TESTIMONIAL Voted Audience Favorite at East/West Play Fest

The Milford Arts Council, Eastbound Theatre and Westport Community Theater congratulate Stratford playwright Jack Rushen, whose short play, "Testimonial" was voted as audience favorite at East/West PlayFest, the annual festival of one act plays.

Directed by Nancy A. Herman of Milford, "Testimonial" told the story of a professor (Luke Lynch) being forced into retirement, and his enigmatic encounter with a former student (Dena Lagonigro) as he exits a dinner in his honor.

The short play received the award over "To the Roof", by Cynthia Arsenault of Haverhill, MA, "Tumbling," by Mark Lambeck of Stratford, CT, "Of Butterflies and Roses", by Claudia Haas of White Bear Lake, MN, "The High and Low Search", by Michael Weems of Spring, TX, and "All's Fair in Love and Science", by CJ Ehrlich of Chappaqua, NY.

"We received tremendous support from audiences at both theaters," says festival producer Tom Rushen. "There was a fantastic reaction to the entire program. One audience member in Westport praised what she called 'The human element' tying all six stories together. I think Testimonial resonated with the audiences because everyone has a teacher they remember who touched their lives in a profound way. At the same time, everyone can relate to the feeling of displacement. It's a powerful show, and the two performers were passionate about the material."

Thanks to all the playwrights and to those who brought their work to life.

For more information contact the Milford Arts Council at 203-878-6647.