Thanks for everyone who came out to The Meet last week! We raised a nice amount of money for the space and had some great nights of theater.

As The Meet was ending, I received word of another ending coming this weekend. Backyart, the monthly arts show at Max Woertendyke’s home is coming to an end after more than 2 years of great work. Backyart will return for some projects, but it will be in a new location, and no longer a monthly show.

Having been a part of 13 Backyarts, I asked the Backyart crew if I can get in one last showing in before it closes. My wish was granted. This Saturday I will be reading a short excerpt from one of my newest plays Perv. Perv had a great reading last month at the Labyrinth Theater Intensive, and was performed by actress Ana Ortiz. I’m not as good an actress as she is, but it should still be a fun read.

Perv is about a sexaholic DJ/Music Producer who begins to question himself after he cheats on his favorite girlfriend.  

This should be a very celebratory, and emotional night. It all goes down this Saturday (August 28th) at 7PM.

Backyart is at 649 Metropolitan Avenue. Closest transport is the L to Lorimer. Admission is $15

Our 10 companies are preparing for THE MEET. This video captures some of them getting word and deliberating this journey. God speed to you all!

For more info on THE MEET, or to buy tickets, please scroll below or CLICK HERE!

CAN YOU DIG IT?!?!

Hello All You People…

I am proud to announce my new project, THE MEET! I coerced 10 theater/production companies into representing themselves over four nights at Center Stage, NY.

Each company will represent themselves in scenes no longer than 20 minutes. No other limitations on style or theme was given. Come out and see what these companies come up with, and cheer your favorite company on.

This is an exhibition, not a competition. But since each company has their own audience, own style, own reputations… and all on one stage. Well, I doubt they will do anything less than put their best foot forward.

Just added: STAGE OF FIENDS will be providing a nightly burlesque-y variety act named “The Witching Hour Burlesque”, which will feature flech, erotic poetry and theatre!

The Witching Hour Burlesque will start at exactly 7:30PM, all nights of THE MEET. This is for ADULTS ONLY! Attendance is optional with your ticket.

THE MEET takes place August 18th through the 21st, 2010 @8 PM. Here is the schedule:

AUGUST 18th & AUGUST 20th 2010:

Lighthouse Theatre Company presents…

 Observations of Hindsight

Observations of Hindsight combines live theatre and film to tell the story
of four people living in New York, whose paths cross for one second in time.
A second that will change everything about the way you feel when walking the
streets of this city.

Written by Anthony Caronna

Directed by  Anthony Caronna and Alexander Smith

With: Alexander Smith, Sarah Mcormick,

Anthony Caronna, Zach Galligan, Jonathan Tracey, Olivia Caronna, and Ethan Clarke

Boomerang theatre Company presents…

 How to Speak Man

 In the entire history of theater, from the Greeks to Shakespeare to

Shaw to the Wilson brothers (August and Lanford), only one play has

proclaimed itself the best of them all, a play born to increase our

understanding of ourselves, our souls and our world. This play,

however, is just funny and silly.

Written by Sharyn Rothstein

Directed by Ric Sechrest

With: Douglas Giorgis*, Ric Sechrest*, Dave Koenig, and Mark Souza

STuFF FiLMS presents…

STuFF Happens

 STuFF FiLMS is a smorgasbord of scintillating, splendiferous, socially irreverent and somewhat silly string of sketches…so

enjoy!

Written by Jonathan David, Ethan Aronoff, Jared Miller, Beth MacGregor, and Diana Cherkas, and Cooper Shaw

Directed by Gonzo and Jnony

With: Ethan Aronoff, Diana Cherkas*, Charlie Coniglio, Raymond Cordova, Jared Miller, Cooper Shaw*, Griffin Dubois, and Jonathan “Gonzo” Galvez

Red Elevator Productions presents…

 The Story of Little Sanchez and How We Lost our Mother

Written by Daniel Talbott

Directed by Portia Krieger

With: Daniel Abeles*, Craig Jorczak*, Anna O’Donoghue*, Claire Siebers, and Laura Ramadei

We Be 3 presents…

 Breaking Even

 ”Life is a long lesson in humility.” J.M. Barrie

 Directed by Anthony Augello*

Written by Concetta Rose Rella

With: Ricky Sosa, Jimmy Juste, Morgan Lynch, and Concetta Rose Rella

 AUGUST 19th & AUGUST 21st 2010:

Sneaky Snake Productions presents…

 an excerpt from 13 Variations on a Gun

 A tantalizing glimpse at Sneaky Snake Productions’ latest bewildering work-in-progress, an ambitious, logic-defying ballet of mystery and sound that draws inspiration from the board game Clue, Agatha Christie novels, and the illustrations of Edward Gorey and Eugene ‘Gene’ Thurston.

 Written by Chris Chappell

Directed by Paige Blansfield

With: Matthew Trumbull*, Jesse Wilson, and Richard Lovejoy

Impetuous Theater Group presents…

 SUMMER SONG

 Book by Crystal Skillman

Lyrics by Chris Bell

Music by Adam Cohen

Directed by James David Jackson

Choreographed by Summer Baldwin

With: Laura Gilreath, Ricky Lewis, Adam Cohen, Summer Baldwin, and Marissa Maislen

Regroup Theatre presents…

 Where There’s Smoke

 If the flames of passion die do we let our commitments go up in smoke?

 Written by Betty Pink

Directed by Patricia Runcie

With: Steve Remeika and Katherine Nolan Brown

Overturn Theatre Ensemble presents…

 And Eggs Cook

 A struggling tale of getting to know a person… when you bought them online.

 Written by Diana Stahl

Directed by Kristy Dodson

With: Jessica Kahler & David Winning*

The LabRats present…

Been Down So Long Looks Like Up To Us

 How long you gotta stay down before you crawl your way back up?

 Written by Lawrence Dial

Co-Directed by Melissa Rosenberger and Ana Maria Jomolca

With: Daniela Mastropietro*, Stephen Palgon, Adam Cohen, Melissa Rosenberger, Ana Maria Jomolca*, Sal Massari, Jessica Sherr, Meredith Autry*, Danielle Vettraino and Ty Phillips

 *=AEA

Tickets are on Sale NOW!!

$15

You can buy tickets now here:

http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/120123 (Price includes service fee!)

or

Cash only at the door!

All shows take place at Center Stage, NY
48 West 21st Street, 4th Floor, Dial 401#
Between 5th and 6th Avenues

All proceeds go towards Developing Artist Theater Company and Center Stage, NY.

Your email:

No one benefits from this. It is one place less to practice this art form that goes back to Neanderthals grunting stories in front of their tribe, illuminated by recently discovered fires. Today, when the right people wield the stage, their stories become just as important to us. I feel it’s my responsibility as a human and, or, Neanderthal, to try to help a theater in need when I see one. This note is for anyone who feels the same.

There are a lot more theaters closing down in this city than there are opening up. Its just simple mathematics. Most high rise condo developers don’t have theaters in mind when they design their retail space.  Hard working immigrants are not rushing to empty store fronts to open theaters, they’re opening Jamba Juices and Dunkin Donuts.

So until someone makes theater edible, tasty, and refreshing, we face this problem of diminishing theater space. But there is hope. And that hope is us. No point in waiting for someone to come fix the problem. The best one can do is support all you can when you know a theater needs it.

Center Stage, NY, or CSNY, is one of these theaters in our great city. The people at Center Stage strive to keep prices for artist at an affordable rate. This interest conflict with those who run the building Center Stage is housed in. So, it’s time to fight the bad guys and raise this rent.

I can’t begin to tell you what we loose if we lose CSNY. Many theater companies have started there, or went through the space. Labyrinth, Vampire Cowboys, Terranova, countless individual artists, and the entity known as J. Anthony Roman. If Center Stage closes, we loose everything that would have come after.

So if you would like to help, please do. You will not be judged on the size of your donation. Six cents to six figures will be accepted. To donate, please contact Jill DeArmon at jill@centerstageny.com  

And if you want more bang for your donation, this Sunday CSNY is having a series of events to benefit the space. This includes celebrity panels giving you information about life in the arts. Successful life. If interested, check out the facebook page:

http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=118546604842921

 It all culminates with an old school all nighter which promises to be a great party. Starts at 8PM and goes for as long as it has to. $10 admission. If you can’t come to the party and still want to help,again, contact Jill DeArmon at jill@centerstageny.com

IN THE BOX PARTY

May 23^rd, 2010   8PM on

$10 CASH at the door

48 West 21^st Street between 5^th and 6^th Ave

4^th Floor, dial 401

My writing is back at Backyart! And since the weather is shaping up, one can enjoy Backyart as is was meant to be, in the backyard, soaking in the sun. Unless it rains. In that case, one can enjoy it in a cool basement surrounded by art. Either way you will be entertained, and a little sweaty.

This scene went up in March and had a great showing at Rebel Verses.  I’m thrilled its at Backyart.

Love:Underground is about a couple coming to the end of their long relationship and relizing their best days were spent within the Subway System.

It will be directed by Lia Woertendyke and features Jenny Gomez and Nic Grelli.

The fun starts at 7PM

BACKYART   649 Metropolitan Avenue

L train to Lorimer, exit at Metropolitan.

Hope your 2010 has been going well so far. Got some theater coming up in the next two weeks at the Rebel Verses 10th anniversary.

First, this week I’m in a piece by Jedidiah Clarke. Jed has a unique style that needs to be witnessed. This play, Woah Mama,is about making the universes greatest pizza.  The rest of the cast includes Alex Flores, Adam Cohen, Leon Pease, and Elanna White. Directed by James David Jackson.

Woah Mama, plays Thursday the 25th, and Saturday the 27th at 8PM.  Along with performances by these other acts: MCC Theater, Gina Laino, Urban Word NYC, Education @ Roundabout, Scott Hudson, RMK & Crew, TYT Reader’s Theater.

My new scene, Love:Underground, goes up the following weekend at Rebel Verses, Wednesday March 31st, and Friday April 2nd at 8PM.

Love:Underground is about a couple coming to the end of their long relationship and relizing their best days were spent withing the Subway System.

It will be directed by Lia Woertendyke and features Jenny Gomez and Nic Grelli.

Sharing the stage with us that night are Life Stories Youth Ensemble, Michael Ferrell, Larkin Clark, Adriana Rivera & Adam Cohen, Raul Castillo, and Teatro El Puente.

All shows start at 8PM $10 Cash only!

@ Center Stage, NY  48 West 21st Street, 4th Floor, Dial 401# (Between 5th and 6th)

It’s my birthday on the 30th, so both these shows fall into celebration territory!

God speed.

Happy Thanksgiving people,

Where ever you are, I hope it’s bearable. There isn’t a Backyart event until December, so I read the chapter in different locations around Queens and put it on youtube. So watch me battle the elements, and my diction as I read by clicking on the links below.

Video and page done by Joseph Galatioto.

I’ve also posted Max Woertendyke’s Backyart Previously on videos if you wanted to catch up on the story! For this, scroll down below chapter eleven.

CHAPTER 11: Halloween’s verdict is disclosed, and Mikey and Gerald live life after the fall. (In 7 parts)

Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/janthonyroman#p/u/10/Nc_qTTVWfcY

Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ew2bGjS1Zy8

Part 3: http://www.youtube.com/janthonyroman#p/u/8/iRceZL6WLwg

Part 4: http://www.youtube.com/janthonyroman#p/u/7/y5zY_E_Xbbo

Part 5: http://www.youtube.com/janthonyroman#p/u/6/9Y0ehuVRocg

Part 6: http://www.youtube.com/janthonyroman#p/u/1/TItC1SL6BUE

Part 7: http://www.youtube.com/janthonyroman#p/u/0/G0uoDisTmcg

RECAPS HERE:

Chapter 1-6 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lifxjnm_3_E

Chapter 7 http://www.youtube.com/janthonyroman#p/u/4/_lnJ1gqKkfU

Chapter 8-9 http://www.youtube.com/janthonyroman#p/u/3/bSyMUmv4Bjk

Chapter 10 http://www.youtube.com/janthonyroman#p/u/2/Z8ZwRtWUVoo

…Belated Apocalypse will be concluded next month at Backyart’s and the Invitational’s “XXX” event at Center Stage, NY!

bRUGAL!

Okay, so if you know me, you know my life has revolved around theater since I was a kid. I know I send out a lot of invites to things that I’m doing. So much so, it’s probably very easy to delete because there will be another coming soon. Two things: One, I plan to slow things down some after the new year. Two, this is the first time a full length I wrote is getting a full production (We have previews and everything?!!). 

If you have seen any of my work in the past, you’ll want to see this. If you haven’t seen anything I’ve worked on, and have been meaning to, please make this play the one you catch. If you have always gotten my invites and told yourself, “I’ll never go see anything he’s involved in, but I wont tell him to stop sending me invites because I’m polite”, you still want to come see this show. If not for me, than for the work Jill DeArmon is doing with the cast, and what the cast is doing with her direction.

In a nutshell, I’m proud of this play, and what everyone who is working on it is accomplishing. Real proud. And not that evil biblical pride, I’m talking real peer admiration, blood! So throw on some bell bottoms and join us in the summer of ’77!

God speed humans. 
J. Anthony Roman

Blackouts
Written by J. Anthony Roman
Directed by Jill DeArmon 

1977 and 2003. Two blackouts. Two generations of artists. One Hell’s Kitchen apartment. Unwanted legacies from the past push the destiny of future generations. Where did it all go? And what will it look like when the lights come back on?

Featuring: Zachary Fletcher, Jamie Klassel*, Lisa Snyder, and Max Woertendyke*

Stage Manager: Shannon O’Neil
Assistant Stage Manager: Adriana Rivera
Set Design: Jennifer Price
Lighting Design: Joshua Rose
Sound Design: Shane Rettig
Costume Design: Hollie Nadel
Technical Direction: Raven Solano

Producers: Jennifer Conley Darling, Amanda Feldman, Lisa Snyder
Associate Producer: Derek W. Shore

For more info on the show, visit www.swandivestudio.com

Previews: October 7, 8 at 7pm
Opening Night & Art Show Extravaganza: October 9 at 8pm (Tickets $30)
Runs: October 13, 14, 15, 19, 20, 21, 22 at 7pm October 10, 16, 17, 23, 24 at 8pm

All performances at:
Center Stage, NY
(48 W. 21st Street, 4th Floor)

Tickets: 
$18 General Admission
$15 Students / Senior (with ID)
Brown Paper Tickets 1-800-838-3006 
www.brownpapertickets.com

*=AEA

A Situation on the Moon: 3 Plays That Shine At Night by J. Anthony Roman will go up at Center Stage, NY on September 10th, 11th, and 12th at 8PM. These actors and directors have pulled this together in a very short time. Everyone is working really hard, so we would love a nice big audience to play in front of. Please come if you are available. Details below, and more info to come!

A Situation on the Moon: 3 Plays that shine at Night by J. Anthony Roman

September 10th, 11th, and 12th @ Center Stage, NY. 8pm!

Straight Men in the West Village

Directed by Deborah Wolfson

2 men speak about women and death, after hours, in a restaurant in the West Village.

Victorian Trade

Desperation plays itself out on a stoop in Flatbush Brooklyn

Last Chapter

Directed by Kristy Dodson

*This play in a companion piece to my novel Belated Apocalypse. Last Chapter takes place 6 years after the events in the novel, so… spoiler alert:

Michael and Gerald are both former drug dealers from Bushwick, NYC. Michael used his experiences to become a one hit wonder author. Gerald used his mental condition to stay out of prison. Now roommates, the situation in their apartment reach a breaking point.

All proceeds for this event go towards Center Stage, NY!

Center Stage, NY

48 West 21st Street, 4th Floor, Dial 401#

Between 5th and 6th Avenues

$10 at the door, cash only

Produced by Adriana Rivera, Adam Cohen, and J. Anthony Roman

Eat with caution...

Mikey’s Birthday: In which Mikey and Gerald visit Bedford Avenue, and things begin to unravel.

Plus more! Visit: http://backyartbrooklyn.blogspot.com/

649 Metropolitan Avenue, Brooklyn, New York (L to Lorimer or Grand)

August 29th, 2009
6:30-7:30pm
Performances Start @ 8:00pm.
Tent is up, so don’t be shook about the weather.