SONGS OF OUR MOTHERS, STORIES OF OUR FATHERS
an evening of original work in celebration of NYC Artists & Theatre
The Cherry Lane Theatre Monday, October 25th
38 Commerce Street Start Time 8:00-10:00 PM
New York, NY. 10014
PLAYS:
THE FATHER CHRONICLES
By Krystle Adams*
Dir. David Zayas Jr.
Cast:
Peter Collier – Harold
Nick Atkinson* – Gary
Shawn Cortel* – Peter
Neil Tyrone Pritchard* – Marvin
Beatriz Cavalieri – Nicole
Mel Nieves* – James
Celester Rich – Father
IN THE MOUNTAINS
By Lisa Ramirez
Dir. Onika Day
Cast:
Anita Moreno – Daughter
Amanda M. Rodriguez – Nurse
Teresa Yenque* – Mother
MAMA’S BOY
By Michael Kaves
Dir. Alba Albanese
Cast
Michael Kaves – Kane
Leila Almas Rose* – Marie
Elizabeth Santos* – Reporter
QUEEN OF JACKS
By Alba Albanese
Cast:
Shawn Parsons – Detective Russo
Flavia Prado – Victoria Diaz “Vicky”
Onika Day – Susie St. Marie
Krystle Adams* – Jessica Jane Jones “JJ”
Alba Albanese – Giovanna Caruso “Gia”
Leila Almas Rose* – Billie Karam
Eddie Kassar* – Joseph DeCicco “Joe”
Gerald Bunsen – Larry Diamond
Jaime Zevallos – Francisco “Franky Fingers
DIRECTORS
Onika Day
David Zayas Jr
Alba Albanese
Actors Theater of NYC
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Salvatore Inzerillo
STAGE MANAGER
Nicole Amaral
ART DESIGN
Jennie West
PRODUCER
Bklyn Grl
[email protected]
With the support of the NEW YORK ARTISTS CORPS, NYC CULTURAL AFFAIRS, NYFA
VERY SPECIAL THANK YOU!
MOMS & DADS
THE CHERRY LANE THEATRE
Angelina Fiordellisi
David Andrew Greener Laws
Jake McMichael
Gene Frankel Theatre
Queens Theatre
This Reading Series Songs of our Mothers Stories of our Fathers, was made possible
by Salvatore Inzerillo and a grant from:
City Artists Corps Program
The New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA)
The New York City Department of Cultural Affairs (DCLA)
The Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment (MOME)
*Actors appearing courtesy of Actors Equity
Alba Albanese: Venmo @albaalbanese www.albaalbanese.com
Amanda M. Rodriguez has appeared in the television film The Drew , the television series Madam Secretary, AMC’s Dispatches From Elsewhere and the upcoming series Emigre. Amanda’s turn as Lily M. Villahermosa in the independent film The Garden Left Behind was touted by Tony® Award winner Sara Ramirez (Monty Python’s Spamalot) as a ‘powerhouse performance. Amanda was handpicked by Tony® Award winner Tonya Pinkins to appear in her labor of love showcase Truth and Reconciliation ofWomyn, a series of ten minute plays, where she appeared in both Law 136 and To Whom It May Concern.
Beatriz Cavalieri is an actress, singer and producer with a Bachelor of Arts in Filmmaking from FAAP and an alumnus of Terry Knickerbocker’s Meisner Conservatory. Some of her recent TV and Film credits include; Michelle de los Santos in the Amazon Prime Feature Film Infelicitous, Julia in the Feature Film Fishing Lesson, Diane in Vive Un Día A La Vez, Jenn in Away From Here, Samantha in Winning New York -winner and audience’s favorite film at the NewFilmmakersNY Festival, Indigo in the indie short film Right Time, Left Turn and Isabel in the bilingual feature film Amor Fati. Beatriz was also featured in the HBO show “Succession” and “And Just Like That”. Bea’s passion for music brought her to teach music and theatre to children of various ages in New York City. Venmo: @beacavalieri
Celester Rich is over the moon excited to be back on an actual stage after being stuck in the middle of this ‘Global Panini’. Over the past year, he’s lent his voice as Orsino/Sebastian in ‘Twelfth Night’ for the Theatre at Woodshill (Available on all streaming Platforms) and as Lyndander/Quince in Northern Stage’s Puppet (yes!) Production of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream'” (available for viewing on Youtube). Upcoming projects include ‘Run Crew’ (dir Brigid Turner) and ‘Two Wongs’ (dir Frank Harts).When Celester’s not chasing his dreams, you can catch him riding Holly, his favorite horse, in Forest Hills, teaching fencing to disabled Veterans in the Bronx, or competing in fencing tournament around the country. Insta/FB – Celester Rich. Venmo: @celester-rich
David Zayas Jr. is a Director, Actor, Photographer. Originally from the Bronx, NY. Growing up around theater and film, he started becoming more involved, starting with photography. He later joined a theater company, and produced and directed 14 short films with them. Then directed “ The Head Hunter” by Mark Borkowski for a theater festival which got him a nomination for best director. He then joined the director program at the Actors Studio. Now he’s directing his own written short films among others that are in festivals right now such as “Santa Force” by Peter Collier and “ Uptown Dave” by himself which won him best actor in a super short with the Chain Film Festival. Venmo: @dznyla
Edward Kassar: Theater: Denny in “A Steady Rain” at The John Drew Theater. Marc in “Art” at the John Drew Theater. Lenny in “ Of Mice and Men at the John Drew Theater. Hampton Theater productions of Breaking Legs, My Three Angels, and others . Garfinkke in “ Other People’s Money “ at the Ivoryton Playhouse, (nominated for Best Actor Connecticut Critics Circle Awards). Knitting at The Ensemble Studio Theater. “ La Ronde “ Willow Cabin Theater Company. Film: Mulligans Farm, 9 out of 10, Scallop Pond, Down Clown , If I didn’t Care, Sushi Bar and others. Thankful to be part of this production. Venmo: @edward-kassar
Elizabeth Santos is a graduate of William Esper’s two year Meisner program and has studied with both Terry Knickerbocker and Maggie Flanigan in their master acting classes. She believes in constantly fine tuning her craft. After being away from the acting world for a while due to loss she’s thrilled to have joined the family at ATNYC, and looks forward to creating new work with them. She is a member of SAG/AFTRA and Equity. She’s so very grateful for the opportunity to be working with her fellow ATNYC members once again in this intimate one night performance. Venmo: @elizabeth-santos.6
Flavia Prado (Victoria Diaz “Vicky”) is honored to make her debut on the Cherry Lane Theatre stage. Flavia is a Terry Knickerbocker Studio’s alumni and plays CIA agent Naomi Dawson on the upcoming Netflix show Paper Empire opposite Cuba Gooding Jr. and Anne Archer.
Gerald Bunsen:
Born in Lima, Peru, Jaime Zevallos moved to New York at the age of three and grew up in both Queens and Great Neck, Long Island prior to moving to Los Angeles. Jaime’s artistic side was evident from an early age, and he spent his teenage years as an infamous street artist. He started his acting career in New York while studying acting at HB Studio and film at C.W. Post Long Island University, and he got his first ‘break’ in Spike Lee’s “Summer of Sam.” While on vacation in Los Angeles, Jaime auditioned for Michael Eisner, and ended up booking a Series Regular role on the show, “Sam Has 7 Friends.” Needless to say, Jaime’s vacation turned into an official relocation, as he continued to book roles in films and various television shows, including “House M.D.”, “Leverage”, “Southland”, “Sons of Anarchy”, “American Horror Story”, “The Bridge”, and “Animal Kingdom.” Recent credits include series regular on Marvel’s Cloak and Dagger, The Good Fight on CBS and recent guest star Law & Order SVU. His work on the stage has been featured in the LA Times, including his work at the Sacred Fools Theatre Company, The Elephant Stages and CASA0101. Before Covid Jaime had his Off Broadway premiere at Symphony Space. Jaime loves to Volunteer in the city with NYU Hunger Van and surrounds himself with his family, good friends and his dog Queso.
Jennie West is a creative polymath, establishing compound connections between fine art, intuitive empathy, music, and performance. Her compositions explore themes of love, spirituality, and boundaries, which manifest the undulating energetic relationships between the artist, the subconscious, and her muses. Embedded in West’s multidisciplinary work is an artist’s probe into art as a self-discovery tool for connection and empowerment. Using established techniques from multiple disciplines, West develops methods of cross-pollination and maintains an interdisciplinary practice. Web Page: www.jenniewest.work Venmo: @jennie-west-alexander
Krystle N. Adams is excited to present a piece of her play The Father Chronicles. She is also excited to be reading for the role of JJ in Queen of Jacks. Early this summer, Krystle finished her residency at the Abingdon Theatre Company. During that time her play 10 Minutes Before I Do was was accepted into the Zoomfest Play Festival at the Planet Connections Theatre Festivity and she was in the online short play Morning Rituals in the Guts and Glory festival presented by Squeaky Bicycle Productions. Krystle is currently a member playwright in the Playwright/Directors Unit at the Actors Studio. You can find her web series Brooklyn Baby, Jersey Maybe and her short film Pie: Apple of My Eye on Youtube. Krystle currently resides in New Jersey with her husband and two children. Venmo: @knaproductionsllc
Leila Almas Rose began her career on the stage in Houston, Texas, and she has since worked alongside several big names on the stage and on-screen. She has studied with several prominent acting teachers in Los Angeles and further trained at the prestigious HB Studio in New York City. Her credits range from classic dramas to contemporary comedies. Notable theatre roles include Mae Pollitt in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Conchita in Anna in the Tropics, and Shelby in Steel Magnolias. Best known for her lead role in the movie, The Summoning, she also stars in the Terrence Malick-produced feature film, Beautiful People. Most recently, Leila wrapped a lead role in the English/Arabic feature, Jacir, and an episode of HBO’s upcoming MINX. She has worked on Blue Bloods, Gotham, and Precinct Production on Amazon Prime. Leila was in the feature film, Odd Brodsky, which premiered at the Mill Valley Film Festival, and she plays Mara in A Girl Named Mara, which premiered at the Chelsea Film Festival in October 2020. Besides acting, Leila is an experienced (7+ years) producer, beginning as a ghost producer and now via her ‘Posh Cowgirl Productions’ banner. She has also ghostwritten and worked with screenwriters to strengthen the female voice within their scripts. She is currently developing two feature films, and she is also penning a comedy television pilot centered on an interracial couple (inspired by her real-life relationship.) An avid traveler, Leila has volunteered internationally with organizations that assist underprivileged youth, and she encourages the utilization of performing arts as a method of emotional release and education. She is a proud member of AEA and SAG-AFTRA, and her Instagram handle is @LeilaAlmasRose
Lisa Ramirez: Plays include EXIT CUCKOO (nanny in motherland), Working Theater, PlayMakers Rep, Oakland Theater Project; ART OF MEMORY, Ontological-Hysteric Theatre & 3-Legged Dog, NYC; Pas de Deux (lost my shoe), Cherry Lane Theatre & TheatreWorks Silicon Valley; TO THE BONE, Cherry Lane Theatre, Oakland Theater Project, Working Theater; Pulitzer Prize Nominee, Helen Merrill Playwriting Award, Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle Award; DOWN HERE BELOW, Oakland Theater Project, Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle Award; IN THE MOUNTAINS, Workshop Theater, NYC; sAiNt jOaN (burn/burn/burn), Oakland Theater Project. Currently working on the pilot, FIFTY & the film adaptation of, TO THE BONE. A recent member of the Center Theatre Groups playwright workshop 21/22. As an actor, she has performed extensively at theaters on both the East and West Coast, including, the Cherry Lane Theatre, Vineyard Theatre, Magic Theatre, Berkeley Rep, and many more. Lisa was the first Latina Angel in a major U.S. production of ANGELS IN AMERICA at Berkeley Rep and recently completed a sold-out run of TS Eliot’s, THE WASTE LAND in a drive-in theater at Oakland Theater Project, marking it the first live theatrical production in California, post-pandemic.
Mel Nieves:(James): New York based actor-playwright-screenwriter-arts educator. He is a member of the award winning LAByrinth Theater Company and The Actors Studio Director-Playwright Unit. He is a semi-finalist for The Eugene O’Neill Theatre Conference and a two semi-finalist for The New Dramatist Princess Grace Playwright Fellowship. Most recently completed principle photography on the feature film URBAN for 110th Street Productions. His plays, PROSPECT AVENUE and THE SPIRIT, THE BODY & THE BLOOD are published through Next Stage Press. Venmo: @mel-nieves
Michael Kaves: mrkaves.com
Neil Tyrone Pritchard is a New York-based Actor/Singer/Teaching Artist . His most recent Acting Credits include: Halfway Bitches Go Straight To Heaven (LAByrinth Theater Company/Atlantic Theater Company),There’s Always The Hudson (The Goodman Theatre) The Berlin Electric (Park Ave Armory/Trusty Sidekick) , The Prizefighter of P.S. 217 (New Victory LabWorks), The Mendelssohn Electric (Park Ave Armory/Trusty Sidekick), The Stowaway (Classic Stage Company/Trusty Sidekick), Clover (La Mama), Queen Latina and Her Power Posse (Cherry Lane Theater),AT BUFFALO (NYMF) . He has been a part of workshops and concerts at Sundance TheaterLAB, Manhattan Theater Club, Dorset Theater festival,Joe’s Pub, Bowery Poetry Club,Lincoln Center Theater, and Primary Stages. He is currently on staff at the Park Avenue Armory where he brings Arts Education to public schools throughout the five boroughs. A Proud New York City Public School Kid and A Member of LAByrinth Theater Company and Actors Equity. Venmo: @Neil-Pritchard
Nick Atkinson is excited to be performing at the historic Cherry Lane Theatre and hails from the land down under. He created and originated the character, Maximilian Martel, for the McKittrick Hotel and has appeared in numerous Little Cinema projects. Upcoming projects include: Avarice – the Aussie feature thriller and he will be making his American television debut early next year. Venmo: nick-atkinson-2
Nicole Amaral: Venmo: @Nicole-Amaral-3 Instagram: @nicoliamaral
Onika Day: Originally from Berkeley, CA, Onika Day grew up performing with the Bay Area Youth Theater as well as playing Basketball and Water Polo. She has worked in the Front Office of the Golden State Warriors as well as a Personal Chef for Sam Cassell and Nick Van Exel. In front of the camera, Onika has had recurring and co-starring roles on Law & Order SVU, For Life, City On A Hill, Wu Tang: An American Saga, Billions, New Amsterdam, Blue Bloods, The Affair, The Path, Law & Order, Dexter, Damages, Chappelle’s Show, The Jamie Foxx Show to name a few and was handpicked by Director David LaChapelle for Amy Winehouse’s video “Tears Dry On Their Own” and by the late Tupac Shakur for what his be his last music video “2 Live and Die In LA”. She also plays a pivotal role in “The Dinner” starring Richard Gere, Laura Linney, Rebecca Hall and Steve Coogan (Written and Directed by Oren Moverman). Behind the scenes, as a Producer, Director and Creator, Onika has secured herself as valuable asset within the NY, Los Angeles and Atlanta Film, Television and Theater Community (most notably her buddies at the Labyrinth Theater Co) having worked with countless Top Names in the industry. She Co-Wrote, Co-Directed and starred in her first short film Monika’s Day and is now editing her second short film she Directed written by starring Jaime Zevallos. Venmo: @onika-day
Peter Collier is an actor and sketch comedy writer based in NYC. His award winning short film “Santa Force” he wrote and starred in alongside David Zayas and directed by David Zayas Jr, was recently selected for twelve different film festivals. He is a founding member of the sketch group, Better on Paper, producing sketch shows via YouTube. He has acted in numerous plays and readings in the New York area and is a proud member of the Actors Studio Playwright/Director’s Unit and LAByrinth Theater Company. He can be seen next in the feature film “Soulmates” (Argent Pictures) on Demand and in select theaters Nov. 12. Peter and DJ are currently in pre production for their next collaboration. @petercollierjr Venmo: @petercollierjr
Salvatore Inzerillo: www.ATNYC.org
Shawn Cortel is thrilled to be a part of this new work with these incredible artists. Visit www.shawncortel.com to find out more about him. Venmo is: @cortels
Shawn Parsons: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2001061/ @shawnparsons
Teresa Yenque (Valentina), an emigrant from Peru, made her Broadway debut in A Streetcar Named Desire with Natasha Richardson. Ms. Yenque just completed a successful run of Como Agua para Chocolate at the GALA Theater in Washington DC, and Zoe Kazan’s After the Blast at the Lincoln Center. Currently, she can be seen at Repertorio Español in The House of Bernarda Alba, and in several TV shows and films. Soon we can see Teresa en Javier Rivera’s Luciernagas. Ms Yenque feels very privileged to be part of Lisa Ramirez’s In The Mountains. Thank you.