, her T. Schreiber family and all the Rooms. www.bellecaplis.com. “Shelties” for their support and belief. May they all live happily ever after! Chris Cardona* (Captain Wendel, R.I.P. Captain Wendel). Recent credits Michael Bernstein (Butinclude featured roles in ler, Dinner for the Queen; the films The Confession, playwright, Kate) is deeply starring Kiefer Sutherland grateful for the advice and and John Hurt; Henry’s encouragement he has Crime, starring Keanu received in developing Reeves and James Caan; Kate. Also with The Shelter: F***ing Christmas and and The Bacherlorette, starring Kirsten Dunst and Night Windows. Other the- Isla Fisher. Television credits include two guest starater: Grief and Celebration (Ugly Rhino). Film: You ring roles on Law & Order: Criminal Intent and a Can’t Kill Stephen King, Pro-Black Sheep. Comedy: featured role on Law & Order: SVU. Most recent Onion News Network. Michael narrated portions of regional theater credits include Lobby Hero (Bill), the JPS Tanakh (Audible.com). Art director for Burn This (Pale), A Streetcar Named Desire (Stanley Kowalski), Requiem for a Heavyweight (Mountain) Frank the Rat. www.michaelbernstein.biz.
Actors’ Equity Association (AEA) was founded in 1913 as the first of the American actor unions. Equity’s mission is to advance, promote and foster the art of live theatre as an essential component of our society. Today, Equity represents more than 40,000 actors, singers, dancers, and stage managers working in hundreds of theatres across the United States. Equity members are dedicated to working in the theatre as a profession, upholding the highest artistic standards. Equity negotiates wages and working conditions and provides a wide range of benefits including health and pension plans for its members. Through its agreement with Equity, this theatre has committed to the fair treatment of the actors and stage managers employed in this production. AEA is a member of the AFL-CIO and is affiliated with FIA, an international organization of performing arts unions. For more information, visit www.actorsequity.org.
W h o’ s W h o Brazil), Beauty and the Beast on tour, Shakespeare in the Park’s The Winter’s Tale, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, Arias with a Twist, The Shelter’s Night Windows, Naked Angel’s This Wide Night Andy Cohen (sound designer) is elated to work and A Streetcar Named Desire for The Comedie with The Shelter again, having contributed sound Francaise in Paris. www.BrandonHardy-Art.com. to Night Windows. Andy has written music or designed sound for numerous productions in and Andy Hassell (playwright, R.I.P. Captain Wenaround New York City, including work at the del) is happy to premiere his first short play because Public Theater, 59E59, Theatre Row and other of great people and environment at The Shelter. venues. He was a NYIT Award nominee for his Special thanks to Beth Jastroch, Seth Kirschner, work on Balm in Gilead (T. Schreiber Studio) Cassie Firemann, friends and family for their feedand received an Excellence Award from the NY back and support. This play is dedicated to his dad, International Fringe Festival. He can be reached Ret. Lt. Col. Danny W. Hassell, who served two tours of duty in Iraq. If you like what you saw visit at www.andycomusic.com. his website AndyHassell.com and let him know. Rachel Cora* (Kate, Kate) is thrilled to be working Alec A. Head (Ricky, with such a multi talented R.I.P. Captain Wendel) is and imaginative group. an actor and a musician. A Regional: The Wild Duck graduate of the American (Bard College, Calleri Academy of Dramatic Arts, Casting). Creater and cohe went on to train with producer: 10 for the Tatas Terry Schreiber at T. Sch(10-minute play benefit, reiber Studio, where he featuring original works by Theresa Rebeck, Bekah appeared in The Cherry Brunstetter, Cindy Chupack and more). Film: Orchard (Yepikhodov). Other New York stage credNational Treasure 2: Book of Secrets. For more its include All in the Timing (Trotsky), A Winter’s about Rachel, visit: RachelCora.com. Tale (Camillo), Wildest Dreams (Stanley) and A Comedy of Errors (Dromio of Syracuse), among othJake Fine (lighting designer) is a New York-based ers. As a musician, he has contributed music to The lighting designer who is thrilled to be working Shelter’s previous production, Night Windows. He is with The Shelter again. Previous work includes A currently writing music for an upcoming project. Lie of the Mind and Top Girls at Stella Adler Studios, Night Windows for The Shelter, The Last Beth Jastroch (director, R.I.P. Captain Wendel; Days of Judas Iscariot for Sanguine Theater Com- playwright, 3 Sisters and a Carnie) is thrilled to pany, Peter and the Wolf for Marc Arthur and be back writing and directing for The Shelter. PreWindows and This Tastes Funny with St. Fortune vious works include Freak Closet, Feliz Navi New Productions. Upcoming productions include The Dad and The Best Idea in the World, Ever. She’d Lost Light for SharkMother Arts Collective. like to thank her wonderful cast and very patient love, Roger. Emily Robin Fink (assistant director, Dinner for the Queen) is thrilled to be working with such a Meghan E. Jones (co-artistic director; playwright, multi talented group of people. Favorite past roles Dinner for the Queen; director, Kate) hails from St. include Merchant of Venice (Portia), Playboy of the Louis, Missouri, where she spent many years as a Western World (Widow Quin) and Ivanov (Anna). volleyball coach. Bossing people around the court helped Meghan transition into bossing people Brandon Hardy (assistant scenic designer). Bran- around the stage. This is her third time directing don Hardy’s recent productions include The Pee- for The Shelter and she would like to thank the wee Herman Show, ENRON, The Addams Family fantastic Michael Bernstein for writing such rich Musical (Broadway, national tour and upcoming in material, her actors for offering their terrific taland Match (Mike). Chris is thrilled to be working with The Shelter and with such a talented group of artists.
W h o’ s W h o ents to this project and Morgan McGuire for bol- Oz Show). Love to his wife, Alicia, and daughters, Avery and Kelsey. www.davelankford.com. stering her in times of need. Ginger Kearns (Billie Sue, 3 Sisters and a Carnie) is an actor, comedian and Bikram junkie, born and raised in western Canada. The Manitoba native has starred in roles on awardwinning television series The Sopranos and the highly successful Chapelle’s Show. She can be seen making jokes in online videos with her sketch group White Cotton Panties. Ginger is super excited to be performing in her second production by The Shelter. Much love to my two sisters! www.gingerkearns.com. Olivia Killingsworth (director, Terror on Haxos 9). Olivia Killingsworth’s recent credits include direction of Night of the Living, presented as part of Night Windows (The Shelter) and assistant direction for The Changing Room (T. Schreiber Studio). Acting credits include Alien Child (T. Schreiber Studio), The Very Persistent Gappers of Frip (Kirk Douglas Theater) and Steve Martin’s WASP (The MET Theater). Training: T. Schreiber Studio (New York), Larry Moss Studio (Santa Monica), Occidental College (Los Angeles), British American Drama Academy (London). Michael Kingsbaker (co-artistic director; director, 3 Sisters and a Carnie) has been working for over twenty-five years professionally in film, television and theater. Recently, Michael played Bobby in John Kolvenbach’s On an Average Day at Curious Theatre Company in Denver and just wrapped doing stunt work on the upcoming film The Dark Knight Rises. Directing credits include Home Stretch, Passing Ships and Prince Charming. Dave Lankford (executive director) first hit the stage as member of the Washington, DC, National Poetry Slam Team and soon after with the national tour of his one-man show, 40 Cents a Minute. A founding member of The Shelter, Dave often contributes as a writer, director and actor. Dave is also a former student of the T. Schreiber Studio, alumnus of The American University and the director of product for Dr. Oz Digital (The Dr.
Paco Lozano (assistant director, 3 Sisters and a Carnie) is grateful to be a part of this Shelter production. He was last seen as Whistle in Night Windows this past May. He is looking forward to his next stage role. Michael Sean McGuinness (Henry, Kate). Theater: Dad Barton in Goosebumps (with Rupert Holmes), Algernon in The Importance of Being Earnest (Pearl Theatre Company), Angelo in Measure for Measure (A Noise Within), Malvolio in Twelfth Night (Pig Iron Theatre Company), Iago in Othello (The Philadelphia Area Repertory Theatre), Miles/Toby/Lionel in Intimate Exchanges (Portland Stage Company, directed by Vivian Matalon). Film/TV: Frasier, Terry Tate Office Linebacker, Law & Order, Guiding Light, As the World Turns, Sunset Beach. Education: B.F.A., acting, New York University. Morgan McGuire (assistant director, Kate) hails from the golden foothills of the Sierra Nevada. She now resides in Brooklyn, Borough of Kings. She is so very excited to be a part of Fairy Tale and the Kate creative team. Edwin Sean Patterson* (Gruff, 3 Sisters and a Carnie). Theater: You Never Can Tell (Mr. Bohun), The Changing Room (Ken Walsh), Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (Sweeney Todd), Loot (Dennis) and A Lie of the Mind (Jake). Other favorite stage roles: Cock & Bull Story (Jacko), Hamlet (Claudius) and The Great White Hope (Brady/Dixon). Prime-time dramas: The Good Wife, Law & Order, Third Watch, Law & Order: SVU and Law & Order: CI. Daytime dramas: As the World Turns and All My Children. Sean has appeared in award-winning independent films Pony Boy “The Musical” (Bulbus Abernathy) and Play Ball. Thank you, Sara.
W h o’ s W h o Stephanie Ringstaff (assistant director, R.I.P. Nick Stevens (Lt. Hank Captain Wendel) is excited to be involved in her Calkins, Terror on Haxos first Shelter production! A native of California, 9) is thrilled to be making Steph graduated from Scripps College in 2009 his Shelter debut! A fairly with a dual major in theater and psychology. Havrecent transfer to New ing spent the subsequent year traveling abroad, York, Nick worked extenStephanie is happy to have settled down for a time sively in the metro DC in Brooklyn, where she works as a children’s acting area doing such shows as coach, substitute teacher and special event coordiThe History Boys (regional nator at the Brooklyn Children’s museum. premiere, Helen Hayes nomination), Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead and 1776. Other Melinda Smart* (The regional productions include Twelfth Night, The Woman, Dinner for the Antipodes, The Music Man and High Society. Queen) is thrilled to be playing one of her favorite Tania Verafield* (Billie villains. She has been a feaJean, 3 Sisters and a Cartured actress in five Shelter nie). Big thanks to The productions and a featured Shelter, Michael and felwriter for Night Windows, low cast members for welF***ing Christmas and coming her. New York 3:56 AM. Favorite roles include How to Survive the credits include The Little Apacolypse (Antimony), Cabaret (Sally Bowles ), Dog Laughed (The Gallery Nine (Carla) and The Taffetas (Donna). Players) and Beneath the
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W h o’ s W h o Veil (Lincoln Center). Tania can currently be seen on Showtime in the feature The First Time. Time flies, so be authentic, have some perspective, appreciate the humor in life and tell whomever you love that you love them. Much gratitude to friends and family. Enjoy the show! www.taniaverafield.com. Stephen Alan Wilson* (Minky, Dinner for the Queen) considers it a pleasure to lend his voice to this production, having worked and studied with most of the Fairy Tales cast. He’s thrilled for this rare opportunity to actually watch, or in this case, hear himself in a show
as a member of the audience. Thanks to Meghan for introducing him to The Shelter. Love to Noelle. www.stephenalanwilson.com. Heller Highwater (publicist) is a public and media relations, social media management and consulting company specializing in the performing arts and entertainment industries. Under the leadership of Dale Heller, our client list includes The Shelter; The Playwrights Realm; Less Than Rent Theatre; Making Books Sing; The Broadway Dreams Foundation; the Off-Broadway musical revue The Greenwich Village Follies; the NYMF productions of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, The Kid Who Would Be Pope and Time Between Us. For more information about Heller Highwater, please visit www.HellerHighwaterPR.com.
Individual Donors Supporters of The Shelter’s 2011–12 season as of November 27, 2011
Benefactor Pam & Mark Jones June & Stuart Kerr Sponsor Patricia & Paul Donakoswki Kayem Dunn Matthew Crosby Patron Anonymous Christopher Adornato Yolanda Gonzalez Janet Jastroch William G. Kingsbaker Leif Ulstrup
Friend Anonymous Josie Ashley Rebecca Bacon David Bernstein Cynthia Simonoff Joshua Day Peter H. Judd Maureen Lankford Kitty Lindsay Richard Saunders Andrew Schechter Roger Thoman UglyRhino Productions
Thank You Hannah Carpenter, Sally Dunn, John Hayden, Michael Horn, Terry Schreiber, T.D. White
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