Thicker Than Water Festival Features New Plays, Jan. 23-Feb. 18

By: Jan. 10, 2006
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Youngblood and Ensemble Studio Theatre will present Thicker Than Water 2006, the seventh collection of new plays by members of Youngblood, beginning performances on Monday, January 23rd, and continuing through Saturday, February 18th at E.S.T. (549 West 52nd Street). This year's Youngblood series marks the first time presenting a repertory schedule of an evening of one-acts in rep with a full length play, all having their world premiere.
 
"In Kevin Christopher Snipes' A Bitter Taste, a mild-mannered college professor and a smooth-talking divorce attorney explore the underbelly of their lifelong friendship after their world is knocked off balance by a prostitute.  Who happens to be underaged.  And a boy.  No assumption is safe in Kevin Christopher Snipes' unsettling take on men, sex and friendship," according to press notes. The show, which is directed by R.J. Tolan, features Peter O'Connor, Haskell King and Paul Clark.
 
Henrietta Hermaline's Fall From Great Heights by Maggie Smith will be directed by Abigail Zealey Bess and star Nicol Zanzarella-Giacalone, Denny Bess and Brendan McMahon.  "A socially backward, chronically allergic young secretary is swept into a world of romance, heartbreak and despair in Maggie Smith's lyrical fantasia.  As her new flame introduces her to the world of the elite, the pigeons on her roof proclaim her the rightful Queen of the Bird People, and Henrietta is torn between the worlds of love and madness."
 
Hungry by Amy Herzog will be directed by Christine Farrell ("Law & Order"), and feature Erin McMonagle, Lucia Brizzi, and Rebecca Pace; "A blossoming anorexic, a brainy bombshell and the girl your parents warned you about. In the middle of the 90s, in the middle of New Jersey, three friends try to hold onto each other in Amy Herzog's heartbreaking study of a turbulent suburban adolescence."

Youngblood is Ensemble Studio Theatre's highly acclaimed company of emerging professional playwrights under 30.  Founded in 1993, Youngblood is designed to cultivate and launch the next generation of plays and playwrights.  This year's Youngblood Thicker Than Water production marks the first time the company has presented a repertory schedule of its signature collection of new one-acts and a brand new full-length play. Youngblood has introduced the work of Christopher Shinn, John Belluso and Amy Fox, whose recent film Heights, starring Glenn Close and Isabella Rossellini, originated as a Thicker Than Water production. A Thicker Than Water collection, including Heights, was published this summer by Dramatists Play Service.  The group has also published Hot Blooded: New Monologues from the Members of Youngblood (Playscripts.com, 2000).
 
Performances will be:
Henrietta Hermaline's Fall From Great Heights & Hungry: Previews 1/23/06 and 1/24/06 at 7pm.  Opening Night 1/25/06.  Runs 1/25 – 1/28 at 8pm and Sun. 1/29 at 3pm; 2/2/06 through 2/12/06 runs Thursdays at 8pm, Saturdays at 9pm, Sundays at 3pm

A Bitter Taste: Previews 1/30/06 and 1/31/06 at 7pm.  Opening Night 2/1/06. Runs 2/1 through 2/11 Wednesdays at 8pm, Fridays at 8pm, Saturdays at 6pm;  2/15 – 2/18 at 8pm.
 
Tickets will be $15, and can be purchased by calling 212/352-3101 or at www.theatermania.com.
 
 


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