SONGS & STATUES A New Play By Peter Nickowitz Plays 7/10-7/19 At Stella Adler Studio

The Stella Adler Studio of Acting and the Harold Clurman Laboratory Theater Co. will be presenting "Songs & Statues," a new play by Peter Nickowitz and directed by Tom Oppenheim, grandson of Stella Adler. The production is about an assimilated Jewish family in 1958, suburban Connecticut whose lives are turned upside down when the father is passed over for a promotion because of their Judaism.

The play is a world premiere by Mr. Nickowitz and was developed during his year as Playwright-In-Residence at the Stella Adler Studio. He is a playwright, screenwriter and poet. Another play he wrote, "The Alex Complex" had its world premiere in the Cherry Lane Theater last year as part of the 12th Annual New York International Fringe Festival and starred Tony-award winner Harriet Harris.

"Songs & Statues" features Betsy Parrish a veteran actress of New York and regional stages. Ms. Parrish studied with and assisted Stella Adler, appeared on Broadway in "Deathtrap" and "La Cage aux Folles" and Off-Broadway in "Little Mary Sunshine" and "Riverwind."

Elizabeth Shepherd, another long-time stage actress, also appears in the cast. In London, she appeared in "Inherit the Wind," "Period of Adjustment" and "War and Peace." Ms. Shepherd was nominated for an Emmy for her portrayal of Hermione in "A Winter's Tale" on PBS.

"Stella Adler had a reverence for playwrights and the written word. Harold Clurman was greatly respected for his sensitivity to playwrights and nurturing young writers," said Mr. Oppenheim, Director of the Stella Adler Studio. "In accordance with Stella and Harold's legendary and deep regard for the playwright, the Studio is proud to support and nurture gifted writers like Mr. Nickowitz and important plays like Songs & Statues."

Mr. Nickowitz is a graduate of Brandeis University and NYU. He has taught American literature and creative writing at The University of Southern California, CUNY and NYU.

Shows will be at 8:00 p.m. on Friday, July 10, Saturday, July 11, Wednesday, July 15, Thursday, July 16, Friday, July 17, and Saturday, July 18. 7:00 p.m. performances will be held on Sunday, July 12 and Sunday, July 19. All shows will be at the Stella Adler Studio, 31 West 27th Street (between Broadway and Sixth Avenue). Tickets are $10 each. Seating is limited. Call 212-689-0087 to make a reservation.

The Stella Adler Studio of Acting is an acting school based in New York City. The actress and teacher Stella Adler founded the Studio in 1949. Adler founded the Studio on her belief in the seriousness of her art. Adler and the school have trained many of the brilliant actors of our time, including Marlon Brando, Robert DeNiro, Elaine Stritch, Benicio Del Toro and Salma Hayek. The Stella Adler Studio of Acting is a nonprofit organization, which trains over 500 actors annually. The Studio also presents lectures, poetry readings, concerts, theater performances, dance theater events and an annual arts festival. www.stellaadler.com

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