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THE BARD TAKES BROADWAY: SIXTH ANNUAL NEW YORK SHAKESPEARE AWARDS CELEBRATES RECORD-BREAKING 2025 SEASON
THE BARD TAKES BROADWAY: SIXTH ANNUAL NEW YORK SHAKESPEARE AWARDS CELEBRATES RECORD-BREAKING 2025 SEASON
The New York Shakespeare Awards has officially unveiled its list of winners for 2025, marking the sixth year of celebrating the most impactful contributions to the Bard’s legacy. The 2025 season represents a cultural “High Renaissance” for Shakespeare in Manhattan, defined by unprecedented commercial dominance on Broadway and a flourishing independent scene.
A BROADWAY JUGGERNAUT: SHAKESPEARE ON STAGE
The year 2025 will be remembered for the moment Shakespeare became Broadway’s most profitable leading man. The Shakespeare on Stage Award has been granted to the historic production of Othello, a production that redefined the financial and cultural ceiling of classical theater.
- The Power of the Production: Starring Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal, Othello became an absolute financial juggernaut. It shattered every standing box office record for a play in Broadway history, reaching a staggering $3.2 million single-week gross.
- A Masterclass in Producing: The production’s success was anchored by multi-time award-winning Broadway powerhouse Jim Kierstead. Kierstead has become the architect of modern Shakespearean commercial success, having also steered the 2024 hit Romeo + Juliet to similar acclaim. By bridging the gap between classical text and high-octane modern celebrity, Kierstead’s “industry-savvy” approach ensured Othello recouped its $9 million capitalization in a record nine weeks.
Complementing this Broadway surge was the Shakespeare in the Park production of Twelfth Night.
- Following the multi-million dollar renovation of the Delacorte Theater, the ensemble—featuring Lupita Nyong’o, Peter Dinklage, and Sandra Oh—was recognized as the year’s premier performing group, marking a triumphant return for the Public Theater.
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT: JAY MICHAELS
The 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Jay Michaels, founder of Jay Michaels Global Communications (JMGC). Michaels is often referred to as the connective tissue for countless artists across the tri-state area.
- A Legacy of Influence: From his lwork in the 1990s with Genesis Rep to his recent launch of Channel Indie on ROKU and Independent Artists Movement TV, Michaels has spent decades championing independent theater and film.
- The Future of the Indie Scene: Michaels is on the teams of numerous theatre festivals happening this year. The 2026 revival of the Midtown International Theatre Festival; the inauguration of the Manifestival; the Mainstage of the Fresh Fruit Festival; the Below the Line Film Festival; and RiffRaffNYC’s New Works Festival, as well as his ongoing association with the landmark American Theatre of Actors, his tireless promotion of boutique artists have made him an indispensable titan of the industry.
- The Shakespeare Question: A leading proponent of the famed “Authorship Question,” Michaels has fostered discussions on stage and television examining the works of William Shakespeare from all angles.
2025 AWARD CATEGORIES AND WINNERS
Lifetime Achievement: Jay Michaels (JMGC)
Shakespeare On Stage: Othello (Produced by Jim Kierstead)
Shakespeare Performers: The Ensemble of Twelfth Night (The Public Theater)
Shakespeare on Film: Hamnet (Dir. Chloe Zhao; starring Jessie Buckley)
Scenic Design: Richard II (Arnulfo Maldonado / Red Bull Theater)
Shakespeare Adaptations: Nine Moons (Keith Hamilton Cobb / Blessed Unrest)
Shakespeare Music: “The Fate of Ophelia” (Taylor Swift)
Shakespeare Books: Kill Shakespeare: Romeo vs. Juliet (Anthony Del Col)
Solo Show: Conquering the Canon (Michael Hagins)
Videography: The Comedy of Errors (Shakespeare Sports Theatre)
ABOUT THE NEW YORK SHAKESPEARE AWARDS
Founded in 2020 by Shakespeare scholar Rodney Hakim, the New York Shakespeare Awards recognize excellence in the performance, study, and adaptation of William Shakespeare’s works within the New York metropolitan area. By honoring both legendary Broadway figures and emerging independent artists, the awards provide a comprehensive “Year in Review” of the city’s vibrant theatrical landscape. The awards are sponsored by one of the leading programs dedicated to the Bard, New York Shakespeare. Visit them on https://www.instagram.com/newyorkshakespeare/
American Theatre of Actors Announces 50th Anniversary Gala; Playwright LYLE KESSLER and TONY-winning actor, LEN CARIOU to Receive Lifetime Achievement Honors.
NEW YORK, NY — The American Theatre of Actors (ATA), a cornerstone of the New York theatrical landscape since 1976, is proud to announce ATA 50, a golden anniversary celebration and awards ceremony. The black-tie evening will honor five decades of artistic excellence and community impact, headlined by the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award to legendary playwright and director Lyle Kessler and TONY-winning actor, Len Cariou..
The gala will take place at the lavish Penn Club at 30 West 44th Street in New York City, beginning with a VIP Admission at 6:30 PM, followed by a formal dinner and the awards presentation at 7:30 PM.
The ceremony will also feature the Hell’s Kitchen Awards, acknowledging the gritty, vibrant excellence of the local artistic community that has called the ATA home for fifty years.
DETAILS:
Event Date: Tuesday April 7th
Tix levels: ($35 OFF through MARCH 15)
6:30pm VIP $325 ~ includes photoshoot and open bar hour + Dinner & Award
7:30pm General $290 ~ Dinner & Awards, only.
Address:
The Penn Club
30 W. 44th St.
Honoring Legends:
Lyle Kessler
Recognized for his monumental contributions to American letters and stage, Mr. Kessler is best known for his masterwork Orphans—which received two Tony nominations for its Broadway revival and has starred luminaries such as Al Pacino, Alec Baldwin, and Jesse Eisenberg—Kessler’s career spans the Actors Studio, the Sundance Screenwriter’s Lab, and prestigious foundations like Rockefeller and NYSCA.Kessler other works include The Watering Place (premiered on Broadway and starred Shirley Knight and William Devane); Perp, premiering at The Barrow Group in March 2019, directed by Lee Brock; House on Fire (2018) which premiered at Palm Beach Dramaworks, directed by Bill Hayes; and Robbers (1987) which has been performed at the Long Wharf Theatre in New Haven, Connecticut starring Judd Hirsch. Kessler’s play Orphans has been made into a film of the same name. Directed by Alan J. Pakula, the film version of Orphans starred Matthew Modine and Albert Finney. Beyond his creative output, the award celebrates his humanitarian work with The Imagination Workshop, the world’s longest-running arts and mental health program serving veterans with PTSD.
Len Cariou
Len is an internationally recognized, Tony Award-winning, Emmy-nominated actor whose career spans sixty-five years on regional stages, Broadway, off-Broadway, film and television. A member of the Theatre Hall of Fame, he is known best for his legendary performance as the title character in Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. In 2024 he was honored with the John Willis Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre by the Theatre World Awards. Cariou remains highly regarded for his extensive classical repertoire, including King Lear which he assayed twice. His one-man show Broadway and the Bard re-visited some of the best dramatic and musical elements of his robust career. Len became a beloved figure as Reagan over 14 seasons on CBS Blue Bloods. Last year, he distinguished himself once again off-Broadway in the role of Morrie Shwartz in the award-winning Seadog Theatre production of Tuesdays With Morrie, and in the role of Kozlowski in ATA’s acclaimed production of Zagłada. Look for him in the new year on MGM+ as Linus Bean in the new series American Classic, in which he co-stars with Kevin Kline, Jon Tenney and Laura Linney. Len is a Mets fan, an inveterate gin rummy player, and loves the game of golf. He is an adored and adoring father, husband and grandfather, a member of the Order of Manitoba, and an Officer of the Order of Canada.
The Jean Dalrymple Award — In a tradition established in 1985, Founder and Artistic Director James Jennings, alongside Vice President Jane Culley and Executive Director Jessica Jennings, will present the Jean Dalrymple Awards. Named for the “First Lady of City Center” and a founding member of the American Theatre Wing, the Dalrymple Awards honor exceptional talent at the Off-Off and Off-Broadway levels. Jean Dalrymple, who mentored James Jennings for over a decade, was a visionary producer who worked with icons ranging from Cary Grant (whom she famously discovered) to Orson Welles and Uta Hagen. Previous recipients of this flagship honor include Ginger Rogers, Patricia Neal, and Danny Aiello.
The ceremony inaugurates the Hell’s Kitchen Awards, acknowledging the gritty, vibrant excellence of the local artistic community that has called the ATA home for fifty years.
The American Theatre of Actors was founded in 1976 by James Jennings, who continues as its President and Artistic Director. It is a repertory theatre company whose purpose is to promote the development of new playwrights, directors, and actors and provide them a creative atmosphere in which to work without the pressures of commercial theatre.
Over 2000 new works have been presented and more than 12,000 actors have worked at A.T.A., including Dennis Quaid, Bruce Willis, Danny Aiello, Dan Lauria, Chazz Palminteri, Kevin O’Connor, William Fichtner, Edie Falco and Kathryn Hahn.
President: James Jennings
Vice President: Jane Culley
Exec Director: Jessica Jennings
Secretary: Joseph Krawczyk Treasurer: Jacqueline Pace
Board of Directors: Gil Ancowitz, Ted Baehr, Courtney Everette, Joseph Krawczyk, Suzanne McGrath, Terrence Fergus, McMillan Johnson
Honorary Board: Robert De Niro, Barbara Bel Geddes, James McManus, Peter Masterson, Vincent Sardi, Paul Sorvino, Joseph Stein, Madeline Thornton Sherwood, Andrew Stein
New Theatrical Production Company, Diamond Mesh Inc., Announces “The Manifestival:” A New Frontier for NYC Independent Theater
In a world increasingly defined by digital isolation and existential questioning, a new theatrical force is rising to reclaim the stage. Diamond Mesh Inc.Theatrical Productions, led by producers Matt Bader and Faith Pasch, is proud to announce the inaugural Manifestival, a new works festival running from July 16th to August 9th in New York City.
The Search for Connection
Diamond Mesh is more than a production company; it is a response to the modern human condition. Launching with a provocative philosophical inquiry, the company’s mission centers on the “why” behind our collective loneliness.
“You did not stumble upon these questions. You found them. Just like you found this,” says the company’s statement. “We are Diamond Mesh. We have been looking for you too.”
The Manifestival: A Call for Submissions
The Manifestival is currently seeking digital submissions of new, 60–75 minute plays designed for intimate, character-driven production. Designed to strip theater down to its rawest, most impactful form, the festival emphasizes storytelling over spectacle.
Submission Guidelines & Opportunities:
- The Format: Scripts must feature a cast of five actors or fewer.
- The Aesthetic: Adaptable to minimal design (sparse set: one table, two chairs).
- The Series:
–The Signature Series: a Group of productions having a limited three performances during the festival.
–One Night Only Series: A high-impact, single-evening performance.
The MODEL: In a rare move for the NYC festival circuit, selected productions keep 100% of their ticket sales, providing a sustainable platform for playwrights & creators. Playwrights are encouraged to submit their work via the Official Manifestival Submission Form. Slots are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.
Meet the Founding Executive Producers:
Faith Pasch — A New York City-based powerhouse, Pasch is an actress, singer, and producer with credits ranging from the I Was a Teenage She-Devil UK Premier to the Disney Cruise Line. A champion for marginalized voices, Pasch recently founded Faith Pasch Productions and co-founded Fate Productions, a company dedicated to highlighting female and non-binary voices in the cabaret circuit.
Matt Bader — A versatile actor, writer, and producer hailing from Milford, CT, Bader brings a wealth of international experience to Diamond Mesh. His past producing credits include The Silly William Gambit at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. As a performer, he is known for his work in The Mystery of Edwin Drood (Connecticut Repertory Theater), the series The Startup, and his ongoing work with The Dinner Detective.
Join the Movement
- Website: diamondmeshinc.com
- Instagram: @diamondmeshinc
- Email: Mattbader@diamondmeshinc.com | Faithpasch@diamondmeshinc.com
The American Theatre of Actors invites you to join us for A REPERTORY OF TWO PLAYS from ground-breaking playwright, Anne L. Thompson-Scretching
The American Theatre of Actors invites you to join us for A REPERTORY OF TWO PLAYS from ground-breaking playwright, Anne L. Thompson-Scretching: A LONG WAY FROM HOME & RESURRECTION (American Theatre of Actors, 314 W. 54th Street, New York City)
A LONG WAY FROM HOME featuring Ms. D, Gina McKinney, Rommell Sermons, Joy Foster, Kevin Leonard, Laquan Hailey, and Phil Oetiker, A Long Way From Home is the second play in Ms. Thompson-Scretching’s “Blood Trilogy.”
Set in the 1960’s, and follows Shanna Taylor’s family, who has migrated from Macon, Georgia to Brooklyn, New York. They rent an old walk-up in an area called Brownsville.
Escaping from Jim Crow and the Klan in the south, the family realizes segregation and civil unrest is in the North too.
Luella, the daughter, is so disenchanted, she gets involved with the “Black Power Movement.” Jacob, her husband, is away from home carousing for women in the streets. His son, Willie, is duty bound to follow in his father’s footsteps.
Shanna is focused on keeping the family together while saving for her dream home and maintaining her Southern values. Jacob’s older brother, Chester, is a New York big shot. He’s employed as a broker at Falco & Son, who shows Shanna a worthless house that’s been redlined by the bank. Chester steals her money and blames it on her husband. Joe Falco is Chester’s boss, who has him blockbusting the neighborhood.
APAP Members, use code ‘APAP’ for a free seat. Use link or Book in APP under “PHYSICAL THEATRE” Contacts: Jessica Jennings at Conference: 917-773-2933 or Jay Michaels at 646-338-5472 / info@jaymichaelsarts.com
RESURRECTION Featuring Ms. D, Gina McKinney, Rommell Sermons, Joy Foster, Kevin Leonard, Laquan Hailey, and Phil Oetiker, A Long Way From Home is the second play in Ms. Thompson-Scretching’s “Blood Trilogy.” Set in the 1960’s, and follows Shanna Taylor’s family, who has migrated from Macon, Georgia to Brooklyn, New York. They rent an old walk-up in an area called Brownsville.
Escaping from Jim Crow and the Klan in the south, the family realizes segregation and civil unrest is in the North too.
Luella, the daughter, is so disenchanted, she gets involved with the “Black Power Movement.” Jacob, her husband, is away from home carousing for women in the streets. His son, Willie, is duty bound to follow in his father’s footsteps.
Shanna is focused on keeping the family together while saving for her dream home and maintaining her Southern values. Jacob’s older brother, Chester, is a New York big shot. He’s employed as a broker at Falco & Son, who shows Shanna a worthless house that’s been redlined by the bank. Chester steals her money and blames it on her husband. Joe Falco is Chester’s boss, who has him blockbusting the neighborhood.
APAP Members, use code ‘APAP’ for a free seat. Use link or Book in APP under “PHYSICAL THEATRE” Contacts: Jessica Jennings at Conference: 917-773-2933 or Jay Michaels at 646-338-5472 / info@jaymichaelsarts.com
American Theatre of Actors, Inc.
American Theatre of Actors, Inc. (ATA) was founded in 1976 by James Jennings to promote the development of new playwrights, directors and actors, and to provide them a creative atmosphere in which to work. The plays are dramas, comedies, and hybrids, dealing with the social and ethical problems of contemporary society.
12,000 actors have worked at ATA including Dennis Quaid, Bruce Willis, Dan Lauria, Chazz Palminteri, Danny Aielo, David Morse, Edie Falco and Kathryn Hahn. Our productions are sometimes grouped as ‘festivals,’ such as a Playwrights Festival or a Directors Festival. In 2016 we began an initiative to feature women in theatre as directors and playwrights, today this is our WIT! (Women in Theatre) program.
The MITF is back and ATA has got them!
The Midtown International Theatre Festival Returns to New York After Decade-Long Hiatus and the Landmark American Theatre of Actors will host the event.
AN HISTORIC EVENT AT AN HISTORIC LOCATION
The Midtown International Theatre Festival (MITF), a respected and influential platform for independent theatre, is set to make its triumphant return to New York City after an absence of nearly a decade. Founder and Executive Producer John Chatterton, a pivotal figure in the Off-Off-Broadway movement, is partnering with Jay Michaels, one of indie theatre’s most visible personalities, to bring the groundbreaking theatrical event back in June/July of 2026.
The new festival will encompass the entire ATA complex of three theatres starting June 15 through July 26, 2026
MITF is accepting applications for productions to be included in the festival until December 31, 2025. Please contact Jay Michaels at info@jaymichaelsarts.com for further details and an application form.
An Ambitious Return at a Historic Venue
The revived festival will be hosted by the prestigious American Theatre of Actors (ATA), marking an auspicious collaboration as the ATA celebrates its 50th anniversary.
“We’re thrilled this event could happen at our theatre—and especially during our 50th anniversary,” says Jessica Jennings, Executive Director of the American Theatre of Actors. The ATA was founded in 1976 by her father, James Jennings, who remains its President and Artistic Director.
The new incarnation of the MITF is planned to be the largest independent theatre festival in history. Already, more than two dozen projects and events have signed on, with plans underway to expand offerings to include:
- A dedicated Cabaret Section.
- A comprehensive One-Act Series.
- A full-fledged Film Festival.
A Legacy of Innovation
Founded in 2000 by John Chatterton, the original MITF was established following the suggestion for a “Midtown Fringe” to complement the downtown scene. It ran for 18 successful seasons before its hiatus in 2018.
The festival quickly became a highly visible and respected launchpad for independent theatre artists. Notably, the MITF pioneered a festival model of theater rental and shared box office revenue that continues to influence theatre festivals worldwide today.
About the American Theatre of Actors (ATA)
The American Theatre of Actors, founded in 1976, is a vibrant repertory theatre company dedicated to fostering new talent. It consists of 50 actors, 15 playwrights, and 8 directors, providing a creative atmosphere for artists to develop their work without the pressures of commercial theatre.
ATA focuses on presenting new dramas and comedies dealing with the social and ethical problems of contemporary society. Over its history, ATA has:
- Presented over 1,000 new works.
- Employed over 11,000 actors, including notable alumni such as Dennis Quaid, Bruce Willis, Danny Aiello, Dan Lauria, Chazz Palminteri, Kevin O’Connor, William Fichtner, Edie Falco, and Kathryn Hahn.
The return of the MITF, in partnership with the ATA, promises to inject a significant burst of energy and opportunity into the New York independent theatre landscape.
Contact: Jay Michaels Global Communications 646-338-5472 // info@jaymichaelsarts.com
Jim Catapano, Danny, and Roberta, take a Plunge into the Deep End
John Patrick Shanley’s Stunning Two-Hander is Revived at the ATA
The renowned one-act playDanny and the Deep Blue Sea, which originallypremiered off-Broadway in 1983, is given a magnificent retelling at the American Theatre of Actors in its 50th season. Penned by prolific playwright and Oscar winner John Patrick Shanley (Moonstruck), it is an intense and compelling study of loneliness and human frailty, and the desperate desire to be seen and understood, forgiven and loved.
As observed in a holiday season where the “meet-cute” scenario is one of its hallmarks (pun intended), Danny stands out as a “meet-ugly”, and feels all the more real as a result.
Tashia Gates (producer) is Roberta, a divorced mom who encounters Danny (James Liddell) in a dilapidated, empty Bronx dive bar. Danny’s black eye and bruised hands indicate a recent altercation, creating an unsettling mood from the outset and the implication that he might erupt at any moment. He asks for one of Roberta’s pretzels and wants to leave it at that, but Roberta decides that she needs company and goes to sit with him, prompting Danny to act like a bear who’s been poked with a stick. Danny is bad news and makes no attempt to hide that, but Roberta is a woman in pain, trapped in her own life but yearning for some kind of human connection and normality that will release her from reality, at least for a handful of heartbeats.
“I can’t stay like I am,” she says to the only person she’s ever found who just might listen. “I can’t stay in this effing head anymore, I’ll go crazy.”
Danny is in a prison of his own. Feral and fearful and unable to connect to anyone except with his fists, he is in danger of losing his blue-collar job where his coworkers have labeled him “the beast.”
Undeterred, Roberta goes all in and tells this stranger of a dark, horrifying secret from her past, making Danny the only person who knows it and forcing a bond between them. Danny also suspects that his most recent actions may have led to tragedy, and the two debate the severity of their crimes and the depth of their pain until things get edge-of-your-seat frightening. As Danny grows more violent Roberta grows more defiant, winning the psychological and physical battle and convincing Danny to come home with her. She wants to play at “domestic bliss”, if only for one night; she even coaches her new partner in the art of being nice. But when Danny decides he wants the dream to become reality, they awake to a new nightmare that now imprisons them both.
Gates is astonishing as the broken Roberta, so trapped in her own mind that she wonders if prison would be a nice change of pace. She is looking for punishment, and then maybe forgiveness, though she suspects the latter impossible. Liddell is at turns terrifying and heartbreaking, a ticking time bomb who solves every issue with fighting, but crumples into a scared child as his unanticipated new lover takes him on a rollercoaster of emotions. These two damaged souls coming together in mutual desperation is portrayed compassionately and genuinely; and though most of us haven’t had Danny and Roberta’s experiences, Gates and Liddell make them relatable and even lovable.
Presented on a sparse stage and clocking in at a tight 80 minutes, this new incarnation of Danny and the Deep Blue Sea is a remarkable piece of work and a triumph for producer Gates and Liddell, who beautifully portray their characters in three dimensions. It is directed impeccably by Tessa Welsch, who makes brilliant use of the sparse surroundings to portray the dark, empty lives of the protagonists. And serving as executive producer along with Nick Milodragovich, this is Dr. Cynthia Hsiung’s first foray into theater, adding to an accomplished career in Film and TV. This iteration of Danny is a jewel in the crown for all involved.
Danny and the Deep Blue Sea is performed at the Sargent Theater at the American Theatre of Actors through December 7. It is dedicated to the memory of Maxine R. Gibbs.
Stage Whisper Celebrates Five Years as LeadingIndependent Arts Podcast
Stage Whisper, the celebrated podcast dedicated to independent artists of stage and screen, is proudly marking its fifth anniversary. What began as a “little show that could” has now firmly established itself as the #1 podcast in its category, achieving significant milestones and laying the groundwork for exciting future growth.
Over the past five years, Stage Whisper has become an essential platform for the independent arts community. The podcast has produced more than 1,300 interviews and episodes, with over 600 of those released in 2025 alone. Its commitment to showcasing diverse talent has resulted in over 100,000 content downloads and featured over 100 different festivals.
Reflecting its dedication to the local theatre scene, Stage Whisper staff attended over 1,000 productions in the New York City Area.
The podcast’s influence extends across digital platforms, having recently surpassed 10,000 followers across all social media platforms, generating more than 200,000 monthly interactions.
Stage Whisper is distinguished by its core mission to remain an unbiased and independent voice, open to all shows and stories without reliance on corporate sponsors, reviews, or social media trends. This commitment to artistic freedom has earned high praise from the industry’s top professionals:
- Award-winning playwright Marlin Thomas called his interview “a great experience.”
- Author and artist Betti Franceschi exclaimed, “I LOVED our talk!”
- Broadway performer Laura Shoop (Flying Over Sunset, She Loves Me) even dubbed the show “the NPR of Theatre Podcasts.”
Looking Ahead: 2026 and Beyond
Co-hosts Andrew Cortes and Hope Bird have announced ambitious plans for 2026 and beyond, designed to further increase visibility for independent artists:
- Video Interviews launching via Channel Indie (ACW-TV).
- Special Panels and Discussions.
- Enhanced marketing efforts for increased visibility for guests.
- Exclusive Live Events.
A Call to the Community: Listener-Sustained Fundraising Drive
In the spirit of being a listener-sustained program, and recognizing the precarious financial nature of the arts, Stage Whisper is launching a critical holiday fundraising campaign. The goal is to raise $5,000 before the end of 2025 to ensure the podcast can continue its mission without compromising its independent ethos.
“We are reaching out to all of our listeners, guests, and collaborators,” the co-hosts stated. “We understand that money and art are precarious, but we are asking anyone who values our work to make a $5 donation in honor of our fifth year. Your support, at any level, is crucial to keeping Stage Whisper free for both artists and audiences globally.”
Stage Whisper aims to not only help the independent arts community survive difficult times but to foster its growth and help it thrive in 2026, which they anticipate will be an exciting year for the arts.
Donations can be made through the following platforms:
- Patreon: patreon.com/stagewhisperpod
- Venmo: @stagewhisperpod
- PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/YVX5DQSAJWZXS
Stage Whisper extends its warmest wishes for a Happy Thanksgiving, Happy Holidays, and a Happy, Healthy, and Prosperous New Year to its entire community.
Media Contact: Jay Michaels / info@jaymichaelsarts.com / 646-338-5472
Absurdity, Activism, and the Authentic Self: Julie Lorson’s Vision for Five Lesbians Eating Quiche
The Modern Classics Theatre Company of Long Island (MCT), the 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in residence at the BACCA Arts Center, is distinguished by its commitment to staging challenging, innovative, and socially relevant theatre.1 With a core mission to produce works “seldom seen on Long Island” and championing non-traditional casting, MCT ensures its repertoire actively engages with contemporary issues.2 Leading this effort is Director Julie Lorson, whose selection and staging of the comedy Five Lesbians Eating Quiche exemplifies the company’s purposeful artistry.
Article by guest writer, Anya Kai
The Production: Five Lesbians Eating Quiche (November 2025)
The production, running from November 8 to November 23, 2025, is a staging of the 2012 New York International Fringe Festival Winner, written by Evan Linder & Andrew Hobgood.3 Set in 1956, the play centers on the Susan B. Anthony Society for the Sisters of Gertrude Stein, whose annual quiche breakfast is interrupted by the chilling reality of nuclear war.4
The Dual Message
Director Julie Lorson’s insightful Director’s Note reveals the play’s depth, moving beyond mere farce:
“Beneath the laughter lies a powerful story about five women who long for freedom in a world that tells them who they should be… In this play, our war widows gather to celebrate community, sisterhood, and courage.”
Lorson observes a troubling resonance with the present: “It is disheartening to see echoes of that same repression returning under the current administration. Rights once fought for are being questioned again.” She frames the production as an act of resistance, calling on the audience to “laugh loudly. Cheer boldly. And as you do, remember the bravery of those who came before us.”
Spotlight on the Director: Julie Lorson 🌟
Julie Lorson is a true “jack of all trades” in the Long Island theatre community. Beyond her directorial role, she is a producer, stage manager, and actor, and serves on the board of directors for both Modern Classics Theatre and Bellport Playcrafters.5
The Selection Process: Serendipity and Social Relevance
Lorson’s initial interest in the play was rooted in the need for a production that fit MCT’s criteria (5+ cast, one setting) and her personal inclination toward comedy. The choice of Five Lesbians Eating Quiche was serendipitous:
“I went on Concord Theatricals, put in the criteria and because it’s sorted by alphabetical order 5 Lesbians came up first. Obviously, intrigued by the title, I found the PDF of the script online and I FELL IN LOVE!“
This initial spark of intrigue quickly evolved into a realization of the play’s profound thematic fit within MCT’s mission.
The Obstacle: An Innovative Casting Challenge
A significant directorial choice that shaped this production was Lorson’s solution to working with a large ensemble while preserving the core dynamic of the five main characters:
- Non-Traditional Casting: Rather than a simple ‘A’ vs. ‘B’ cast structure, Lorson intentionally created “8 different casts” by mixing the performers.
- The Goal: This innovative approach was designed to make “each show… a unique experience and give the actors a challenge,” while also preventing competition and forcing the entire company to “work together to create a great show which feels in the spirit of the show.”
This intricate scheduling and creative mixing demonstrate Lorson’s commitment to prioritizing the actors’ collaborative development and the unique immediacy of live performance.
MCT’s Mandate: Theatre That Matters
Lorson is proud to align this production with MCT’s history of impactful storytelling, citing recent works that tackle pressing social topics:
| Theatrical Production | Social Theme Explored |
| POTUS | Political and gender dynamics |
| A View From The Bridge | Immigration and moral dilemmas |
| The Laramie Project | LGBTQ+ rights and hate crime |
| The Shadow Box, Curious Incident, Of Mice & Men | Powerful human, mental health, and social struggle stories |
MCT’s continued dedication to “diversity, equity, and inclusion” under Lorson’s influence cements its position as a vital, purposeful theatre company on Long Island.
What’s Next
Following the closing of Five Lesbians Eating Quiche, Julie Lorson will immediately dive into her own annual tradition:
- Acting Festival: She will be performing in the MCT’s annual one minute play festival, appearing in 13 out of the 46 plays submitted this year, showcasing her versatile talent across many short-form pieces.
John Stillwaggon & Carolyn Dellinger celebrate the works of BERNARD J. TAYLOR with a special private showing of TENNESSEE WILLIAMS: PORTRAIT OF A GAY ICON
John Stillwaggon & Carolyn Dellinger celebrate the works of BERNARD J. TAYLOR with a special private showing of TENNESSEE WILLIAMS: PORTRAIT OF A GAY ICON plus other presentations. This event is dedicated to the EMERGENCY FUND OF SAVE THE CHILDREN (All donations go to Save the Children) and the 50th anniversary of the AMERICAN THEATRE OF ACTORS, the host venue of the original New York production. Doors open at Noon; Program begins at 12:30 p.m. on Monday, November 3, 2025 at the Jerry Orbach Theatre, 210 West 50th Street on Broadway, New York City.
This event is produced by JAY MICHAELS GLOBAL COMMUNICATIONS, LLC (Contact Jay Michaels at info@jaymichaelsarts.com for further info or to RSVP)
Tennessee Williams: Portrait of a Gay Icon an exploration of playwright Tennessee Williams’ “private” life.
After acclaimed national performances, Bernard J. Taylor’s play made its NYC debut to sold-out showings at the historic American Theatre of Actors before garnering the same kudos in the United Kingdom.
Join us for one last showing tributing playwright Taylor and raising funds for the Emergency Fund of the
Save the Children Foundation.
PLOT: Williams is chatting with “old friends” in his home and becomes increasingly inebriated during the course of the visit. The author launches into myriad diatribes about life, love — or the lack and abuse of it, his viciously cruel father, his sister — who received the brunt of that cruelty, and his work in the theatre — or more likely — his work with actors.
Mr. Stillwaggon and Ms. Delinger appear courtesy of The Theatre Authority
Playwright Bernard J. Taylor had more than 100 worldwide productions of his plays and musicals in more than a dozen countries. His early works were chronicled in the Encyclopedia of Film and Stage Music. In 2013, he was made an Honorary Fellow by the Victoria College of Music and Drama for “services to music and the performing arts.” Recent years have been the most prolific. Six productions of his stage works in San Antonio won eleven awards at the 2015, 2016 and 2017 ATAC awards (San Antonio’s version of New York’s Tony Awards).
BRAVO to Parmeet Singh in Sense & Sensibility
Parmeet Singh delivers a charismatic and nuanced performance as John Willoughby in Hudson Classical Theatre Company’s adaptation of “Sense and Sensibility.” Singh’s portrayal stands out for its depth and complexity, successfully transforming the widely known villain of Jane Austen’s novel into a “grey antihero.” His performance is described as charismatic, intelligent, and electric, capturing the audience’s attention from his “bombastic and robust” entrance.
A Masterclass in Character Transformation
What distinguishes Singh’s performance is his ability to create a fully realized human being, rather than a one-dimensional character. He moves beyond the archetype of a villain, crafting a version of Willoughby that we initially want to love but ultimately end up despising, though not without a hint of pity. This depth is a testament to his artistry and his philosophy of acting, where he aims to have “abundant discoveries with limitless exploration and complete surrender.”
Versatility and Craft
Singh’s talent is further highlighted by his impeccable command of received pronunciation (a British accent), which adds authenticity to his classical performance. The provided text also emphasizes his versatility, noting his seamless transitions between vastly different roles. His recent work includes playing Romeo in “Romeo and Juliet” and Lysander in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” with The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey, as well as a lead role in the premier of “Haunt Me” and an indie film. His diverse background, which includes training at both The American Musical and Dramatic Academy and the National School of Drama, India, and work in both classical Western and contemporary Indian productions, underscores his commitment to nurturing his artistry as a whole.
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Hudson Classical Theater Company unlocks the vitality of Classical theater. It is our mission to delight our diverse audiences with intimate and accessible interpretations of classical literature.
In addition, our Education and Outreach Programs provide performances and theater training to audiences who don’t usually have access to theater, including the Incarcerated, Veterans, Seniors, and Community and Educational Centers.
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