La Strada Ensemble Theater Brings 'CHANCE' Festival of One Acts to NYC This Weekend

The title question might seem commonplace when investigating a dear friend's latest crush or a 'bromance' that's passed the test of time but when this question is posited to relative strangers, who find themselves spending (at times) weeks on end together, the answer is continually fascinating... even fateful.

No more than a year ago, a handful of theatrically-minded New Jersey residents -- enjoying chance meetings at play readings, auditions, and other events -- came together to form what is shaping up to be coastal northern New Jersey's answer to Caffe Cino and the earliest days of The Public Theater... La Strada Ensemble Theater of Monmouth County.

Artistic Director, A.J. Ciccotelli, says of the group and its works: "In my thirty plus years of creating original works with masterful talents and renown playwrights, what La Strada is currently conceiving of and creating exceeds expectations and resonates with audiences ... we aren't about 'commercial and safe', although we respect those companies who passionately and perennially produce great work in that vein ... our 'grassroots' approach to new works is paramount. Simply put, we love doing something that few, if any, have done before."

This week, La Strada Ensemble Theater will be bringing their already highly-acclaimed, all-original short play festival "CHANCE: a festival of ONE ACTS about FATE, LOVE, and DESTINY" to the Roy Arias Studios at 300 West 43rd Street, 6th floor -- today, March 26th thru the 29th.

Producer, Christine Nagy, currently best known for her morning radio talents on 106.7 Lite-FM's "The Bronson and Christine Show" and "Tina" of the Off-Broadway favorite Tony and Tina's Wedding: "CHANCE, and what La Strada seeks to create, is what makes American Theater great: collaboration not competition, cultivation not commercialism ... and they're doing it in spades. CHANCE, two programs of 14 all-original theater pieces which deal with nuanced love affairs, touching tributes to death and loss, as well as farce and the absurd ... makes for an unforgettable experience. I'm giddy with anticipation at every 'curtain up' and beam with pride when the lights go out."

La Strada Ensemble Theater's members and "how they got there" is just as fascinating as the works they produce. The ensemble, consisting of a wide-range of generational groups and races, didn't become so due to "p.c. standpoints" or "marketing wizardry" but is wholly representative of the artists... who sought "a home" for their talents and dreams.

Managing Director, Thomas Ryan Ward informs: "... we truly are an 'art family.' The talent -- actors, directors, and nationally/internationally acclaimed playwrights - embodies everything required to make or break a fledgling theater. Each of us possess the drive and dedication necessary to 'fight the odds' and make great, meaningful, and lasting art. Our newest members (many from Manhattan) are a testament to that. It may seem 'a little crazy' to some ... coming all the way to Asbury Park, New Jersey to be part of what the nation typically reveres as quintessentially 'New York theater' ... but we've imagined it, made it, and are bringing it."

CHANCE makes its Manhattan debut, tonight, March 26th at 6:30pm with DESTINY (starring Ms. Christine Nagy), immediately followed by FATE at 9pm. See more dates and times at www.LaStradaEnsemble.org. Tickets are $20 for general admission and $15 for students & senior citizens. For more information visit: www.lastradaensemble.org, email: lastradaensembletheater@gmail.com, or call at (732) 455-2748.

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