Jay Michaels Global Communications, LLC (JMGC) will be managing several industry events at one of New York’s largest and most sought-after arts venues – Open Jar Studios at 1601 BROADWAY, 11th Floor, NYC, (Broadway & 48th Street – Enter on 48th)

Creating visibility for independent theater, film, music, and literature has been the battle-cry of this boutique production and promotional firm for more than 20 years. Through a diverse internal multi-media platform, this communications organization can supply guaranteed coverage to hundreds of emerging artists and their productions while growing its external network of promotional sites and groups.

This spring, JMGC will present the following industry events:

First Ladies and the Big White Lie, a new play by Janine Sternlieb and Lennie Dean; directed by Marcello Rollando on March 7 & 8

Ocean in a Tea Cup, a musical, by Joel Krantz on April 4

Two Thousand Miles, a musical by Alyssa M. Williams on March 15

Four, a musical, by Clé Holly — April 10 & 12

Finding Helena by Alexandra Conroy and Ray Hoese and produced by Shavonne Conroy on April 11

FIRST LADIES AND THE BIG WHITE LIE

The most famous deceased First Ladies are having a hard time accepting the Trump presidency. But what can they do about it? After all, they’re dead! Disturbing and unprecedented events are unfolding in DC, in Charlottesville, and at the border, and their predictable “existence” is thrown into chaos. They must confront the secrets and deceptions that have hindered America’s march toward a truly democratic society.

TWO THOUSAND MILES

Amid the backdrop of illness, resilience, and life-altering experiences, we follow Davis, a former business student turned playwright courageously battling Lupus, and his devoted boyfriend Nate, an accomplished composer learning the intricacies of caregiving. “Two Thousand Miles” illustrates the profound power of love, acceptance, and the unbreakable bonds of friendship in overcoming personal strife and illness. The musical features a book by Alyssa M. Williams, music & lyrics by Hans Zanger, and direction by Monica Toro Lisciandro. The musical also features additional music & lyrics by Taylor Guttadauro and Jaclyn Nash.

Clé Holly’s FOUR

In this poignant and compelling new work, an ambitious manager – hoping to breathe life into an established string quartet with an uncertain future – introduces the group to a new first violinist. This new addition forces the team to explore more than just the music. Clé Holly — the award-winning playwright of FOUR — is herself a violinist, supplying a healthy dose of verisimilitude to this acutely written drama with live music. Clé draws upon her unique and creative background to write musicals which feature smart, complex female characters.

OCEAN IN A TEACUP

BASED ON A TRUE STORY: Into the tumultuous world of Bengal India in the 1940’s, comes an American pacifist and idealist. Ray Hauserman is a conscientious objector during World War Two.  He becomes a Red Cross medic so he can be saving lives and not taking them, but in the horrific jungle war in Burma, Ray betrays his pacifist vow never to kill. Ray cannot bring himself to return home to the woman he loves, his fiancé Julia, waiting anxiously in Ohio.  He meets a charismatic Indian doctor and spiritual teacher. Doctor Thakur tries to inspire a reawakening of the compassionate heart that once beat in Ray. He invites Ray to join him in his humanitarian work of caring for the sick and hungry during the “Great Famine of Bengal” in 1943.  To follow Doctor Thakur’s path of service, Ray will have to leave behind the world he knew.  When Julia shockingly arrives in India to try to bring him back to The States, they are both challenged to learn great lessons of sacrifice and unconditional love.

FINDING HELENA

After sold-out presentations in San Antonio, FINDING HELENA, a new musical by Alexandra Conroy and Ray Hoese will come to New York in 2024. This Romeo & Juliet love story that crosses cultures, beliefs … and enemy lines. Helena, the daughter of a Nazi officer, falls in love with Ari, a Jewish resistance fighter. Her affection for Ari helps break down the wall of hate she was taught, allowing the couple to create the deepest bond of love.

For further information on these projects, please contact Matt at info@jaymichaelsarts.com