THE COTTAGE Plays Astoria Performing Arts Center, Now thru 11/23

The Award-Winning Astoria Performing Arts Center (APAC) has announced the world premiere production of a (mostly) non-violent, romantic comedy by Sandy Rustin's (Rated P [For Parenthood]) THE COTTAGE directed by Adam Dannheisser (Rock of Ages, resident director/performer). THE COTTAGE will play a three week limited engagement at Good Shepard United Methodist Church, 30-44 Crescent St (@30th Rd), in Astoria, Queens. Performances begin tonight, November 7 and continue through Saturday, November 23. Opening Night is Saturday, November 9 at 8 p.m.

THE COTTAGE is a rollicking farce inspired by the works of Noel Coward. Set in the English countryside in 1923, this tale of sex, betrayal and, oh yes, love, unfolds when Sylvia Van Kipness decides to expose her love affair to her husband and her lover's wife. The true meanings of fate, identity and marriage are called into question as a surprising, hilarious web of secrets unravels in this ridiculous-and potentially murderous-romantic comedy.

The production stars Daniel Bielinski* (Macbeth, Classic Stage Company), Maria Couch* (On the Levee, Lincoln Center), Kevin Isola* (Broadway's Brooklyn Boy), Jason Loughlin* (1st Nat'l Tour: War Horse), Amy Rutberg* (ABC pilot "Murder in Manhattan", Off-Bway's The Divine Sister), Hanley Smith* (The Voice of the Turtle, Merrimack Rep). *Appearing Courtesy of Actors' Equity Association. Equity Approved Showcase.

The production features scenic design by Stephen K. Dobay with costume design by Ryan J. Moller and lighting design by Evan Roby. Janie Bullard is the sound designer, Katie K. White is the prop designer, Kenneth Garner is the dialect/accent coach, Laura A. Perez* is the production stage manager. Publicity by Katie Rosin/Kampfire PR. Casting by Scott Wojcik and Gayle Seay of Wojcik|Seay Casting.

THE COTTAGE plays the following regular schedule through Saturday, November 23: Thursdays & Fridays at 8 p.m. and Saturdays at 2 p.m. & 8 p.m. Tickets are $18, ($15 student/senior) available at www.apacny.org or
888-596-1027. Tickets may also be purchased in-person at the Theatre Box Office, 30 minutes prior to the performance.

The performance venue is Good Shepherd United Methodist Church, 30-44 Crescent St (@30th Rd), Astoria, NY 11102. Directions: Take the N or Q Subway to 30th Avenue. Walk down 30th Ave. to Crescent St. (Mount Sinai Hospital is on the corner.) Turn left on Crescent Street. Walk one block south, then turn right onto 30th Rd. Entrance is second set of red doors on left. Running Time: 95 minutes.

BIOGRAPHIES:

Sandy Rustin (Playwright) is the Co-Creator (book & lyrics) of the hit Off-Broadway musical Rated P ... for Parenthood, currently playing regionally and in development for TV with ABC Studios. Her scripted series, "Overbooked", is in production with Nickelodeon's new network, Nick Mom. Her comedy, Fireworks, recently won the Nor'Eastern Playwriting competition and is in development for TV. Sandy is Co-Artistic Director of Midtown Direct Rep and blogs at www.ratedpforparenthood.blogspot.com. As a performer, Sandy appears on stage and screen, and can regularly be seen at UCB in "Gravid Water" ("Best Improv Show," Time Out NY). www.sandyrustin.com

Adam Dannheisser (Director) is the Resident Director of Rock of Ages on Broadway as well as an original and current cast member. Other Broadway acting credits include: Cymbeline, Coast of Utopia, Twelfth Night, The Tempest, and Proof, as well as the national tour of Contact. He has also starred in several Off-Broadway and regional productions and directed several readings in New York and New Jersey. Adam holds his MFA from NYU's Graduate Acting program.

ASTORIA PERFORMING ARTS CENTER (APAC), a not-for-profit organization, was founded in 2001 by Sue Scannell (Founding Executive Director, 2001-2005) and Brian J. Swasey (Founding Artistic Director, 2001-2008). APAC's mission is to bring high quality theater to Astoria, Queens, and to support local youth and senior citizens.

On its mainstage, APAC produces revivals and premieres of plays and musicals, and APAC also develops new works through readings and workshops. Its flexible theater space changes with each production. To date, APAC has received 22 New York Innovative Theatre Award nominations and 5 wins (Children of Eden & Ragtime), as well as an Off-Off Broadway Theatre Review Award for Outstanding Production of a Musical (Is There Life After High School?). APAC was the recipient of the 2012 Caffe Cino Fellowship Award, under the leadership of Taryn Sacramone (APAC Executive Director, 2005-2013).

APAC offers free annual community programs, including a summer performance camp for children ages 8-13, an after school playwriting program for middle school students, and a performance program for Queens residents over the age of 60. These programs deepen ties with the community, and develop new audiences for theater. Diverse programming and consistent quality attracts a loyal and growing audience that reflects the diversity of Western Queens and also draws from the other boroughs and beyond.

In addition to its theater space within the Good Shepherd United Methodist Church, APAC's offices are located within the historic Kaufman Astoria Studios.

For more information on APAC, visit www.apacny.org.

Check out a behind the scenes look below!

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