Emerson Theatre Collaborative Announces Production of Waiting for Lefty  

by Clifford Odets

 

 

October 2010, Noank, CT and Colchester, CT.  Emerson Theater Collaborative announces the production of the renowned play, Waiting for Lefty written by American playwright Clifford Odets. Consisting of a series of related vignettes, the entire play is framed by the meeting of cab drivers who are planning a labor strike. The framing situation effectively utilizes the audience as part of the meeting.  While this was not the first play written by Odets, this was the first of his plays to be produced. It was staged by the Group Theatre, a New York theatre company founded by Harold Clurman, Cheryl Crawford and Lee Strasberg, of which Odets was a member. The company was founded as a training ground for actors, and also to support new plays, especially those that mirrored the social and political climate of the day. Waiting for Lefty was written in 1935, and was the first real critical and popular success for the Group Theatre, appearing on Broadway as well as in cities around the United States. It had its British premiere at Unity Theatre, London in 1938, whose production so impressed a contingent of the American Group Theatre when they visited, that Unity Theatre was given the British rights to the play.

 

Camilla Ross directs the Emerson Theater Collaborative’s production of Waiting for Lefty that runs October 1 – 3 at the Colchester Federated Church in Colchester, CT, AND

October 8 - 10 at the Latham Chester Store in Noank, CT.  More information can be found at www.EmersonTheaterCollaborative.org.

 

Emerson Theater Collaborative’s mission is to serve youth, under-represented communities and artists with an emphasis on diversity, by producing innovative and exhilarating theater in Southeastern Connecticut.  ETC explores timely themes and issues through new, original works and modern theatrical classics. We develop and nurture both emerging and professional artists, and collaborate with the Emerson College network of alumni and students.  Our goals include reaching inner city youth through educational theatrical programming and to support our local communities by providing free admission to our performances to low-income families, and donating profits to humanitarian causes.   

Camilla Ross (Director) is the current president and founder of the Emerson Theater Collaborative, and a graduate of Emerson College in Boston. Camilla spent time studying with the Actor’s Workshop of Boston.  Drawing on over 20 years of theatrical experience, ranging from commercials to regional theater, Camilla is leading and shaping ETC from the ground up as one of the first professional theaters in southeastern Connecticut.  She is the theatrical advisor and acting coach for the SPAG Players at Three Rivers Community College in Norwich, CT. She is a current board and choral member with the Connecticut Lyric Opera of New London. Camilla is a former board member and acting instructor for the Writer’s Block, Ink of New London, CT. Camilla is currently a part-time business faculty member of the Three Rivers Community College, teaching a variety of business courses. She currently sits on the Emerson Alumni Board, as one of the co-presidents of the CT Chapter. As an actress, she was seen most recently in John Patrick Shanley’s play “Doubt,” playing the role of Mrs. Mueller, and as Harriet Tubman in Lisa Giordano’s “Harriet Tubman’s Dream,” and as Chessie in Melanie Greenhouse’s “Chestina Vanessa Poulson.  Ms. Ross has enjoyed the work of Clifford Odets all of her theatrical days.

Joshua Lee Ramos (Assistant Director) is a native of Hartford, CT and a graduate of University of Hartford where he received a BA in Drama and Film.  In 2008 he made his professional theatre directorial debut with Princebury Productions directing A. R. Gurney's “Love Letters” in Massachusetts. He also did the lighting design for that show that would express the changes in time and compliment the change in emotions. The show earned him critical praise for these elements as well as his direction. Joshua brought the revival of Maria Irene Fornes' "The Conduct of Life" to the Off-Broadway June Havoc Theatre as part of the Midtown International Theatre Festival in summer of 2008 as the director, lighting designer and sound designer. Additional regional professional credits include working as a director for "New Works New Britain Theatre Festival," as well as having been a lighting designer for CONNetic Dance in Hartford and for their regional tour.  For his first show of 2010 he directed "Cinderella Eats Rice and Beans" for the Hartford Children's Theatre.  Joshua assistant directed Emerson Theatre Collaborative’s (ETC) production of “Chestina Vanessa Poulson” alongside director Andrea Andresakis.  For ETC, he has also directed Bill Corbett and Kira Obolensky's “Hate Mail” (March 2010), as well as Rebecca Gilman's “Spinning into Butter” (September 2009).  Most recently as resident director for ETC, Joshua was very proud to present the New York premiere of Jacques Lamarre’s “Gray Matters” for the 11th Annual Midtown International Theatre Festival in Manhattan, which was also produced in both Mystic and Hartford, CT.  Joshua is happy to be back with ETC now as assistant director alongside director/producer Camilla Ross for “Waiting for Lefty.” For more on Ramos visit www.joshualeeramos.webs.com

THE CAST:

Ashley Adelman (Edna) received her MFA from The Actors Studio Drama School at Pace University, and her BFA from NYU Tisch.  She recently played the female lead in Sarah Kane‘s “4.48 Psychosis,” down at The Red Room Theatre. Other theatre credits include: “The Dante Festival” at the Manhattan Theatre Source, “Margaret in Much Ado About Nothing,” Thersites in “Troilus and Cressida” and the original works, “Tea For Father” at the Tank Theatre and “Prescriptions” at the Strawberry One Act Festival. In her free time, she trains in Mixed Martial Arts and Seido Karate. She would like to thank The Emerson Theatre Collaborative for the opportunity to work on such a great play with such a dedicated, enthusiastic company.

Ernie Andrews (Voices)

Eric C. Bailey* (Harry Fatt & Fayette) was last seen as Nick Bottom in “Thyme of the Season” as part of the Planet Connections Festivity.  He has toured nationally with “School House Rock Live!” and “Shenandoah Shakespeare.”  Favorite roles include: Lucky in “Waiting for Godot,” the Teacher in “Blood on the Cat's Neck” and Sam et al. in “Fully Committed.”  For more information, please visit www.eric-bailey.com.

Lesley Billingslea (Gunman) is a full-time working actor in the tri-state area. This is his second production with the Emerson Theater Collaborative. This summer Lesley was in "Last of the Boys" with the Chenango River Theater as the Young Soldier. Lesley has also played Iago in "Othello", Walter Lee in "Raisin in the Sun", Duke Orsino in "Twelfth Night.”  He has also played Hoke Coleburn in "Driving Miss Daisy." Lesley has appeared on television shows, "Sex and the City,” “The Sopranos,” a new show for the for FX channel "Lights Out" as a boxer/featured actor, NBC's "Kings" as a soldier, and NBC's "30 Rock" as a featured actor. He has also done several nationally televised commercials.

Claire Epstein (Florence) graduated last year from Circle in the Square Theatre School. Favorite roles include: Estelle in “No Exit” (13th Street Repertory), Isabella in “Measure for Measure” (The Secret Theatre), and Tricia (u/s) in “Dog Sees God” (The Studio Theatre).  For more information please visit: www.claireepsteinactor.com.

Krystal A. Livingston (Vocalist). Since her early youth, Ms. Livingston has been acting and singing. Recently, Krystal has performed in: Four Women,” a touring Gospel stage play; Die Laughing, a comedy, which played at the world famous Times Square Comedy Club (formally The Laugh Factory); Treat Me Not to Leave You and A Piece of Me, both touring inspirational plays. In 2006, the University of New Haven Music Department hired Krystal as an Adjunct Faculty Member to teach Gospel Music Performance. While in college, Krystal started the University of New Haven Gospel Choir and served as Director/President from 1999-2001. From 1997-1998, as a freshman in college, she became the Student Director for the University of New Haven Harmonies, an acapella group. In 1996, she co-wrote and co-directed a musical based on the book of Job, He’ll Make It Alright.  She performed with Words of Life Choir for numerous years and directed the Cardinal Spellman High School Gospel Choir during her senior year in high school.  She became a member of the Real Life Theater drama ministry in 1994, performing in A Christ-mass Story, I See You See Me, along with other skits and dramatic pieces. In May 2007, Krystal obtained her Masters Degree in National Security & Public Safety from the University of New Haven, and she is now the Associate Director of Admissions & Coordinator of Multicultural Admissions for Connecticut College.   She is currently a resident of New London, Connecticut and a member of New Life Christian Fellowship, where Pastors Johnny & Sharon Burns preside.  Krystal appeared in ETC’s productions of Chestina Vanessa Poulson as a chorus member and dedicates her performances to her family & her “inner circle” of friends.  Romans 8:28…

Ed Lowe* (Dr. Barnes) is thrilled to be performing for the second time with the Emerson Theater Collaborative, and thanks Camilla and Joshua again for this wonderful opportunity to work with such a talented cast and crew. Previously, he appeared as Dean Burton Strauss in ETC’s production of “Spinning Into Butter.” Ed has appeared in several local theater productions in the Eastern Connecticut area and has held several principal roles in productions at the Donald Oat Theater, Windham Theater Guild, Majestic Rose Dinner Theater, CT Outdoor Historic Drama, Groton Regional Theater, The Mystic Seaport Museum, and the CT Lyric Opera.  He has also enjoyed singing with many local musical groups. Ed is a member of three actors’ unions: Actors’ Equity Association, Screen Actors Guild, and American Federation of Television and Radio Artists. He lives in Preston with his wife Cindy.

Shah Mortia (Joe & Agatt) is a working actor, musician and journalist.  Since last summer, Shah has worked in film (“Necessary Murder,” “Hated”); television (“Titans of GEFA”) and theatre (“Macbeth,” “Hooked,” “Scenes from the Staten Island Ferry,” “Romeo and Juliet”).  Shah was also invited to join the Screen Actors Guild.  As a musician, Shah has been performing in Ex Models and Knyfe Hyts.  His music has earned critical acclaim from “Rolling Stone,” “Spin,” “The New York Times,” “NME,” “Pitchfork,” “The Village Voice,” “TimeOut,” “Arthur Magazine,” “Kerrang!,” “San Francisco Bay Guardian,” and “The Washington Post.” He has written for “SmartMoney,” “The Village Voice,”” Institutional Investor” and “Guitar Player Magazine.” Shah resides in Brooklyn, New York and trains at HB Studio in Manhattan.

Joseph Mulholland (Irv) is so excited to be a part of ETC’s Waiting For Lefty. Originally from New Jersey, Joseph has resided in NYC for the past eleven years, and loving every minute of it! He was last seen on stage as Judge Randy Red in “Relationship Court,” part of The Riant Theatre Strawberry One-Act Festival. Soon to hit the World Wide Web is the horror short film, “The Carrier,” where he plays the leading role of Terrence. You can check out the preview and so much more on Joseph's website at www.josephmulholland.com

Britt Reagan (Sid) is a recent graduate of the University of Evansville with a BFA in performance studies. He is originally from Conyers, Ga. He enjoys playing guitar with his band 'the Good Morning Nags' who just released their first album on iTunes. He would like to thank his family and friends for their endless love and support.

Tricia Riddick (Dr. Benjamin) is a multifaceted performer.  As an actress and singer, Tricia truly delights in the diverse variety of performance opportunities that come her way.  Some of Tricia’s work in the theater includes roles such as the wife in “Rashomon”, Hypolita in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” and Edith in “Pirates of Penance.”  Her most recent role was in the Emerson Theater Collaborative Production of  “Chestina Vanessa Poulson” as a chorus member playing various characters. Though truly passionate about acting, Tricia began her career as a theater “minor” in college.  She obtained her Bachelors degree in the Science of Business Economics and just one year later, earned her Masters in Business Administration.  Tricia currently works in finance for a global company, and looks forward to transitioning into acting full-time one day very soon. 

Jamie Shor (Miller, Clayton) is excited to be part of the cast of “Waiting for Lefty.”  He recently finished a full season at Florida Studio Theatre performing in their Write-A-Play program.  He has also performed in “Project 30” with the NYC theatre group, “Another Urban Riff,” and “Rooftop” for Periwinkle Theatre for Youth.  He would like to thank Camilla and ETC for this wonderful opportunity.

 

POETS:

Tajarah S. Clark (Poet) is 10-years-old and in fifth grade at the Boston Renaissance Charter School.  Tajarah loves theater, math, reading, science, and sports too.  She works hard to do her best.  Her most recent awards include: The Actress of the Year Award from Improv, Student of the Month Award, and Honor Roll Award for the third time. Acting is Tajarah’s true passion.

Janie Coates (Poet) is a 6th-grader at Mystic Middle School and has been a student of the piano for 4 years.  She has performed in several musicals produced at Union Baptist Church (UBC) in Mystic, CT including “Tale of the Three Trees,” “A King is Coming to Town” (leading role) and “The Camel Lot.” She was one of only three 5th-graders chosen to perform with the Stonington Select Singers last year and currently, participates in Rejoice Singers and Praise Bells at UBC. This is Jane's first production with the Emerson Theater Collaborative.

Jack Hartman (Poet) is in 7th grade at Mystic Middle School. His acting experience includes the part of Winthrop in “The Music Man” for the Stonington Broad Street Bears, a featured part in the Happy Madison movie “Grown-Ups” and parts in Showtime’s “The Brotherhood” and the ESPN miniseries, “The Bronx is Burning” as well as the movie “Profile.” In addition, Jack has been in local productions of “Joseph and His Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” and “Seussical the Musical.” Jack plays baseball and lacrosse and is a member of Select Choir at Mystic Middle School. Jack is grateful to Camilla Ross for this opportunity and many thanks to the entire cast and crew. And, last but not least – thanks to his parents and sister, family, friends and teachers for just about everythying!

*Actors appear courtesy of Actors Equity Association.

Key Dates and Information

What:  Emerson Theatre Collaborative’s production of Waiting for Lefty.

When:  Oct. 1 & 2 at 8:00 PM, Oct. 3 at 4:00 PM.

Where:  Colchester Federated Church, 60 Main St., Colchester, CT

AND

When:  Oct. 8 & 9 at 8:00 PM, Oct. 10 at 4:00 PM.

Where:  The Latham Chester Store, 108 Main St., Noank, CT 06340 (At the end of Main St. next to the Town Dock.)

How:  Tickets are $20 ($18 for students and seniors) and can be obtained by calling 860-705-9711.  Additional information is available at www.EmersonTheatreCollaborative.org.