La Strada Ensemble Announces RAINBOW FESTIVAL Lineup

There is a common expression thrown about whenever discussing Asbury Park and its environs (including Ocean Grove) . It's phoenix like rise from the proverbial ashes has always been the topic of discussion amongst both Jersey Shore residents and tourists alike. People will speak about its glory days of the early 20th century, its fall during the seventies through the eighties, and someone will invariably say, "Well, it's the gays who turned it all around".

As a resident of the Jersey Shore for nearly 40 years, and as a proud gay man, I am inclined to agree.

I have watched this area transform from a place where there was no seeming hope, to a place where there's no bloody parking. This once blighted area was embraced by the LGBT community who brought their creativity, vision and money there and began to construct a village for their own. Through the restoration of homes, opening of businesses and gay (and gay friendly) night spots and cafes, the Asbury/Ocean Grove area has regained its place among the premiere destinations for visitors.

However, one of the greatest gifts the LGBT community has brought and fostered is the encouragement and development of the arts. A village without its artisans is a most dull place indeed, and, we gays don't do dull, after all one of the major gay maxims is " Above all, never be boring" ... A land without art is devoid of soul and a true community that embraces, accepts and , more importantly , attempts to understand everyone will thrive .

I did not mean to overstate the importance of the LGBT community and the renaissance of the area, I am fully aware of the contributions of diverse members of the population and the varied colors, creeds and backgrounds. There is a glorious spectrum of humanity here, and we need to celebrate and support each other. June, is the month when the LGBTQ community has its party.

During gay Pride Month, thousands of visitors flood in to attend the area's venues, including the famed Pride Festival. Numerous other recreational, cultural and artistic events take place as well, and one of the most important is La Strada Theater Company's Rainbow Play Festival.

In this time of great political division, understanding and compassion for our fellow citizens has become more needed than ever. Real human interaction is the solution. Getting to see, meet and converse with others (who may not necessarily share the same political beliefs) is the only way. Only by hearing our diverse voices, seeing our shared pains and struggles can we all truly come together and understand each other. Theater does this.

When the smart phone is put away, computer shut down and TV switched off our minds are turned on. Theater lives and breathes right in front of you, in fact you become part of the experience. In our modern digital age this age old art form may be in danger of fading, let's not let that happen. Go out, have dinner, see a show, support the arts. In particular, please attend and spread the word about La Strada's Rainbow Play Festival which features LGBTQ themed works from artists who have a lot to say. Won't you please come listen?

Out of the Mouth of Babes by company member and local NJ Asbury Park resident Gary C. Walter is a heartwarming play about enlightenment and taking charge of ones life, as our young protagonist is forced to drag his father out of the closet, kicking and screaming. (World Premiere)

Bernie by internationally renowned playwright Edward Gallardo is a brilliant and powerful look at a youth's attempt to be accepted and heard: The year is 1970 and Bernie is going a little mad in the mental hospital. Even after several attempts to end his pain, he still insists he is happy! (NJ Premiere)

A Life Worth Digging by local NJ Somerset resident and founding member Jennifer L. DiOrio is a lyrical and magical play: During her midlife crisis, an archeologist discovers a life worth digging. (World Premiere)

Ripples of Water by artistic director and local NJ Toms River resident A.J. Ciccotelli: A man celebrating his 50th birthday finds a one night stand with a much younger man who has just walked out of his marriage. Will they find solace in each other or never see each other again after a weekend of romance?

This program plays Thurs. June 1 @7pm, Fri. June 2 @8pm, Sat. June 3 @4pm and Sat. June 10 @8pm.

Rainbow Wreath by local NJ Toms River resident and founding member Dennis Gribben: A sister must choose between her gay brother's happiness and her homophobic boyfriend's love. (World Premiere)

Between Them by local Neptune resident and founding member Doug Bollinger: A college freshman decides to come out to her best friend...and introduce her to her new girlfriend...and convince her everything's OK...and not jump off the gorgeous cliff where they are all standing admiring the view. (World Premiere)

Hugh's First Tape by artistic director and local NJ Toms River resident A.J. Ciccotelli: The year is 1984 and all Hugh wants for Christmas is a tape recorder to tell his last thoughts before Death takes him, until the spirits of the future reveal a life that is indeed worth living. (World Premiere)

Small Town by local Little Egg Harbor playwright Ashley Friedman: Two girls with a complex history reunite one last time to find clarity in their relationship and in themselves. A passionate play that will make you question, can one truly overcome their love? (World Premiere)

Heterosexuals or The War Over Jane Fonda A.K.A You're Family by legendary Café Cino Playwright Robert Patrick (Haunted Host & Kennedy's Children): It is 1990 and when Desert Shield and Desert Storm occur, a gay pacifist and candle maker is forced by financial circumstances to move in with his sister and redneck brother in law . An engaging comedy that explores a family from two vastly different set of beliefs and about what brings them together and tears them apart. (Revival)

This program plays Sat. Jun 3 @8pm, Sun. June 4 @2pm, Fri. June 9 @8pm and Sat. June 10 @4pm.

The Oath by artistic director and local NJ Toms River resident A.J. Ciccotelli: A staged reading about two sisters. one a lesbian and one not, in this memory play about camaraderie, loyalty and loss. Staged reading stars founding member Donna Knowlton and Janet Rothstein.

This program plays Sun. June 11 @2pm.

The Festival Stars KyLee Bell, Evan Black, Joey Cashman, Nadia David, Dennis DaPrile, Gian Carlo Durland, Dennis Gribben, Griffin Holland, Donna Knowlton, Phil Korz, Erica Beverly Kostyz, Margaret Leone, Nathan Magno, Benjamin McGowan, Marisa Pangaro, Candy Predham, Clarissa Shirley, Hannah Stphan, Alexa Spinowitz and W. Allen Wrede

Tickets for program Orange and Violet are$18/$12 for students & senior citizens and can be purchased online. Program Green is a suggested donation of $8/can be purchased on line or given at the door.

For more information and to purchase tickets please visit us at www.lastradaensemble.org

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