PLAYS IN PROGRESS L


ast January, a group of Two River’s friends and supporters had the


unique experience of seeing a play on our Rechnitz Stage.


On the surface, it is true, that statement does not suggest a unique experience— audiences come to our theater, after all, in order to see plays performed. In this case, however, the audience members themselves were literally on a stage that had no sets or props, seated in folding chairs, watching a group of actors at music stands read from the pages of a script. And, the play that brought everyone together was Seven Homeless Mammoths Wander New England, which was being presented as a free work-in- progress.


Two River’s audiences have come to love our theater for our intimate performance space and beautifully made shows, which feature exquisite sets and stunning costumes crafted for each play by the artisans in our Production department. Beyond our subscription season, and behind the scenes, we are busy in other ways, supporting the generative artists of the theater—our playwrights, composers, and lyricists—as they create original plays and musicals. And, we want our audiences to participate in this creative process, too, and make it another experience of our theater that you love.


Throughout each season, we offer resources of all kinds to artists, encouraging them to try out their biggest and boldest ideas. Through financial assistance, space to write and rehearse, the time to work with directors and actors, feedback from Artistic Director John Dias and our Artistic staff, and the opportunity to hear a new play (or musical) read out loud, we champion the country’s best emerging and established artists.


part of the development of new plays and musicals, and join us for free events, readings, and performances throughout our season.


W


Last winter, playwright Madeleine George and Two River’s Associate Artist Leigh Silverman spent a week working with


e also champion our audiences, by giving you opportunities to be


a group of actors on Seven Homeless Mammoths. During rehearsals, Madeleine was able to revise and rewrite. At the presentation, our audience was able to hear the play you are seeing now, and imagine what it might look like on stage. And, after the reading, they were able to mingle with the company, and share their own responses to the play.


This kind of process happens at the theater nearly every month, with free readings of works-in-progress—and opportunities for audiences to interact with artists. Other readings last season also included the new musical In This House, written by Grammy Award-winning composer Mike Reid, Sarah Schlesinger, and Jonathan Bernstein, directed by actor Michael Cumpsty (who was most recently on stage as the star of Much Ado About Nothing). Audiences will see this beautiful chamber musical in our subscription series in the Marion this spring, making the reading process a pipeline for new works to develop into full productions.


The reading process is a pipeline for new works to develop into full productions.


U


p next, the theater will host our second annual Cabaret of new songs


for the musical theater on November 14, in association with the Graduate Musical Theatre Writing Program at New York University. The evening will feature excerpts from new musicals-in-process written by composers and bookwriter- lyricists who have graduated from the program.


We invite you to join us for this intimate evening of original songs by some of the rising stars of the American musical theater. The Cabaret will be in the Marion, so book early—seating is limited. For more information, call our Box Office at 732.345.1400.


Before & After the Show…


a grazing menu at Grill & Wine Bar


Steaks Seafood Sushi Pizza Our wine


flights take off 5pm nightly


11 Bridge Ave • Red Bank 732.741.6900 dannyssteakhouse.com


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