Ars Nova Announces Complete Lineup for
A.N.T. FEST
An Unmissable Adventure, from Beginning to Trend
October 16th Through November 24th
All Tickets Only $10! -On Sale Now!
Ars Nova (Jason Eagan, Artistic Director; Jon Steingart & Jenny Wiener Steingart, Executive Producers) will present its inaugural A.N.T. FEST (Ars Nova Theater Festival), dedicated to new work and emerging artists. Featuring over 175 artists performing in 30 nights of music, comedy, theater, dance and genre-defying acts, A.N.T. FEST will run Thursday through Monday evenings, October 16th through November 24th, at Ars Nova (511 West 54th Street). Performances begin at 8pm. The festival will kick off Wednesday, October 15th at 7pm with an invited press launch and industry presentation featuring performances from select A.N.T. FEST artists. All tickets are only $10 and can be purchased at www.smarttix.com or by phone at (212) 868-4444.
A COMPLETE SCHEDULE FOLLOWS.
In six weeks of mayhem featuring fresh material from today’s most daring emerging artists, the festival will push the boundaries of live entertainment by bringing together talented performers from many disciplines under one roof. Ars Nova is dedicated to spotlighting New York’s next wave of songwriters, bands, comedy artists, theater-makers, storytellers and genre-defying performers. A.N.T. FEST 2008 takes that mission to the next level.
Ars Nova received over 250 submissions consisting of scripts, CDs, DVDs, YouTube videos, Myspace pages and even one VHS tape. After reviewing material ranging from soul steppers, bands, pirates, ninjas, drag queens, plays, eggmobiles, monologists, Mormons, and everything in between, Ars Nova selected the top thirty submissions and offered each one night in the festival. For more information about each show and a full lineup, visit www.arsnovanyc.com.
“As Ars Nova grows and becomes increasingly able to develop and produce full-scale productions, it’s important we remain committed to our role as a crucial point of entry for emerging theater, comedy and music artists. A.N.T. FEST provides just that – we are opening our doors to innovative artists so they can get their work on stage and take risks in front of smart audiences. We received hundreds of open submissions from people who see live performance in surprising and inspiring new ways. There is a huge need for this kind of artist support in New York and we are committed to making this festival a permanent part of the landscape,” says Artistic Director Jason Eagan.
In addition to the performances, Ars Nova will also host artist salons throughout the festival, giving A.N.T. FEST participants a social, informal setting where they can engage with the greater community of Ars Nova artists. Salons are closed to the public.
As New York’s premiere hub for emerging artists and new work, Ars Nova is committed to developing and producing eclectic theatre, comedy and music to feed today’s popular culture. To that end, Ars Nova strives to create daring collaborations, meld disciplines and give voice to a new generation of artists. This season Ars Nova developed and produced critically acclaimed productions of Peter Sinn Nachtrieb’s Boom, Liz Flahive’s From Up Here (in a co-production with Manhattan Theatre Club), and Nick Jones and Raja Azar’s Jollyship the Whiz-Bang. Past productions include Dixie’s Tupperware Party, At Least It’s Pink, 25 Questions for a Jewish Mother, Holy Cross Sucks!, Freestyle Love Supreme and The Wau Wau Sisters. In addition to its featured productions, Ars Nova supports and develops new work from the most promising emerging artists through its alternative comedy series (Tragedy Tomorrow), music series (Uncharted), public play-reading series (Out Loud), writer’s group (Play Group) and artist-in-residence program. Ars Nova was founded in memory of Gabe Wiener.
For more information, visit www.arsnovanyc.com
OCTOBER 16th – November 24th
Thursdays – Mondays 8pm
All tickets for A.N.T. FEST are $10 and can be purchased at www.smarttix.com or by phone at (212) 868-4444.
Ars Nova is located at 511 West 54th Street.
Box Office opens 30 minutes prior to performance
A.N.T. FEST 2008 FULL SCHEDULE
Step
Thursday, October 16
Theater/Dance
Written by Maxine Lyle and Amissa Miller Directed by Martin Wilkins
Performed by Soul Steps: Heather DeLeon, Maxine Lyle, Dionne Norton, Sean Thomas
For over a century, step dancers have used their bodies as musical instruments to create a new physical language that celebrates and forges community. Step is a high-energy theatrical performance where dance, Afro-urban rhythms and poetry relay the stories of a new generation and explore their link to the past.
Soul Steps has recently been selected to be members of Pentacle, a non-profit service organization for the performing arts that promotes eclectic dance groups.
Liquid Gold
Friday, October 17
Comedy
Featuring Adira Amram, Ann Carr, Katina Corrao, Sara Schaefer, Becky Yamamoto
An evening of comedy, music and video so hot, it will melt all your precious metals. And your face. These fiery female comedians came together this past spring to create a season preview of a fake television show called Mascara Mountain. The creative energy between them was so strong, and the video such a success, they decided to continue working together, and the idea for Liquid Gold was born.
Project
Saturday, October 18
Music
Performed by Greg Pattillo (flute), Peter Seymour (string bass), Eric Stephenson (cello)
Combining a classical repertoire with original compositions, this dynamic young ensemble thrills audiences with boundless energy and innovative style. Their incomparable sound fuses jazz, hip-hop, and one-of-a-kind beatbox flute – melded with a sincere allegiance to their classical roots.
Box Theory
Sunday, October 19
Theater
Created and Directed by Aaron Schroeder
Performed by Matt Carr, Brandon Uranowitz
An almost-one-person show about a guy with a mind full of information and an illness-like aptitude for deconstruction. Quick, smart and relevant, Box Theory draws on an eternity of popular culture and historical events to evoke the fragmentation surrounding this generation.
Just Jump!
Monday, October 20
Dance/Comedy
Written and Choreographed by Chad Schiro Directed by Damon Arrington
Performed by Francesca Harper, Chad Schiro, Katrina Yaukey
Only in the world of Just Jump! could a seven-year-old girl standing petrified on a high-dive find the courage to jump into the wisdom of a tranny-hooker. A sexy, nasty, funky, freaky, (and yes, endearing), out-of-this-world, high-speed chase for the secret to Happiness On Earth!
Chad Schiro is the choreographer of the upcoming Disney Film Old Dogs starring John Travolta, Robin Williams and Bernie Mac and associate choreographer of the 2009 Broadway revival of Bye Bye Birdie.
The Story of America
Thursday, October 23
Music/Comedy
Written by Becky Yamamoto Directed by Jose Zayas
Performed by Tony Carnevale, Becky Yamamoto
In a time when no one believed comic songstress Becky Yamamoto could serve a second term as class president, she dared to run for reelection. Becky and pal Tony Carnevale illustrate to her class just how similar she is to George Washington (more similar than you would imagine). You vote. You decide. For America.
The Lance and Ray Show
Friday, October 24
Comedy/Theater
Written by Ray Munoz and Lance Rubin
Performed by Ray Munoz, Jeffrey de Picciotto, Lance Rubin, Katie Schorr
Lance and Ray are best friends. They have written a fun show together. And it will change your life. In the style of Stella and Mr. Show, The Lance and Ray Show weaves their sweet, contemporary-yet-classic chemistry into a hilarious sketch-play, involving everything from the Dave Matthews Band to The West Wing to hefty emotional baggage.
www.myspace.com/thelanceandrayshow
Gato Loco Coconino
Saturday, October 25
Music
Directed by Stefan Zeniuk
Live Video Animation by luckydave
Performed by Gato Loco: Rick Becker (trombone), Eric Biyondo (trumpet), Joe Exley (tuba), Ari Folman-Cohen (bass), Mike Gamble (guitar), Kevin Moehrringer (trombone), Jesse Selengut (trumpet), Greg Stare (drums), Brett Tyson (congas)
Imagine a giant tarantula dancing with a woman in slow motion and you are beginning to dream up the deranged Latin big band Gato Loco Coconino. Teamed with live video wizard luckydave, the ten member group will present an evening of hot and heavy grooves accompanied by a rich visual landscape of live video images and hallucinatory, 1920s-style animation.
Groping and Grappling: Three Tales of Self Discovery
Sunday, October 26
Theater/Comedy
Written and Performed by H.R. Britton, Martin Dockery, Maggie Lauren
Three theatrical storytellers weave vastly different tales of personal journeys and unexpected realizations.
H.R. Britton’s Melting in Madras provides a look at his quixotic pilgrimage to India and his slightly misguided adventures into the terrain of sickness and delusion, and back again. www.OvercoatTheater.com
In this raunchy, embarrassing exposé of adolescent sexuality, Maggie Lauren recounts tales of growing up Absurdly Normal.
A man is forced to reevaluate the meaning of family when he discovers a secret baby brother and sister on a visit to Vietnam in Martin Dockery’s The Surprise. www.martindockery.com
Yes to Everything!
Monday, October 27
Theater
Written by Philip Dawkins Directed by David Chapman
Yes to kissing a cactus! Yes to dysfunctional families! Yes to lurid dreams about your best friend! YES TO EVERYTHING! This evening of bite-sized plays by Philip Dawkins takes us on an electrifying journey through relationships, memory and wardrobe, performed by a small cast and one wildly talented houseplant.
Nobody Likes the Mormons
Thursday, October 30
Written and Directed by Kerry Whigham
Music by Matt Citron
Performed by Teddy Bergman, Erin Felgar, Roger Lirtsman, Vayu O’Donnell
A comic, irreverent and thoughtful theatrical exploration of Joseph Smith’s Mormon Church, examining its beliefs and asking the question: what makes people believe in anything in the first place?
Cavalcade of the Odd
Friday, October 31
Created by Tighe Swanson
Performed by Betty Bloomerz, Lucy Buttons, Jellyboy, Matters Squidling, Tighe Swanson
Celebrate Halloween with a wild ride through the wondrous world of old-time Americana entertainment! Featuring dangerous stunts, amazing feats, unique circus skills, oddball behavior, crazy antics and crowd favorite, The Wheel of Pain, all performed by the horrifyingly delightful Cavalcade of the Odd.
Cavalcade of the Odd premiered with a month-long run at Six Flags Fright Fest last October. It was a fan favorite and ganered rave reviews.
Goodbye Picasso’s The Book of Aylene
Saturday, November 1
Music
Created by Chris Dreyer
Performed by Goodbye Picasso: Chris Dreyer (vocals/guitar), Tim Lappin (bass), Joe Nero (drums), Scott Taylor (guitar)
Singer-songwriter Chris Dreyer’s modern-day song cycle spanning the entirety of his protagonist’s relationship with Aylene, “the one who got away.” Performed by the folk-rock-indie-acoustic band Goodbye Picasso.
Chris Dreyer and Scott Taylor performed at the 2006 CMJ Music Marathon in NYC. They lived in Nashville in 2006, and then toured the country, playing 85 shows in 6 months.
Ladystein is a Band
Sunday, November 2
Music
Performed by Ladystein: Alana McNair (guitar/keyboard/vocals), Annie Nero (bass/vocals), Jamal Ruhe (drums), Kate Wilkinson (keyboard/omnichord/vocals)
Deep in the Ameristein Laboratories, a scientist and would-be drummer creates three female music machines and ends up with the greatest band ever: Ladystein! Charting the group from humble beginnings to huge successes to slow demise and back, this concert will unveil the epic story through the eyes of the monsters themselves. Ladystein founders Alana McNair and Kate Wilkinson are frequent writing partners as well as bandmates. They are the co-writers of (and also starred in) the Off-Broadway hit Fatal Attraction: A Greek Tragedy. Alana and Kate are currently at work on their new collaboration, a play called Settlement.
So The Arrow Flies
Monday, November 3
Theater
Created and Performed by Esther Chae Directed by Casey Stangl
A North Korean Spy. The Korean-American FBI Agent that chases her. Who will get hit first? Esther Chae explores the ramifications of post-9/11 themes of conflicting ideologies, government sanctioned torture, national identity, and how the changing political tides affect a family.
Chae has been awarded a Golden Reel Award, Best Radio Play (“Hiroshima”/w Tyne Daly and Ruby Dee), Obie Theater Award Nom. (“Pojagi”/Ping Chong and Co.), Ammy Award for Asian Americans, Best Documentary Nom. (“Becoming an actor in NYC”)
Pirates and Ninjas
Thursday, November 6
Theater/Comedy
Conceived and Directed by Lissa Sherman in collaboration with the performers
Animation by Steven Wendt
Performed by Jessie Derks, Daniel Gallai, Aly Mawji, Qasim Naqvi, Lissa Sherman, Steven Wendt
Two apartments: one occupied by a wench-loving pirate drifting in an endless sea of debauchery, and the other by a silent and stealthy ninja grappling with a severe case of OCD. Across the hall and worlds apart, they carry on blissfully unaware of one another…until fate brings them together.
The Spotlight With Sean Taylor
Friday, November 7
Comedy/Variety
Created by Sean Taylor Written by Tony Carnevale Directed by Shawn Amaro
Performed by Jess Allen, Shawn Amaro, Tony Carnevale, Tara Copeland, Paul W. Downs, Kevin Hines, Steve Horak, Terry Jinn, Jon Kern, Ernie Privetera, Robin Rothman, Matthew Shafeek, Sean Taylor
Letterman, O’Brien and Stewart watch out. Spend a night in the faux studio audience during a “live taping” of The Spotlight, an improvised late-night television talk show featuring the comedic stylings of Sean Taylor, The Spotlight Band and special guests who have actually been on TV!
The Spotlight with Sean Taylor was a recent guest at the Toronto Improv Festival.
www.thespotlightwithseantaylor.com
Big Apple Turns to Cider
A Hip-Hop Musical
Saturday, November 8
Theater/Music
Written and Directed by Gustav Gauntlett
Performed by L. Chanes, Donald Cole, M.J. Donoghue, Nahdi Gibson, Jamil A.C. Mangan, Danielle Murat, TidalFriction, Chike Nwabukwu
Written entirely in rhyme and telling the story of an aspiring hip-hop artist and his journey through the history-rich hip-hop culture of New York City, Gustav Gauntlett’s bold, contemporary musical is performed by wildly gifted singers, actors, poets and hip-hop artists.
The Rickety Stares
Sunday, November 9
Comedy/Music
Written and Performed by Alex Bechtel and Mat Burrow
Alex Bechtel and Mat Burrow combine their powers of wit and whimsy as The Rickety Stares, comedy-rock-balladeers who know no limits. With songs about the ever-funny Bubonic Plague and the womanizing John Stamos, these two lanky studs throw a party on stage that you won’t soon forget!
www.Myspace.com/thericketystares
Work
Monday, November 10
Theater/Comedy
Written by Bekah Brunstetter, Laura Jacqmin, Josh Koenigsberg, Harrison Rivers
Directed by James Dacre and Colette Robert
Always wondered what it’s like to be a part-time assistant chicken farmer? A door-to-door lobster killer? A saucier? At Play Productions presents five stories about some of the freakiest, bloodiest, most bizarre jobs in America.
At Play Productions is a New York City based theater company composed of forty emerging writers, actors, directors and producers under the age of thirty brought together by fate (and Kevin Spacey), wholly committed to creating adventurous new work through ensemble collaboration. At Play is the resident company of the 24 Hour Plays Off-Broadway, and all of its members are part of the New Voices Network New York, a branch of the Old Vic New Voices Network in London.
Girls I’ve LIKE Liked
Thursday, November 13
Comedy/Variety
Written by Josh Halloway Directed by Kerry Whigham
Media by Ana Hurka-Robles
Performed by Josh Halloway and Phoebe Strole
Writer/Performer Josh Halloway shares some of his favorite unrequited love stories in this candid, auto-bio-fictional romp about the road to manhood and the women you meet along the way. A celebration of the hilarious, the humiliating, and the just plain stupid things we do for love. With special guest Phoebe Strole.
Josh Halloway is the writer/performer of 2007 NY Fringe Fest hit LOST: How A Certain TV Mega-Hunk Stole My Identity. He’s also a veteran of Movie Geek at Ars Nova.
ITHACA
a rock’n'roll play by LPFunK
Friday, November 14
Music/Theater
Composed and Written by Lucas Papaelias Directed by Brian Mertes
Music Directed and Arranged by Ray Rizzo
Performed by Liadain Clancy, Patch Darragh, Kelly Halloran, Lucas Papaelias,
Ray Rizzo, Deborah Smith, Amelia Zirin-Brown
A rock n’ roll odyssey following three close friends intertwined in a decade-long love triangle, told through a dynamic sonic landscape of percussive, guitar-driven rock songs, harmony-layered pop hooks, and spaced-out psychedelic funk jams. LPFunK & Ray Rizzo received a 2007 Drama Desk nomination for Best Original Music in a Play for Adam Rapp’s Essential Self-Defense (Playwrights Horizons/EDGE). LPfunK composed and performed original music Cyrano de Bergerac, starring Kevin Kline & directed by David Leveaux on Broadway.
Dial ‘P’ for Pasties
Saturday, November 15
Variety/Comedy
Written and Performed by Trixie Little, The Evil Hate Monkey, Bradford Scobie, Dr. Lucky
with Kate Valentine
The original burlesque who-done-it that seamlessly integrates acrobatics, dance, striptease and shenanigans with “brilliant” acting and a paper-thin plot. Join acrobatic burlesque superduo Trixie Little and The Evil Hate Monkey on their quest to crack the case of the stolen gold pasties. These hardboiled burlesque detectives leave no trick unturned and no tassel untwirled!
Trixie Little & The Evil Hate Monkey have been fighting, dancing, flipping and stripping for audiences since 2002. With highly skilled sexy-smart antics and a charming love-hate dynamic, Trixie and Monkey showcase trapeze, striptease, acrobatic dance, and physical comedy in jaw-dropping burlesque, cabaret, variety and theater shows. This talented twosome are the winners of Las Vegas’ 2006 Exotic World Best Burlesque Duo trophy.
A Whole Lotta ISH
Sunday, November 16
Variety/Comedy/Opera/Alternative Classical
Written, Composed, and Directed by Derrick Wang
Performed by Ashley Bathgate (cello), Jenny Ferrar (clarinet),
Derrick Wang (keyboard), Wei-Jen Yuan (piano)
Cellos. Pool noodles. And a heavy dose of whipped cream. A wild showcase of comic concert pieces by composer/lyricist/librettist Derrick Wang, written under the (artistic) influence of artery-clogging appetizers, inappropriate children’s rhymes, and ancient video games.
Wang was the recipient of a 2007 ASCAP Morton Gould Young Composer Award and the winner of the 2007-2008 American Modern Ensemble Composition Competition.
Songs About Real Life
Monday, November 17
Music/Comedy
Written by Eric March and Jared Weiss
Performed by Eric March, Lauren Marcus, Jared Weiss
Upcoming musical theater writers Eric March and Jared Weiss present an evening of eclectic rock/pop/theater/comedy songs about what it’s really like to be Jared Weiss and Eric March. One part madness, three parts white boy angst and six parts questionable ideas about women.
www.myspace.com/desperatetimers
Camille! Young! Silly!
Thursday, November 20
Comedy/Music
Created and Performed by Camille Harris
An evening of jazzy songs and silly stories by Camille Harris. With topics ranging from a dislike of shopping to her unrequited love for the Muffin Man, this vibrant young dynamo is guaranteed to charm!
www.myspace.com/camillevictoriamusic
Outré Island
Friday, November 21
Comedy/ Theater/ Variety
Created and Performed by Christopher Rozzi
Musical Director Mark Dzula
Journey to Outré Island and experience firsthand its rich culture, ridiculous history and colorful citizens! The rousing sounds of the band The Magic Caravan round out this absurd comic mash-up of Monty Python, Prairie Home Companion and The Simpsons.
The Worst of Us
The Impending Moustache
Saturday, November 22
Comedy
Performed by Katie Hartman, Daniel Kelley, Gabe Pacheco, Leah Rudick
Prepare for the worst. Time travel through tragedy with alternative comedy troupe The Impending Moustache as they reenact horrible moments in their own lives, combined with the horrifying characters of their own creation. Comedic conventions are awkwardly slaughtered as these four savage innocents smother babies and smile rainbows.
Founded in 2006, The Impending Moustache has been featured in New York City at Caroline’s on Broadway, The Laugh Factory NYC, Comix, Rififi, Mo Pitkins, The PIT, and Galapagos Art Space.
The Eggmobile
Sunday, November 23
Theater/Music
Written by Ricardo Ortiz Musical Director Jesse Wallace
Performed by Ricardo Ortiz (vocals), Milton Ruiz (guitar), Jesse Wallace (drums)
A vagabond storyteller wanders through the streets of the city searching for clarity and comfort in this multicultural, semi-autobiographical journey set to rock, reggae, blues, funk and bossa nova. Join innovative band Eggmobile for this boundary-defying rock opera.
Digital Love
Monday, November 24
Theater/Music
Created by Thompson Davis Directed by Aaron Gensler
Performed by Thompson Davis, Lucas Kavner, Willie Orbison, Sally Swallow
The new rock-band driven musical Digital Love follows a young temp as he doo-wops, discos, and rocks his way through the workday. Dedicated to all those creative souls tired of the digital love affair, waiting for the day when they can put a clenched fist through the monitor.
