THE FAIRY PLAYS Opens Tonight at La Strada Ensemble Theater

La Strada Ensemble Theater presents The Fairy Plays, six interconnected plays by A.J. Ciccotelli, on Friday August 18 at 8pm, Saturday August 19 at 8pm, and Sunday August 20th at 2pm (with a Q&A with cast, director and playwright) at Jersey Shore Arts Center (Herbst Theater on 3rd Floor), 66 South Main Street in Ocean Grove.

Consisting of six one acts centered on unexpected reveals, revenge, coming out of the closet, marriage and redemption, The Fairy Plays asks pointed questions like, "Can a fairy go to A.A.?"; "Can mortals and fairies change powers?"; "Is my daddy a fairy?"; and, "can mortals go to Fairyland after they die?"

The play centers on Emperina, the Queen of the Fairies, who couples with a mortal and produces three half-fairy/half-human children. Banished from Fairyland, Emperina tries to make amends to her father so her children can be restored to full fairy status and humans can go to Fairyland after they die.

Here is what the cast and director says about the process of doing Mr. Ciccotelli's work:

On Process:
The process was immersive, allowing actors to recognize the systems of the world.-Nathan Magno, who plays Jared Humphrey

When I direct, I am experimenting with different techniques, and in turn, the actors are experimenting with their bodies and voices in the space. -Veda Rouze, director

As a play, its meaning involves discovery of identity.-Nathan Magno

It means embracing your uniqueness and what makes you special. - Laurel Henk, who plays Dora

On Relevance:
We're in a time when it feels like the queer community is under attack. A play with queer representation, or even focus is always important. - Griffin Holland who plays Anacoda

This play will force you to question the morals in your own life.-Veda Rouze

The production is directed by Veda Rouze and stars Taylor Bongarzone, Rita Esposito, Ashley Friedman, Laurel Henk, Griffin Holland, Rebecca Lettice, Nathan Magno, CharLee Mares, Alexa Spinowitz, and Allison Truax
The Fairy Plays by A.J. Ciccotelli
Performances: August 18 at 8pm, August 19 at 8pm and April 20th at 2pm (w/ Q&A with the playwright, cast and director)
Jersey Shore Arts Center (Former Neptune High School)
Herbst Theater on the 3rd Floor
66 South Main Street, Ocean Grove
Tickets: $18/$15 for students and senior citizens with I.D.

La Strada Ensemble Theater is 501(c)(3) theater company and resident theater company of Jersey Shore Arts Center. Since their inauguration in 2014, they have been a mover and shaker of the theatrical scene in Monmouth County producing full lengths, workshop productions, one act evenings, staged readings, a monthly writer's group and a Monday Night acting class. La Strada translates from Italian to 'The Road' or 'The Street.' It is our passion to bring world and regional premieres to our street in Ocean Grove.

Please visit us on www.lastradaensemble.org, call us at 732-455-2748 or email us at lastradaensembletheater@gmail.com for more information, to purchase tickets, and for information on La Strada's technique and scene study class for actors of all levels taught by founding members Dr. Donna Ault-Jacobson and A.J. Ciccotelli, M.F.A.

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