Mission to (dit)Mars Kicks Off Reading Series with THE WORST MOTHER IN THE WORLD 11/14

Mission to (dit)Mars, a theatre arts collective serving Queens artists, is thrilled to kick off this year's Launch Pad reading series with THE WORST MOTHER IN THE WORLD, a new play by Kari Bentley-Quinn. This free play reading will be performed on Monday, November 14th at 7pm at The Broom Tree Theatre located at 23-35 Broadway in Astoria, NY.

In THE WORST MOTHER IN THE WORLD, Nina is a new mom with an infant son, battling crippling anxiety attacks that are keeping her from being the mother she wants to be. When she decides to seek therapy, she makes an unexpected friend in the pregnant daughter of her therapist, who may or may not be a pathological liar.

The cast includes Kara Young, Jennifer Gordon Thomas, and Alisha Spielmann (All Systems Go 4, Blast Radius) with direction by Kristin McCarthy Parker (All Systems Go 2 & 4, Puffs, Hold onto your Butts)

In describing the selection of this play, co-founder Don Nguyen explains "This is the first time in the four years of our reading series that we've selected a play written by one of our co-founders. We were struck with Kari's deep exploration into the fragile bond between mother and daughter, therapist and patient, as well as two strangers. Kari's dedication to frequently examining the decay and dissolution of the bond between parent and child is admirable and comes through so clearly in this play."

"Kari dares ask a question we may ponder but never say aloud: 'What happens if I don't love my child?' The answer is explored with both fortitude and grace." explains co-founder Laura Pestronk. "The compassion woven through this play for parent, child, and even bystander, is a testament to Kari's strong command of the language of our innermost demons and a deep awareness of what it means to be human, flaws and all."

"Kari's ability to tap into the darkest corners of our hearts and minds and bring them into the light on stage is nothing short of inspired" adds co-founder Meredith Packer. "She allows for understanding and catharsis while never trying to give a cookie-cutter solution. Her work allows conversation and thought for both actors and audiences alike."

To attend the reading, please make a reservation on our website:

http://missiontoditmars.com/reservations/

The Broom Tree Theater at

Astoria First Presbyterian

23-35 Broadway,

Astoria, NY 11106

Directions: Take the N/Q to Broadway.

The Launch Pad is a free reading series of new plays by Queens playwrights. The mission objective of The Launch Pad is to serve as a testing ground for Queens based playwrights who need to hear their plays out loud. Because Mission to (dit)Mars was co-founded by playwrights and directors, we understand implicitly how to answer those needs. Through this program, the utmost care is taken to foster a safe and productive environment in order to propel the play forward.

This reading is made possible (in part) by the Queens Council on the Arts with public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council.