Douglas Sills, Maria Tucci, Lead FLIGHT Reading May 17

Alchemy Theatre Company of Manhattan (Robert Saxner, Producing Artistic Director), Fran Kirmser, and Andrew Frank are pleased to present, an industry reading of, FLIGHT a new play by Michel Wallerstein starring Douglas Sills, Maria Tucci, Jennifer Dundas, and Zuleyma Guevara It is directed by James B. Nicola, with casting by Laura Stanczyk. The industry reading will be this Tuesday, May 17th, 2011 at 3:00 pm at the Studio Theater, Theatre Row, 410 West 42nd Street.
FLIGHT dramatizes a man's search for truth and love against the backdrop of his mother's deterioration and haunting memories of her past. Funny, tender, and distressing, FLIGHT touches in surprising and challenging ways.

Born and raised in Switzerland, Michel Wallerstein came to New York to study film at NYU. After graduating, he met with business partner, Linda Wendell and together they developed programs for European television, primarily German and French networks. His short play, Off Hand has had several productions across the country. His first full length play, Five Women Waiting was produced at Manhattan Theatre Source. FLIGHT is his second full length.

James B. Nicola is a freelance director, playwright, composer, lyricist, and poet. His book "Playing the Audience" (Applause) won a CHOICE AWARD as one of the best books of the year. Off-Broadway he directed the long-running shows The Attic and Kerouac: The Musical. He also directed Hamlet at the world-famous Actors Studio, and several times at the award-winning Mint Theatre: Oscar Wilde's Lady Windermere's Fan, Lorca's House of Bernarda Alba, and the Pulitzer prize-winner Miss Lulu Bett. In New England his production of Italian Funerals and Other Festive Occasions at Seven Angels won a BEST PLAY nomination from the Connecticut Drama Critics Circle. Mr. Nicola served as associate director of the American Stage Festival in New Hampshire, as well as on the literary staff of the Manhattan Theatre Club.

The ALCHEMY THEATRE COMPANY OF MANHATTAN, INC. (Robert Saxner, Producing Artistic Director) exists to challenge, through theatrical storytelling, the perceived truth and values of our times. Alchemy recently presented, in association with LAByrinth Theater Company, the acclaimed premiere production of Sweet Storm. Alchemy has also presented the acclaimed New York premiere of the 30th anniversary production of Christopher Durang's "The Vietnamization of New Jersey (A American Tragedy)" For its inaugural production, David Mamet granted them first official rights to the New York revival of his play, Speed-the-Plow. Larry Kramer consulted with Alchemy on its next production of The Normal Heart. Since it's inception, Alchemy has performed works by these playwrights and has produced five New York City premieres, and now this new work. www.alchemytheatre.org

Photo Credit: Walter McBride/WM Photos