Vital Theatre Company News

THE THERESA FOUNDATION presented a concert performance of 'EXTRAORDINARY' to benefit the Theresa Academy of Performing Arts. 'EXTRAORDINARY' was performed at Joe's Pub at The Public Theater, 425 Lafayette Street (between West 4th and Astor Place) on Monday, March 30th at 7:00pm.

MCC THEATER (Robert LuPone, Bernard Telsey, Artistic Directors; William Cantler, Associate Artistic Director; Blake West, Executive Director) has announced the line-up for their spring 2009 PlayLab play readings of new plays by members of the company's Playwrights' Coalition.

THE THERESA FOUNDATION is pleased to announce a concert performance of 'EXTRAORDINARY' to benefit the Theresa Academy of Performing Arts. 'EXTRAORDINARY' performs at Joe's Pub at The Public Theater, 425 Lafayette Street (between West 4th and Astor Place) on Monday, March 30th at 7:00pm. For additional information, visit www.extraordinarythemusical.com.

PINKALICIOUS, THE MUSICAL continue it open ended run Saturdays and Sundays at 1:00 pm with two special spring break weekday performances on Friday, April 10th and Monday April 13th both at 1:00 pm. All tickets are $29.50. The show is appropriate for children ages 2 to 10. For tickets and information, please visit www.vitaltheatre.org or call Telecharge at (212) 239-6200. The BLEECKER STREET THEATRE is located at 45 Bleecker Street (North side of Bleecker Street, between Lafayette & Mott Streets).

Caitlin and the Swan tells the story of a frustrated SAT tutor, her animal-loving friends, and their powerful attractions to the forbidden. Inspired by the Greek myth of Leda and the Swan, this play explores feminism, bestiality, and the twisted links between pain and love.

VITAL THEATRE COMPANY is pleased to announce the final Family Series production of its 2008/2009 season, 'THE FROG AND THE WITCH' book and lyrics by SAMMY BUCK, music by DANIEL S. ACQUISTO (LIKE YOU LIKE IT), directed by ELIZABETH LUCAS (THE LAST STARFIGHTER), choreographed by SHEA SULLIVAN and featuring JEFF BARBA, MONIQUE BEASLEY, ANGELA DIRKSEN, CAITLIN MESIANO, GEORGE SALAZAR and REBECCA STAVIS. The production runs March 14th through April 26th, Saturdays and Sundays at 11 am and 1 pm.

VITAL THEATRE COMPANY is pleased to announce the final Family Series production of its 2008/2009 season, 'THE FROG AND THE WITCH' book and lyrics by SAMMY BUCK, music by DANIEL S. ACQUISTO (LIKE YOU LIKE IT), directed by ELIZABETH LUCAS (THE LAST STARFIGHTER), choreographed by SHEA SULLIVAN and featuring JEFF BARBA, MONIQUE BEASLEY, ANGELA DIRKSEN, CAITLIN MESIANO, GEORGE SALAZAR and REBECCA STAVIS. The production runs March 14th through April 26th, Saturdays and Sundays at 11 am and 1 pm. Special weekday Spring Break performances run Friday, April 10th at 12 pm and 2 pm and Thursday April 16th at 11 am.

THE THERESA FOUNDATION is pleased to announce a concert performance of 'EXTRAORDINARY' to benefit the Theresa Academy of Performing Arts. 'EXTRAORDINARY' performs at Joe's Pub at The Public Theater, 425 Lafayette Street (between West 4th and Astor Place) on Monday, March 30th at 7:00pm. For additional information, visit www.extraordinarythemusical.com.

VITAL THEATRE COMPANY Education Director LINDA AMES KEY and Principal MARTIN COREN are pleased to announce that BROOKLYN THEATRE ARTS HIGH SCHOOL is one of 10 national recipients of 'DISNEY'S HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL: THE MUSIC IN YOU GRANT PROGRAM' that encourages middle and high schools across the U.S. to put on their own school stage production of Disney's 'High School Musical.'

VITAL THEATRE COMPANY is pleased to announce the final Family Series production of its 2008/2009 season, 'THE FROG AND THE WITCH' book and lyrics by SAMMY BUCK, music by DANIEL S. ACQUISTO (LIKE YOU LIKE IT), directed by ELIZABETH LUCAS (THE LAST STARFIGHTER), choreographed by SHEA SULLIVAN and featuring JEFF BARBA, MONIQUE BEASLEY, ANGELA DIRKSEN, CAITLIN MESIANO, GEORGE SALAZAR and REBECCA STAVIS. The production runs March 14th through April 26th, Saturdays and Sundays at 11 am and 1 pm. Special weekday Spring Break performances run Friday, April 10th at 12 pm and 2 pm and Thursday April 16th at 11 am.

Florida Studio Theatre's production of Boleros for the Disenchanted is a hit on the Keating Mainstage. Audience exit comments include 'very powerful,' 'One of the most impactful shows I have ever seen' and 'very funny.' Added performances include Thursday, March 5 at 8:00 pm, Tuesday, March 17 at 8:00 pm and Wednesday, April 1 at 8:00 pm.

VITAL THEATRE COMPANY is pleased to announce its weekday performances for Washington's Birthday and Midwinter Recess for its production of 'THE PRINCESS OF RIVERSIDE DRIVE,' with book by LINDSAY JOELLE, music and lyrics by JUSTIN S. FISCHER and directed by TERESA K. POND. The production continues through March 1st, Saturdays and Sundays at 11 am and 1 pm. All tickets are $20. The show is appropriate for ages 2 - 8 and animal lovers of all ages. For reservations, visit www.vitaltheatre.org or call (212) 579-0528. VITAL THEATRE COMPANY is located at 2162 Broadway, 4th Floor, at 76th Street, on the Upper West Side.

Florida Studio Theatre's production of Boleros for the Disenchanted is a hit on the Keating Mainstage. Audience exit comments include 'very powerful,' 'One of the most impactful shows I have ever seen' and 'very funny.' Added performances include Thursday, March 5 at 8:00 pm, Tuesday, March 17 at 8:00 pm and Wednesday, April 1 at 8:00 pm.

VITAL THEATRE COMPANY is pleased to announce two weekday performances of 'PINKALICIOUS, THE MUSICAL' on Monday, Feburary 16th and Friday February 20th both at 2pm. The production, with book and lyrics by ELIZABETH KANN and VICTORIA KANN, and music, lyrics and orchestrations by JOHN GREGOR, is based on the popular children's book PINKALICIOUS by Elizabeth Kann and Victoria Kann. The musical adaptation is directed by TERESA K. POND with musical direction by JAD BERNARDO. Performances continue Saturdays and Sundays at 1:00 p.m. through April 26th 2009. All tickets are $29.50. The show is appropriate for children ages 4 to 12. For tickets and information, please visit www.vitaltheatre.org or call Telecharge.com at (212) 239-6200. The BLEECKER STREET THEATRE is located at 45 Bleecker Street (North side of Bleecker Street, between Lafayette & Mott Streets).

VITAL THEATRE COMPANY is pleased to announce its weekday performances for Washington's Birthday and Midwinter Recess for its production of 'THE PRINCESS OF RIVERSIDE DRIVE,' with book by LINDSAY JOELLE, music and lyrics by JUSTIN S. FISCHER and directed by TERESA K. POND. The production continues through March 1st, Saturdays and Sundays at 11 am and 1 pm. All tickets are $20. The show is appropriate for ages 2 - 8 and animal lovers of all ages. For reservations, visit www.vitaltheatre.org or call (212) 579-0528. VITAL THEATRE COMPANY is located at 2162 Broadway, 4th Floor, at 76th Street, on the Upper West Side.

VITAL THEATRE COMPANY is pleased to announce $20 Student Rush Tickets available 30 minutes prior to curtain for all performances of the rolling world premiere of LOOKING FOR THE PONY by ANDREA LEPCIO, directed by STEPHAN GOLUX and featuring J. SMITH-CAMERON, DEIRDRE O'CONNELL, LORI FUNK and DEBARGO SANYAL. Performances Wednesdays at 2pm and 7pm, Thursdays at 7pm, Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm, and Saturdays and Sundays at 4pm through February 8th. Regular tickets prices are $45.00; $30 for seniors. After its New York run, LOOKING FOR THE PONY will also be presented at SYNCHRONICITY PERFORMANCE GROUP in Atlanta in February. To purchase tickets for the New York production, please call (212) 579-0528 or visit www.vitaltheatre.org.

VITAL THEATRE COMPANY is pleased to announce the rolling world premiere of LOOKING FOR THE PONY by ANDREA LEPCIO, directed by STEPHAN GOLUX and featuring J. SMITH-CAMERON, DEIRDRE O'CONNELL, LORI FUNK and DEBARGO SANYAL. The production began previews on Wednesday, January 21st and opens on Monday, January 26th at 7pm. Performances continued Saturday, January 24th at 4pm and 8pm, Sunday, January 25th at 4pm, and Monday, January 26th at 7pm. From January 28th, there will be performances on Wednesdays at 2pm and 7pm, Thursdays at 7pm, Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm, and Saturdays and Sundays at 4pm through February 8th. Tickets are $45.00; $30 for students and seniors (preview tickets are $35.00; $20 for students and seniors.) After its New York run, LOOKING FOR THE PONY will also be presented at SYNCHRONICITY PERFORMANCE GROUP in Atlanta in February. To purchase tickets for the New York production, please call (212) 579-0528 or visit www.vitaltheatre.org. In LOOKING FOR THE PONY, a 2008 National Endowment for the Arts OUTSTANDING NEW AMERICAN PLAY finalist, Eloisa is finally ready to leave a lifeless career in finance to pursue a childhood dream when her sister Lauren is diagnosed with breast cancer. Lauren's perfect life and Eloisa's second chance collide as the sisters join forces to cure all that ails them. As funny as it is heart-breaking, LOOKING FOR THE PONY is a rollercoaster ride through treatment, ambition, loss and acceptance. This play was originally developed and produced by Vital Theatre Company as part of its VITAL SIGNS New Works Festival in 2002. '...the play condenses five years of personal history into ... raw, emotional theatre... I don't know of a more affecting (and effective) testament to the precious human spirit than this gorgeous, compact drama.' - nytheatre.com review of the original short play

VITAL THEATRE COMPANY is pleased to announce the rolling world premiere of LOOKING FOR THE PONY by ANDREA LEPCIO, directed by STEPHAN GOLUX and featuring J. SMITH-CAMERON, DEIRDRE O'CONNELL, LORI FUNK and DEBARGO SANYAL. The production began previews on Wednesday, January 21st and opens on Monday, January 26th at 7pm. Performances continued Saturday, January 24th at 4pm and 8pm, Sunday, January 25th at 4pm, and Monday, January 26th at 7pm. From January 28th, there will be performances on Wednesdays at 2pm and 7pm, Thursdays at 7pm, Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm, and Saturdays and Sundays at 4pm through February 8th. Tickets are $45.00; $30 for students and seniors (preview tickets are $35.00; $20 for students and seniors.) After its New York run, LOOKING FOR THE PONY will also be presented at SYNCHRONICITY PERFORMANCE GROUP in Atlanta in February. To purchase tickets for the New York production, please call (212) 579-0528 or visit www.vitaltheatre.org. In LOOKING FOR THE PONY, a 2008 National Endowment for the Arts OUTSTANDING NEW AMERICAN PLAY finalist, Eloisa is finally ready to leave a lifeless career in finance to pursue a childhood dream when her sister Lauren is diagnosed with breast cancer. Lauren's perfect life and Eloisa's second chance collide as the sisters join forces to cure all that ails them. As funny as it is heart-breaking, LOOKING FOR THE PONY is a rollercoaster ride through treatment, ambition, loss and acceptance. This play was originally developed and produced by Vital Theatre Company as part of its VITAL SIGNS New Works Festival in 2002. '...the play condenses five years of personal history into ... raw, emotional theatre... I don't know of a more affecting (and effective) testament to the precious human spirit than this gorgeous, compact drama.' - nytheatre.com review of the original short play

Florida Studio Theatre opens Jose Rivera's Boleros for the Disenchanted in its continuation of the Winter Mainstage Season. 'Boleros for the Disenchanted is one of the most moving and life affirming stories of love and commitment I have seen on the stage in the past quarter century,' stated FST Artistic Director and show Director Richard Hopkins. From 1953 Puerto Rico to contemporary America a young couple overcomes adversity and discovers a world of hope and love. Immigrating to the United States, Flora and Eusebio experience new adventures, obstacles and life lessons. In a mystical journey through the ages, they realize they have overcome the biggest obstacle of all...finding true love. Boleros for the Disenchanted made its World Premiere at the Yale Repertory Theatre in April, 2008. Other productions include the Huntington Theatre in October of 2008. Jos? Rivera's plays have been translated into six languages. His plays include Marisol (Obie Award winner for Best Play), References to Salvador Dali Make Me Hot (Obie Award), Cloud Tectonics, Each Day Dies with Sleep, The Promise, The House of Ramon Iglesia, Giants Have Us In Their Books, Sueno, The Street of the Sun, Sonnets for an Old Century, Brainpeople, and Adoration of the Old Woman. He studied with Gabriel Garc?a Marquez at the Sundance Institute and was writer-in-residence at the Royal Court Theatre, London, on a Fulbright Arts Fellowship in Playwriting. Mr. Rivera's television work includes the critically lauded NBC series Eerie, Indiana, which he co-created and produced. He has also written teleplays, among them an adaptation of his own The House of Ramon Iglesia for PBS, as well as feature screenplays, including The Motorcycle Diaries (Academy Award Nominee). The native Puerto Rican also serves on the boards of The Sundance Institute and the Independent Feature Project. The Boleros for the Disenchanted cast will include New York Actor Damian Buzzerio (Don Fermin/Older Eusebio). Buzzerio regional credits include Vinnie in The Odd Couple at the Carousel Dinner Theatre, Claudius in Rosencrantz & Guildenstern are Dead and Gremio/Vincentio in Taming of the Shrew at the Shakespeare Theater of New Jersey. He has also been cast in leading roles in four NYC based Independent Films. New York Actress Rainbow Dickerson (Flora/Eve) has played Kate in Taming of the Shrew and Juliet in Romeo and Juliet at Shakespeare Saturdays, Patriot ensemble in The Accidental Patriot at Stolen Chair Theatre Company and the Dalai Lama in The Buddha Prince for Tiger Lion Productions.

VITAL THEATRE COMPANY is pleased to announce the rolling world premiere of LOOKING FOR THE PONY by ANDREA LEPCIO, directed by STEPHAN GOLUX and featuring J. SMITH-CAMERON, DEIRDRE O'CONNELL, LORI FUNK and DEBARGO SANYAL. The production begins previews on Wednesday, January 21st and opens on Monday, January 26th at 7pm. Performances continue Saturday, January 24th at 4pm and 8pm, Sunday, January 25th at 4pm, and Monday, January 26th at 7pm. From January 28th, there will be performances on Wednesdays at 2pm and 7pm, Thursdays at 7pm, Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm, and Saturdays and Sundays at 4pm through February 8th. Tickets are $45.00; $30 for students and seniors (preview tickets are $35.00; $20 for students and seniors.) After its New York run, LOOKING FOR THE PONY will also be presented at SYNCHRONICITY PERFORMANCE GROUP in Atlanta in February. To purchase tickets for the New York production, please call (212) 579-0528 or visit www.vitaltheatre.org. In LOOKING FOR THE PONY, a 2008 National Endowment for the Arts OUTSTANDING NEW AMERICAN PLAY finalist, Eloisa is finally ready to leave a lifeless career in finance to pursue a childhood dream when her sister Lauren is diagnosed with breast cancer. Lauren's perfect life and Eloisa's second chance collide as the sisters join forces to cure all that ails them. As funny as it is heart-breaking, LOOKING FOR THE PONY is a rollercoaster ride through treatment, ambition, loss and acceptance. This play was originally developed and produced by Vital Theatre Company as part of its VITAL SIGNS New Works Festival in 2002.