BIRDS OF PARADISE Takes Flight At Theater For The New City

Just after our nation celebrates its birthday on July 4, Birds of Paradise opens at Theater for the New City, telling a story of an American family during the Great Depression.

The new play, a finely crafted drama with strong characters and plot, written by Claude Solnik and directed by Nikki Reed, runs July 11-14 at Theater for the New City, 155 First Ave., between Ninth and Tenth Streets

Christopher James Raynor, Marisa Gold, Nick Zelletz and Abigail Grizzle star in this show about a pivotal time in American history.

Birds of Paradise was inspired by the true story of a man whose family owned a store during the Great Depression. When customers couldn't pay for goods, he let them give him IOUs, which set the stage for events that follow.

"He was a good man who did what he could to help everyone else," Solnik says. "In this play, we see what happens when the family faces its own financial problems, in part because they're looking out for others."

In addition to Gold, who plays Emma, and Raynor, who plays Jake, Nick Zelletz plays Dennis, a friend of the family, and Abigail Grizzle plays Jake's and Emma;'s daughter Elizabeth.

Set is by Lytza Colon, costume design is by Everett Clark and Selear Duke is in charge of lighting. Joanna Newman is script supervisor.

Shows are Thurs. July 11 and Fri. July 12 at 8 p.m.; Sat. July 13 at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sun. Jul 14 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $18/ $15 seniors and students. www.theaterforthenewcity.net and 212-254-1109.