Women's Project Theater's 2014-15 Season to Feature Works by Cori Thomas, Kate Benson & More

Women's Project Theater, under the leadership of new Producing Artistic Director Lisa McNulty and Interim Executive Producer Jessica R. Jenen has announced the four plays in its 2014-15 season, continuing the theater's 37 year commitment to producing the finest work by women in the theater. Beginning in October, WP Theater's season will include new work by Cori Thomas (My Secret Language of Wishes), directed by Daniella Topol (Charles Ives take Me Home, Row After Row); Kate Benson (Lee Miller), directed by Lee Sunday Evans (The Play About My Dad); Tanya Barfield (The Call, Blue Door), directed by Leigh Silverman (Violet--Tony Nominee, Chinglish, Well), and Laura Eason (Sex With Strangers, "House of Cards"), directed by Kirsten Kelly (Slipping).

"I couldn't be more excited to share the four incredible productions by these fiercely brilliant women," said Producing Artistic Director Lisa McNulty. "The work this season offers us journeys as varied as the dazzling and diverse imaginations of the women taking us on them. It's so gratifying to present such wonderful work from WP artists, both familiar and new, and to expand our programming for our audiences. This season also connects WP with three remarkable partner institutions-Ensemble Studio Theater, New Georges and Rattlestick Playwrights' Theater. We are thrilled to bring our organizations together this season and are particularly pleased to announce that Laura Eason's The Undeniable Sound of Right Now marks the beginning of an ongoing producing and artistic relationship with Rattlestick Playwrights' Theater, with full details to be announced in the coming months."

The four productions, in season order, are:

WHEN JANUARY FEELS LIKE SUMMER
by Cori Thomas, directed by Daniella Topol.
A co-production with Ensemble Studio Theatre

October 1 thru October 26 at Ensemble Studio Theatre.

Presided over by the Hindu god Ganesh, a pair of teenagers become unexpected avengers, an immigrant accountant finds his inner Indira, and two stifled romantics begin to stumble toward each other during one strangely warm winter in Central Harlem where change (climate and otherwise) hangs in the air.

Reviewing the play at Ensemble Studio Theatre earlier this year, Charles Isherwood in The NY Times called When January Feels Like Summer "engaging, buoyantly acted, satisfyingly written with heart and humor, with superbly judged direction by Daniella Topol," adding, "The emotional intensity had me holding my breath."

When January Feels Like Summer performs Wednesday through Saturday evenings at 7:00pm and Mondays at 7:00pm. Matinees are Saturdays at 2:00pm and Sundays at 5:00pm. Reserved seats are $50, general admission seats are $40 ($32.50 student/seniors). Advance general admission tickets bought before the first preview (October 1st) are $30. To order tickets call 866.811.4111 or click <www.ovationtix.com/trs/cal/134>.

This production was originally presented by Ensemble Studio Theatre and Page 73 Productions.

A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN NOVEMBER ON THE BANKS OF THE GREATEST OF THE GREAT LAKES
by Kate Benson, directed by Lee Sunday Evans
New Georges in association with Women's Project Theater

January 13 thru February 7 at City Center.

For those of you just tuning in, Thanksgiving is already in progress here at Wembly kitchen. The stands are nice and full, it's quite a crowd that's gathered. While a repeat of the Gravy Boat Episode of 1979 may not be in the offing, I think we can expect a flatware fumble or two, until everyone's in a turkey stupor, contemplating pie. And all the while a Herd of Great GrandBabies is amassing under the table in this dark and witty exploration of how family is played, over time and memory and through generations.

Reviewing the play at New Georges' Jam on Toast Festival in May, Neil Genzlinger in The NY Times wrote, "Ms. Benson, the playwright, is fearless and remarkably assured in this dizzyingly entertaining work. The direction of Ms. Evans unfurls it on the Dixon Place stage with wit and verve, conjuring the story - the preparation and serving of a gigantic family dinner - without so much as a salad plate in sight."

World Premiere Production
BRIGHT HALF LIFE
by Tanya Barfield, directed by Leigh Silverman

February 15 thru March 22 at City Center

Erica meets Vicki. Vicki marries Erica. Lives collide. Rewind. Pause. Fast forward.
A kaleidoscopic new play about love, skydiving, and the infinite moments that make a life together.

World Premiere Production
THE UNDENIABLE SOUND OF RIGHT NOW
by Laura Eason, directed by Kirsten Kelly
a co-production with Rattlestick Playwrights Theater

March 18 thru May 3 at Rattlestick Playwrights Theater.

It's 1992. Hank is struggling to keep his legendary rock club going amid changing times and changing tastes. When his beloved daughter, Lena, starts dating a rising star DJ, Hank must contend with the destructive power of the next big thing.

SUBSCRIBERS to WP receive one ticket to three out of the four productions for only $98. Or support WP and become a FRIEND, BFF or CHAMPION and receive special discounts to our productions and/or exclusive access to Opening Night performances and receptions for each show during WP's season. Season subscribers and donors also receive a host of enticing benefits, and help support the extraordinarily talented women artists WP's produces. For more information: WPTheater.org or call 212.765.1706.

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