KENNY AND THE VIRGIN Plays Jan Hus Playhouse, 1st 5 Weeks Go To Charity

New play 'Kenny and the Virgin' revives the Historic Jan Hus Playhouse bringing theater back to the Upper East Side. First 5 weeks, all proceeds go to charity. Received A Record Breaking $11,500 opening weekend.

Kenny and the Virgin Mary, An 80 minute Real, Raw and Riveting Love Story.

After 13 years, Kenny and Diane come face to face unexpectedly. Astonishing, yet again, intense karma has reunited these two possible soul mates. Witness their unexplainable connection as they go back and forth as childhood best friends, complex teenagers and cheating lovers. This tour de force play has the actors transitioning in mere seconds, from the past to the present and back again, exploring the extremes of what the human heart can endure. A romantic drama, with an abundance of humor and an empowering message.

Producer Lenise Sorén, of Sorénity Productions, says "One of my life purposes is to introduce the magic of theater to the 'non theater going crowd' with intelligent, contemporary and heartfelt work like Stillitano's. All walks of life, 'theater goers' and those who have never been to theater, are being moved by this play...audiences returning two, three and even four times. We are proud and excited to be bringing theater back to the upper east side, in this divine theater, with a play that can reach so many."

Many entertainers including Jerry Seinfeld, Barbara Streisand and Robin Williams have taken the stage of this historic New York City theater tucked away like a treasure, in the Jan Hus Presbyterian Church.

Pastor Ray Bagnuolo, says, "I am thrilled to be part of something that's a 'win win' on so many levels for everyone - the community, the church, Sorénity Productions and NYC theater. This is a fantastic way to revitalize the Jan Hus Theater as well as bringing awareness to the array of services we offer to those who are the marginalized and disenfranchised in New York City."

Pastor Ray offered writer Carl Stillitano and Sorénity Productions an artistic home. He states "I was searching for the right project to resurrect the theater, simultaneously Carl was searching for a theater for his next play. I always say 'Coincidences are God's way of staying anonymous.' Jerry Brody, the plays director, invited me to attend Carl's workshop. I was not only impressed with his talent and his artistic integrity but his insight and genuine care of those whom he taught." Stillitano responds, "To be given a theater to bring back to life has not only been a dream of mine but also an extraordinary honor."

After being dark for four years, the theater has been re-built with an overwhelmingly supportive audience. Investor, Noah Katz states, "100% of the proceeds for the first five weeks while work shopping the show, will go to Cancer Research." Co-producer AnneMarie Presta received a $5,000.00 check from an anonymous donor after seeing the performance. At present, the production as raised over $16,500. The play is written by Stillitano, who co-stars with Bridget Trama.

PHOTO CREDITS: Anne Marie Presta