VATICAN FALLS Reading Adds Performance at Theater for the New City

A date has been added to the Vatican Falls staged reading event. The controversial play, written by Frank J. Avella, explores one Catholic sex abuse survivor's journey and is being presented as part of a Scratch Night at Theater for the New City (Crystal Field, Artistic Director).

The cast features: CameRon August, John Ball, Carlotta Brentan, Gianmarco Colucci, Nevin Edmundson, Andrew Glaszek, Yvette King, Alice Barrett Mitchell, Jake Robertson, Sawyer Spielberg and Ian Whitt. Stage Directions will be read by Devon Talbott. The four songs were composed by Claudio Procopio with lyrics by Frank J. Avella. Musical Director: Jamie Ignao.

Based on factual accounts and events, "VATICAN FALLS" follows the life of one survivor who struggles with understanding how those closest to him could damage him the deepest. The multi-genre, non-linear play dares to confront the truth about the ever-growing scandal and the Church's complicity in it. The piece also examines the nature of revolution, which has become uber timely in these troubling times.

"VATICAN FALLS" was set to have its World Premiere in Rome, Italy in 2011 but was cancelled the night before opening amidst controversy and claims of death threats. This event marks the World Premiere of the revised and updated version of the play.

Admission is free (suggested donation for TNC). To reserve seats email vaticanfalls@gmail.com or call 973-715-2356 and specify your preferred date. Theatre for the New City is located at 155 1st Avenue between East 9th and 10th Streets, NYC. Subways: 6 (Astor Place), L (1st Av), N, R (8th St - NYU).

Frank J. Avella is the recipient of a 2015 Fellowship Award from the NJ State Council on the Arts for his play CONSENT as well as the 2016 Helene Wurlitzer ResidenCy Grant and Chesley/Bumbalo Foundation Playwright Award. The play was a 2012 semifinalist for the O'Neill National Playwrights Conference and will be published by Adirondack Plays as part of an LGBTQ anthology this spring. CONSENT was chosen to participate in the 27th Annual Fullerton College Playwrights Festival (January, 2017), from over 500 submissions from all over the world. Frank has written 19 full-length plays; 10 have been produced. VATICAN FALLS will have its World Premiere in February of 2018 in Malta. His other work includes: LURED (2016 Dream Up Festival-sold out run), about the Russian persecution of gays, FOR MAMMA, MICHAEL'S #1 FAN (2000 OOB run) and ORVILLE STATION, which has been published in the UK by Lazy Bee Scripts. Upon reviewing Frank's farce IRIS, in 2005, the Cincinnati Post wrote: "Avella's plays tend to send earthquakes through his audience's comfort zones." He is a proud member of the Dramatists Guild.

Pictured: Sawyer Spielberg and Ian Whitt. Photo by John David West.