Gonzalez' 'Elephant Girls' Begins Off-Broadway Feb. 5

Emerging Artist Theatre will present the premiere of Elephant Girls, a new play by Carl Gonzalez. The play will be part of the company's second annual Triple Threat, which premieres three full-length plays by emerging playwrights. Triple Threat will play a four-week Off-Broadway engagement at Theatre 5 (311 West 43rd Street), beginning Monday, February 5th.
 
"Elephant Girls takes place during a cozy kitchen party that the perfect housewife Claire decides to host for her sister, her mother, and her friends. After an unexpected guest (Robina Abdul—Claire's daughter's Afghani math tutor) stops by, Claire struggles to keep the party light and humorous. At first the group greets Robina with a mixture of awkwardness, forced politeness, curiosity and unconscious racism. As the humor, conversation and wine flow, they seem to work their way toward a genuine connection and understanding," according to press notes.
 
"It is only after a tragic accident occurs—and a subsequent attempt to cover it up—that the women learn each other's true characters. They find themselves exploring the complexities of human behavior and the consequences of their own life choices. What happens to a little girl in the absence of love? What happens when strangers half a world away take up her cause? Inspired by National Geographic's famous cover photo The Afghan Girl, Elephant Girls culminates in six women spiraling into a maelstrom of white-hot emotion that leaves their relationships forever changed." 

The production stars Sara Aziz, Amy Bizjak, Glory Gallo, Lué McWilliams, Vivian Meisner and Gameela Wright. 
 
The production features scenic design by Robert Monaco, costume design by Amy Elizabeth Bravo, lighting design by Jenny Granrud and sound design by Ned Thorne. Andrew Ronan is the stage manager. 

Elephant Girls will run at Theatre 5 (311 West 43rd St. 5th Floor—btw. Eighth and Ninth Avenues). Performances begin Monday, February 5th, and continue through Sunday, March 4th. Shows schedule is Wed. and Thurs. at 7PM, Sat. at 5PM, and Sun. at 2PM. Tickets are $40.00 and $20.00 with student ID. TDF accepted. For reservations, please call (212) 247-2429 or visit www.eatheatre.org to purchase tickets online.