The Deep End Productions

September 20th: A Sneak Peak at Primary Stages new play by Pulitzer-Nominated Lee Blessing

Audiences will get a rare view of the creative process as the cast performs excerpts from the play and, along with playwright Lee Blessing and Primary Stages Artistic Director Andrew Leynse, discusses this exciting New York premiere. A reception with the artists follows the performance.

About A Body of Water

Who are we without our memories? Avis and Moss awake one morning in a house set in the forested hills above a picturesque body of water. The weather’s great, the view’s magnificent. However, neither of them seems to know whose house this is or who they are. A Body of Water is a haunting new drama that explores the slippery nature of reality and conviction.

PERFORMANCE AND TICKET INFORMATION

Sneak Peek: A Body of Water
Saturday, September 20th, 2008 at 8:00 p.m.
At the Rosenthal JCC Theatre, 600 Bear Ridge Road, Pleasantville
A discussion and reception with the artists follows the program.
Tickets are $25.

To purchase tickets by phone call 212-868-4444, or order online at www.smarttix.com. The performance takes place at the Rosenthal JCC, 600 Bear Ridge Road, Pleasantville, NY 10570.

THE CRITICS LOVE LIFE!

The reviews are in for LIFE In A Marital Institution...it's a hands-down hit!

Here's a sample of what they're saying:

A New York Times Critics’ Pick and NBC/Time Out Best Bet

“Excellent! Full of laughs and insight” – The New York Times

Like Spalding Gray, Braly has the gift! – NY Post

“A comic raconteur who can hold a room captive” – Time Out

“Gaspingly funny…utterly commendable!” - Variety

“Braly presents it winningly!”– The New Yorker

“Excellent! A stylish monologue reminiscent of Spalding Gray” – The Times, London

“Gifted…and, frankly, just a little strange! – The New York Times

CLICK HERE TO VIEW A VIDEO EXCERPT OF THE SHOW.

The Deep End Productions & Little Johnny Koerber Present:

Life In A Marital Institution
(20 years of monogamy in one terrifying hour)

Written & Performed by James Braly (NPR, The Moth)
Directed by Hal Brooks (No Child, Thom Pain)

First comes love. Then comes marriage counseling. A hilarious, heartbreaking monologue on sex, love, betrayal, death…and dinner parties.

June 26-August 31st
SoHo Playhouse [use Playhouse logo, attached in this email]
15 Vandam Street (off 6th Ave.)
1 block north of Spring Street stop (C & E train)
3 blocks south of Houston Street stop (#1 train)

Tickets: $40-55
Special Offer: $15 off any performance with Code SEB*

3 Easy Ways To Order Tickets:

Online (24 hours a day): www.SohoPlayhouse.comBy phone: (212) 691-1555

LIFE In A Marital Institution opens off-Broadway!

"Full of Laughs and Insight" - The New York Times Highly Recommended Hit is Back!

CLICK HERE TO VIEW A VIDEO EXCERPT OF THE SHOW.

Regulars of The Insights & Revelations Performance Series may have caught James Braly's Life In A Marital Institution (20 years of monogamy in one terrifying hour) in May 2006 when the piece was first shown. Last summer, the show enjoyed a very successful engagement at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, and then premiered off-off Broadway at 59E59 Theaters in New York City, for a critically-acclaimed, sold-out 4 week run in Feb/March 2008, produced by The Deep End Productions and Little Johnny Koerber. We are proud to announce the show's move to an Off-Broadway Theatre.

2007/2008 Season Wrap-Up

What a great season this was. Thanks to all of you that turned out for our presentations, setting the record for audience attendance this year!

The season began in September 2007 with an open rehearsal of Classic Stage Company’s upcoming production of Richard III, starring Michael Cumpsty.

Artistic Director Brian Kulick led the cast in a rehearsal of key scenes from the play, discussing the context and various approaches to the play, the characters, and each particular scene. Often, Kulick asked the performers to repeat sections of the scene, utilizing differing intentions and interpretations. In this way, the audience was introduced to the inner workings of taking Shakespeare from the page to the stage, gaining a deeper insight into Shakespeare’s artistry along the way.

Michael Cumpsty at the post-show reception surrounded by Purchase Drama students.

TICKET INFORMATION

Reservations strongly recommended.

You can purchase advance tickets online or by phone around the clock. Details are below. You can purchase tickets at the door on the evening of the performance on an as-available basis beginning at 6:30 p.m. There will be a message on our phone line - 914-764-4028 - on the day of the performance to let you know whether tickets are still available. Online ticket sales are not available on the day of performance.

Seating is unreserved though, in our intimate space, every seat is a good one... $5 per ticket discount coupons are available three weeks in advance of the performance, courtesy of the following sponsors at their stores in Pleasantville:

Art of Wine, One Cooley Street

Cold Stone Creamery, 64 Washington Avenue

Glass Onion Originals, 4 Washington Avenue

Jackson & Wheeler Restaurant and Bakery, 25 Wheeler Avenue

Sir Speedy Printing Center, 467 Bedford Road

The Village Bookstore, 10 Washington Avenue

Coupons can be redeemed via phone or internet orders .

Online: Click here for Smarttix By Phone: Call Smarttix at (212) 868-4444 for credit card orders.

For more information, contact Anna Becker, Series Producer, at (914) 764-4028 or annabecker@verizon.net.

Performances take place at the Rosenthal JCC Theatre, 600 Bear Ridge Road, Pleasantville, NY  10570 (off Rt. 120 between Armonk and Chappaqua). 

A discussion and champagne/dessert reception with the artists follows each performance. Late seating is not guaranteed.

SOLD OUT: An Open Rehearsal from the Producers of Spring Awakening

Atlantic Theater Company’s Port Authority

From the producers of Broadway’s eight-time Tony Award-winning Spring Awakening, comes an open rehearsal of the New York premiere of Port Authority. Two members of the stellar cast of Port Authority - John Gallagher, Jr. (2007 Tony Award winner for originating the role of Moritz in Spring Awakening) and Brian d'Arcy James (Tony Nominee, Sweet Smell of Success) - will be mid-way through their rehearsal process when they join us. Hear about their creative rehearsal process and witness director Henry Wishcamper discuss various interpretations and acting approaches with the cast as he rehearses and re-rehearses select portions of the script. Get a behind the scenes look at the creative process of bring a New York Premiere to The Atlantic Theater Company.

After the performance, there will be a discussion and reception with the artists.

Brian d'Arcy James

John Gallagher, Jr. with "Tony"

In Port Authority, we meet Kevin, Dermot and Joe, three generations of Irishmen. Set against the backdrop of contemporary Dublin, each man’s story is a beautifully woven tale of failure, loss and the elusiveness of love. With great wit and humor, Tony-nominated playwright Conor McPherson (this season's Broadway hit, "The Seafarer," as well as "Shining City," "The Weir," and "Dublin Carol") expertly exposes the heart of the common man.

Show Recommendations

Dear Friends,

It is my hope that you will find out about all kinds of performing arts events through this blog. I will continue to add links to connect you to information about shows in the city and in Westchester, and I will update this letter to let you know about any interesting shows I have seen.

Please also let me know what you are getting out there to see. You can do so by filling out a comment (below) and then I can share your report with other readers. People have told me they are hesitant to write in because they are not confident about their writing skills. Please feel free just to write in the name of a show and that you liked it; it does not have to be a full review.

And now, some recommendations:

Of course I can't resist plugging "LIFE In A Marital Institution (20 years of monogamy in one terrifying hour)" just about any time I can...see the posts about it on this site or click HERE to go to the show web site.

For a big night of storytelling, I also recommend LIAR, which some of you saw in our sold-out presentation as part of the Insights & Revelations Performance Series in 2007.

Next Wednesday, July 23rd, is the last NY Liar Show before they leave for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. This is their bon voyage Big Fat Liar at Comix, where you can eat, drink, and have a great time listening to some really wild stories. There will be eight rapid fire three-minute stories. Six are true, two are baloney. Expose either liar and win an "I Can Tell A Lie" T-shirt. I'm proud to say that both my kids are the beneficiaries of t-shirts thanks to my great liar-detection skills.

Wednesday, July 23th @ 8:00 pm
THE LIAR SHOW
A TimeOut NY "City Pick"
www.TheLiarShow.com

COMIX
353 West 14th Street (just east of 9th Avenue)
Advance tickets: $15 Day of show: $20
Save an additional $5 with discount code: LIARVIP

ORDER TICKETS ONLINE or from the box office: 212-524-2500
(Doors open 7:00. Come for dinner. Show starts promptly at 8:00)

Here is the line-up of storytellers:

Jeffery Rudell (NBC's "The Apprentice: Martha Stewart")
Ophira Eisenberg (Comedy Central; Backstage's "Ten Standout Comics")
Ed Gavagan (The Moth GrandSlam Champion)
Steve Osborne (NYPD Gang Squad Detective)
Faye Lane ("Beauty Shop Stories")
Peter Lubell (NPR; Independent Film Channel)
Jim O'Grady (NY Times)
Juliet Wayne (The Moth Finalist)

2007/2008 Season Sponsors

The 2007/2008 season is sponsored by the following generous community businesses, all in Pleasantville. Please do business with them, and thank them for helping to bring great art and conversation to Northern Westchester:

Art of Wine, 1 Cooley Street

Cold Stone Creamery, 64 Washington Avenue

Glass Onion Originals, 4 Washington Avenue

Jackson & Wheeler Restaurant & Bakery, 25 Wheeler Avenue

Sir Speedy Printing Center, 467 Bedford Road

The Village Bookstore, 10 Washington Avenue

We also would like to thank our Producer's Circle Members:
Executive Producers: Joan & Sam Ginsburg, Liz Holland & Ron Vogel, Lisa & Jon Roberts, Evy & Brian Rosen
Co-Producers: Lucy Reyes-Robin & Dana Robin

The season is also supported by The Joseph & Sophia Abeles Foundation, the David Schwartz Foundation, and Jacob Burns Foundation, which awarded The Deep End a matching grant. If you would like to make a donation toward the match (or have another idea about how we can meet the match), please call Anna Becker at (914) 764-4028.

Join The Producer's Circle

We are pleased to announce the formation of The Producer's Circle for the Insights & Revelations Performance Series and would like to welcome new members this season, Joan & Sam Ginsburg, Liz Holland & Ron Vogel, Lisa & Jon Roberts and Lucy & Dana Robin, as well as returning members Evy & Brian Rosen. strong>

Members of the Circle will enjoy special privileges as well as become a significant supporter of the Series. Your membership fee can be counted toward our Jacob Burns Foundation matching grant too, so your dollars will be worth twice as much. Please take a look at the benefits of membership, and give Anna Becker a call at (914) 764-4028 to join or find out more:

INSIGHTS & REVELATIONS PERFORMANCE SERIES PRODUCER’S CIRCLE
2007-2008 Season (4 presentations)

Benefits of Joining:

Guaranteed, reserved VIP seating

Invitation to a Pre-Theatre Reception and Artist Meet and Greet

Listing in the program as a member of the Producer’s Circle

Listing on the Series web site as a member of the Producer’s Circle

Note: A portion of your membership in the Producer’s Circle is tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law. Details are available upon request.

Beyond Wicked: Arts off The Beaten Path, 4/22/08

BEYOND WICKED
Exploring the Arts Off the Beaten Path

Poetry In Bloom

By Anna Becker

It’s April and literary festivals and poetry readings are springing up all over. It’s no surprise to you, I’m sure, that New York City is home to some of the most important and inspiring literary organizations this world has to offer. Here are a few suggestions of events that will transform, inform, and revive your spirit after a long winter’s rest…

The theme for this year’s PEN World Voices Festival of International Literature is Public Lives/Private Lives, which couldn’t be timelier. How do we draw a line between our private and public selves? When must we tell private stories for the public good? How, as readers, writers, and citizens, do we confront threats to our privacy? What is still considered private in the Internet age? The writers in this year’s Festival – which

Directions to the Rosenthal JCC Theatre

The Richard G. Rosenthal JCC
600 Bear Ridge Road
Pleasantville, NY 10570
914-741-0333

From the Saw Mill Parkway, Northbound

Exit at Marble Avenue. At end of ramp, turn right at the light onto Marble Avenue. At the next light, turn left onto Broadway/Route 141. At the second light, turn right onto Lake Street. Take to stop sign at end of road and turn right onto Bear Ridge Road. The JCC will be on your right.

From the Saw Mill Parkway, Southbound

Exit at Manville Road. Continue bearing right at stop sign. Turn right onto Pleasantville/Bedford Road. Go through the town of Pleasantville. Make a right at the traffic light at Broadway/Route 141 (Michael's Tavern will be across the street), and make your first left on Church Street. Church turns into Bear Ridge Road. The JCC will be on your right.

From the Taconic:

Taconic to Pleasantville/Bedford Road exit
Make a right at stop sign
Bear right at next stop sign onto Bedford road
Continue to the end of Bedford Road and, at the light, make a right onto NY-141
Make the 1st Left onto Church Street which becomes bear Ridge.
Drive about 1-1/3 miles to #600 Bear Ridge Road

Route 117:

You can also take Route 117 from the north or the south and you will come to the intersection for Rt. 120 towards Armonk/Rye. If you are driving south on 117, you will make a left onto Rt. 120, and driving north you will make a right.
Follow Rt. 120 and make a right onto Bear Ridge Road. The JCC will be on your left after about 1/2 mile, #600 Bear Ridge Road.

Interstate 684 to Exit 3, Armonk:

Follow Route 22 South to Route 120 North. Stay on Route 120 to Bear Ridge Road. Make a left onto Bear Ridge Road. The JCC is approximately 1/2 mile on the left.

Contact Us

Anna Becker
Producer
The Deep End Productions
P.O. Box 547
Pound Ridge, NY 10576-0547

(914) 764-4028

ab@thedeependproductions.org

Beyond Wicked: Arts Off The Beaten Path, 2/19/08

BEYOND WICKED
Exploring the Arts Off the Beaten Path

YOUR STORY OR YOUR LIFE

By Anna Becker

I am currently in the trenches, producing solo shows by two of New York’s finest storytellers. One is Life In A Marital Institution (20 years of monogamy in one terrifying hour) in which James Braly tells tales from the home front about married life, and the other is Wanderlust, where Martin Dockery leaves home to backpack through West Africa. I believe the attraction to storytelling – for audiences and for me – has a lot to do with our current screen-induced hypnotic state. Being in the room with a live person telling a story about their lives provides, believe it or not, an even stronger rush than bowling on the wii.

Beyond Wicked: Arts Off The Beaten Path, 1/15/08

BEYOND WICKED
Exploring The Arts Off The Beaten Path

By Anna Becker

AND THE TONY AWARD GOES TO…

When you think of the Tony Awards or the Pulitzer Prize, you think of Broadway, right? You might want to re-think. Here are a few fun facts about just where all the prize-winning plays really live…

For 10 of the last 12 years, the Pulitzer Prize for Drama has been won by a not-for-profit, Off-Broadway theatre…Last year, 76% of all the Tony Awards went to shows which premiered at or were produced by not-for-profit, Off-Broadway theatres, including The Atlantic Theater Company’s Spring Awakening and Lincoln Center’s The Coast of Utopia…Since 2000, plays that premiered at off-Broadway theatres have been produced more than 300 times at regional theatres across the country.

With these impressive statistics in mind, here are a few recommendations for new plays from off-Broadway theatres that might just be the next Tony or Pulitzer nominee:

Insights & Revelations in the NY Times

On November 11th, The Insights & Revelations Performance Series was featured in the New York Times, Westchester Section. The article, written by Laura Mogil, is a wonderful representation of what we do.

Click here to read it online