Theatre on the Edge: All (Edgy) Philadelphia Premieres
What exactly does that mean, anyway?
Definition:
on the edge
(idiom from edge –n.)
1. In a precarious position.
2. In a state of keen excitement, as from danger or risk.
3. A provocative or discomforting quality, as from audacity or innovativeness.
(from www.thefreedictionary.com/edge)
New City Stage Company is proud to announce its 2008-09 Season, offering a versatile selection of modern works, all Philadelphia and Regional theatre premieres. Formed in the fall of 2006 by local college student and actress Ginger Dayle, New City Stage is committed to presenting thought-provoking works that address current issues in the Philadelphia area and the world at large, with a particular focus on works that are new to the Delaware Valley. This season marks New City Stage Company’s third year of bringing high-quality theatre to Philadelphia, using many members of our local talent
Talk Radio , by Eric Bogosian
Directed By: William Roudebush
December 5, 2008–January 11, 2009
The AdrienneTheatre Mainstage
Straight from its Broadway debut, New City Stage is thrilled to bring the first regional production of Eric Bogosian’s revised 1987 hit to Philadelphia.On the eve of his show going national, caustic Cleveland shock-jock Barry Champlain is fielding calls from his adoring fans and using their own idolization of him against them.As the parade of typical nut-job insomniacs call in throughout the night, the conversation gets crazier and Barry’s commentary gets harsher. A unique theatrical expression of American media culture, this play garnered several Tony Award nominations and a Drama League Award for Distinguished Performance for lead actor Liev Schreiber.
“100 minutes of pure theatrical adrenaline!” – Time Out NY
Chicken, by Mike Batistick
Directed By: Neill Hartley
April 9 -26, 2009
The Second Stage at the Adrienne
With his wife pregnant and his best friend living on his couch, Wendell takes in a rooster to train for an illegal fight in the Bronx.As they discover that cockfighting is not for the faint of heart, this dysfunctional family comes to blows before the fight ever takes places.A devilishly written comedy that investigates power, community, and loss, and searches for grace in the most unlikely places.This play was commissioned and produced last year in by Sopranos star Michael Imperioli at his Studio Dante in NYC as a workshop production. New City Stage is thrilled to be bringing the first regional production to the stage.
“It’s the sort of play that makes you want to go home and take a long, hot shower.” – The New York Post
A Stone Carver, by William Mastrosimone
Directed By: William Roudebush
May 7 – 24, 2009
Walnut Street Theatre, Studio 5
After a highly successful season of his work, New City Stage is producing the newly revised version of Mastrosimone’s first play, originally titled The Understanding. Set in the 1970s, Italian-American patriarch Agostino Malatesta is told he must move out of the Trenton home he built with his own hands to make room for a new highway.When he refuses to leave, his estranged son and new fiancée show up, and the battle of the wills begins.Long before eminent domain became a legal debate, this play deals with the emotional ramifications of progress overtaking tradition.
“A powerful, intergenerational dramedy, with ideas and characters that deliciously inform each other.” – Variety
