JUNE 24th-27th 2020
Multidisciplinary Festival, aiming to provide a stage to the different voices inside the LGBTQIA+ community, amplifying the BIPOC voice and reach a wide range of audiences from children to adults.
Aiming to support the Ali Forney Center in their mission to protect LGBTQIA+ youths of all races and ethnicities from the harms of homelessness and provide them with empowering opportunities for independent lives.
For Tickets
please click on the show name
*All tickets are donation for the ALi Forney Center
thu
jun
25th
7:00pm ET
A live heart to heart interview with Fredd E. Tree
8:00pm ET
Theatrical reading, directed by Michael R. Piazza
9:30pm ET
Cabaret by Nadav Wiesel & Piano
fri
jun
26th
6:30pm ET
Live concert with Cellist Elad Kabilio and special guests
8:00pm ET
A Pilot by Eric Ulloa.
Directed reading by Travis Greisler
9:15pm ET
A heart to heart interview with Sa’myra Amos James
sat
jun
27th
11:00am ET
By Drag Queen
Marti G. Cummings
2:00pm ET
Live Concert with Acclaimed Jazz Vocalist Tahira Clayton & pianist Addison Frei
5:00pm ET
By Drag Queen Gracie Staynes
7:30pm ET
A live heart to heart interview with L Morgan Lee, Ashton Muñiz and Ianne Fields Stewart
9:00pm ET
Live performance.
A play by Nimrod Danishman
10:00pm ET
To Dana International
by Salit
Co- production of Music-Talks, Dirty Laundry Theatre, Broadway Actor/Writer Eric Ulloa, Sis the actress, activist and Sister to the people and in association with Stonewall Inn
JUNE 24th-27th 2020
Multidisciplinary Festival, aiming to provide a stage to the different voices inside the LGBTQIA+ community, amplifying the BIPOC voice and reach a wide range of audiences from children to adults.
Aiming to support the Ali Forney Center in their mission to protect LGBTQIA+ youths of all races and ethnicities from the harms of homelessness and provide them with empowering opportunities for independent lives.
For Tickets
please click on the show name
Co- production of Dirty Laundry Theatre, Music-Talks, Broadway Actor/Writer Eric Ulloa, Sis the actress, activist and Sister to the people and in association with Stonewall Inn.
thu
jun
25th
fri
jun
26th
sat
jun
27th
7:00pm ET
A live heart to heart interview with Fredd E. Tree
8:00pm ET
Theatrical reading, directed by Michael R. Piazza
9:30pm ET
Cabaret by
Nadav Wiesel & Piano
6:30pm ET
Live concert with Cellist Elad Kabilio and special guests
8:00pm ET
A Pilot by Eric Ulloa. Directed reading by Travis Greisler
9:15pm ET
A heart to heart interview with Sa’myra Amos James
11:00am ET
By Drag Queen
Marti G. Cummings
2:00pm ET
Live Concert with Acclaimed Jazz Vocalist Tahira Clayton & pianist Addison Frei
5:00pm ET
By Drag Queen
Gracie Staynes
7:00pm ET
A live heart to heart interview with friends
9:00pm ET
Live Performance.
A play by
Nimrod Danishman.
10:00pm ET
To Dana International by Salit
Thu
25th
Living for Sis
7:00 pm
STARRING Sis, Free E. Tree
SYNOPSIS
A live heart to heart interview with Fredd E. Tree
Antonyo award nominee Sis sits down with people within her various communities and explores dreams, the good fights and the drama! So tune in and Live with/and for Sis!
Sis
Sis is an entertainer in every sense of the word. From wanting to be a Barney Kid, a Disney Channel Star, a broadway Sensation and now activist! Sis has learned the only way to be successful in this life is to always remember where you came from and lift those up around you the way you like to be lifted! Sis knows that in this life as long as the work is done with conviction, faith and dedication you can achieve anything you set your mind to!
Fredd E. Tree
Born in Brooklyn, raised in Chelsea. Worked at the famous Ninth Circle for over 20 years, Julius one of the oldest Gay bars in the village for 5 years and now back at the Stonewall Inn for 18 years. Was at the Stonewall Riots in 1969 at the age of 30. Still there at the age of 81 years young. For the 50th Anniversary I traveled to 8 countries and 5 states representing Stonewall. Received the Attitude Magazine Award in London. Belong to a few charities including The Imperial Court of New York. I intend to keep working till I …
bent
8:00 pm
DIRECTOR Michael R Piazza
SM/AD Ron Orlovsky
STARRING Arora Vardaan, Langston Darby, Felipe Joglar, Adrian Rifat, Eli Schoenfeld, Doug Shapiro, JamesTison
A new adaptation by Michael R. Piazza to Martin Sherman’s play. The play revolves the persecution of the gay community in IIWW Germany. Barely no one talks about the Lesbian and Gay community during the holocaust.
The play tells the story of Max who is torned between the will to keep his identity and the will to stay alive. In a concentration camp, he meets Horst, who confuses him even more.
Michael R Piazza (Director)
Michael is an actor, director, and theater educator based in New York City. Directing: BORDERS with Dirty Laundry Theater, One in the Chamber in Washington DC, Romeo and Juliet, The Lottery and The Fall of the City (also adaptor) for the Atlantic Acting School. He is a proud teaching artist with multiple organizations serving all five boroughs, and was an adjunct professor at The College of Mount Saint Vincent and faculty member for ten years at the Atlantic Acting School. Michael graduated with honors from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts.
Ron Orlovsky (AD/SM)
Ron is an Israeli actor, singer and director. Ron had the privilege to perform repertory theater and also numerous original works in NYC. Favorite original works: The Nose- The Musical, Tales of an Imaginary Bird, Memory of a Smile, etc. Favorite Repertory Theater: Three Sisters, Ragtime, Company, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Into the Woods and more.
Ron aspires to bring light to the similarities we all have, and celebrate the differences, through looking deep into different cultures that are filling this colorful city.
Vardaan Arora
(Wolf/Guard)
Vardaan Arora is a New Delhi born pop singer, songwriter and actor. His music has been covered by the likes of Billboard, BuzzFeed, Gay Times and more. Arora graduated from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts with a BFA in Drama. Recent credits include Netflix’s Gypsy, NBC’s Blindspot and the upcoming reboot of Constantin Film’s Wrong Turn.
Langston Darby
(Greta/Kapo)
A multifaceted performer (AEA), Langston has played roles from Shakespeare and Chekhov, new and experimental theater, to improv and sketch comedy. Langston recently made his off-Broadway debut in the Smoke & Mirrors Collaborative production of “The Black History Museum…According to the United States of America” directed by Zoey Martinson at the HERE Arts Center. Langston has trained at the Atlantic Acting School, UCB NY, and was an acting apprentice at the Walnut St. Theatre in Philadelphia, PA. “I act to breathe air and give it back again…So that any man can see I am any man.” (Carlyle Brown, “The African Company Presents Richard III”) www.langstondarby.com
Felipe Joglar
(Captain)
Felipe Joglar is a Chilean actor and designer based in NYC. Graduated of New York Film Academy (PCMT) and BA in Strategy & Graphic Design of PUC (Chile). Theatre: Ragtime and Medea (Columbia University), Merrily We Roll Along (NYFA). Regional: Beauty and The Beast and Sister Act (Millbrook Playhouse). Concerts: 54 Sings Working (Feinsteins’ 54 Below), Intersecting Chords (NYMF). Film: Kaya, A Taste of Paradise (dir. Paul Warner). Felipejoglar.com
Adrian Rifat
(Max)
Adrian Rifat is a Cuban- American actor of Lebanese descent, who’s very excited to jump back onstage with this moving project! Most recent credits include a mainstay with Ragtag Theatre Company, and a guest actor for the School of Visual Arts. Other credits include HAIR(Arizona Broadway Theatre), Seussical and Marry Me A Little(The Gallery Players). LET’S PLAY! Adrianrifat.com
Eli M Schoenfeld
(Horst)
Eli M Schoenfeld is a multidisciplinary American-Israeli award-winning actor, singer, and performance-maker. A graduate of both the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and the Nissan Nativ Acting Studio, his work has been seen on television, film, and in various live performance settings in Israel, the UK and Europe, and the US. For more info, visit www.elischoenfeld.com.
Doug Shapiro
(Uncle Freddie/Officer)
Doug Shapiro really loves breakfast. He is also an actor and his experience with that is just all over the place. Singing with a 1940’s big band that toured the country; Voicing characters for Disney; Standardized Patient and Business Role-Playing work; Narrating Audiobooks; 20 seasons acting with The Barnstormers in Tamworth, NH; Broadway stuff and Yiddish stuff; and more new musicals than you can shake a stick at. Take me to breakfast and I’ll share the details. Come visit at www.dougshapiro.com and thank you for supporting Refractions of Pride!
James Tison
(Rudy)
James studied theater at the Atlantic Theater School through NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. They’re also a stand-up comic. During non-Pandemic times they perform all over the city and have a twice-monthly show at Club Cumming.
FUNNY LITTLE HEARTBREAKS
9:00 pm
Songwriter Nadav Wiesel performs selections from “Funny Little Heartbreaks” – a tragicomic original revue of love and longing.
Nadav Wiesel
is a NY-based theater artist. As Composer-Lyricist, his works have been staged in Israel, New York and across Europe. “The Femme Fatale Show”, was premiered in London in 2010 as part of the London Fringe Festival. “The House by the Lake”, was premiered in Acco Festival and is currently touring in Europe (Schaubude Festival in Berlin, Charleville Mezier in France). Nadav’s songs are performed in cabaret venues in New York and London. Nadav was invited to perform his music at The Phoenix Theater in Arizona. Nadav is currently developing several projects for the stage and for children’s media.
Nadav is an advanced member of the BMI Musical Theater Workshop in New York and a graduate of Tel Aviv University’s Theater Arts department.
fri
26th
MusicTalks
Celebration of LGBTQ Composers
6:30pm
Live concert with Cellist Elad Kabilio and special guests
MusicTalks is proud to present a tribute concert to Gay and Lesbian composers. Cellist Elad Kabilio and special guests will share the life stories and the beautiful music of notable composers Tchaikovsky, Bernstein, Ethel Smyth and many more
About MusicTalks
MusicTalks offers uniquely personal and informal concerts featuring a wide range of musical styles performed by the finest artists in New York. MusicTalks aims to break down the barriers between musicians and audiences by infusing engaging and interactive conversation into the concert experience. Audiences will form new connections to the music and have an experience that truly makes Music Talk
BRICK BY BRICK: STONEWALL
8:00pm
A Pilot by Eric Ulloa.
DIRECTED by Travis Greisler
STARRING Robin De Jesus, Doreen Montalvo, Jay Armstrong Johnson, Julius Rubio, Daniel Reichard, Jason Veasey, Max Chernin, Sis, Samyra James, Stephen DeRosa, Danny Burgos
On a sweltering summer night in 1969, something finally snapped and the LGBTQ community physically fought back against decades of police brutality and a country where they were forced to live in the shadows. This is the story of the decade where it all began to change and the heroes who rose up and led the movement.
Eric Ulloa (Screenwriter)
Eric is a 2020 American Theatre Wing Jonathan Larson Grant Finalist and a 2020 Kleban Prize Award Finalist.Eric is the author of “26 Pebbles,” which had it’s world premiere at The Human Race Theatre Company. The play was featured in American Theatre Magazine, The NY Times and won the Kennedy Center Citizen Artist Award for 2017. “26 Pebbles” was named one of the Top Ten Plays of 2017 by Samuel French and one of the top produced plays nationally of 2018. Eric is the librettist of the musical, “Passing Through,” which had its World Premiere at Goodspeed Musicals in Summer 2019.Eric is the writing assistant to Oscar Winner Alex Dinelaris on his upcoming screen adaptation of Frank Wildhorn and Leslie Bricusse’s “Jekyll and Hyde: The Musical.” Eric is the book writer of the musical “Molly Sweeney,” based on the play by Brian Friel, which was a part of the Bay Street Theatre 2017 Festival of New Works.Eric is the author of the play “Reindeer Sessions.” On the other side of the footlights, Eric was in the Original Broadway Company of “On Your Feet: The Story of Gloria and Emilio Estefan.” Eric has appeared on The 2016 Tony Awards, The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and A Capital Fourth.
Travis Greisler (Director)
Travis is a New York City-based stage director and writer. He has been a part of the creative teams for several Broadway shows including: The Cher Show (which will launch its 1st National Tour fall ‘21), Tales of the City (with music by the Scissor Sisters), and Fully Committed (starring Jesse Tyler Ferguson). Other associate director credits include Superhero Off Broadway at Second Stage and original development of The Book of Mormon. Most recently, Travis directed Once at the Bucks County Playhouse to raves in the Wall Street Journal and created The Orion Experience, an immersive rock concert. Selected additional directing credits: Into the Woods (Northwestern & Cap21), Rocky Horror (Yale), Company, Cabaret and various immersive experiences. Travis began his career as a professional actor at the age of nine appearing on Broadway in The Who’s Tommy, Radio City’s Christmas Spectacular and the National Tours of Les Miz and Big. He continues to develop new projects while working as a teacher and private coach for actors in Manhattan. For more information please visit travisgreisler.com.
EUGENIO CONTENTI
(assistant director)
Eugenio is a Director/Choreographer based in New York City. He is thrilled to work again with Travis Griesler, after associating him and choreographer Misha Shields on the acclaimed production of ONCE at Bucks County Playhouse. Directing and/or choreographing credits include: The Pin-Up Girls (Casa Mañana), The Full Monty (Argyle Theatre), Joseph and the…, Carrie, Rent, Alice in Wonderland. Assistant/Associate Director and/or Choreographer credits include: Cabaret (dir. E.Pappas, Chore. S.Brians), Lulu (M. Arden), Sister Act, Hunchback of Notte Dame, DuBarry Was a Lady (Off-Broadway), Rent, Pinocchio (NYC, Seoul, Italy), and several Italian National Tours. Eugenio has also directed and choreographed numerous Graduation Musicals at The American Musical and Dramatic Academy, where he is also a member of the Musical Theatre Faculty. Eugenio will be choreographing the upcoming production of Kinky Boots at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina. IG: @eugeniocontenti
Joanne Au (Stage Manager)
Joanne is an international Dancer and Stage Manager. She toured with Yip’s Children’s Choir as a performer in South Africa and Brazil at the age of 11. She took part in the Guinness World Records: “The Largest Drum Ensemble” in 2007, at the Hong Kong Coliseum as a performer. She studied Drama and Environmental Studies at New York University. Afterwards, she continues her performing arts journey as a stage manager with various theatre companies such as Meta-Phys Ed., Bated Breath Theatre Company, and Dirty Laundry Theatre.
Robin De Jesus
(Rafael Jimenez)
Robin De Jesús is a three-time Tony Award nominated actor. He received his first major role in the cult-classic, 2003 film CAMP. Since then, he has gone on to perform in various Broadway productions, including RENT, IN THE HEIGHTS (for which he received his first Tony nomination for Best Featured Actor in a Musical), LA CAGE AUX FOLLES (his second nomination), WICKED, and THE BOYS IN THE BAND (for which he just received his third nomination).
His additional theater credits include the Paper Mill Playhouse’s productions of GREASE and GODSPELL, the Shakespeare Theatre of NJ’s production of A VERY OLD MAN WITH ENORMOUS WINGS, the St. Louis Muny production as the title character in ALADDIN, and the off-Broadway productions of MALPRACTICE MAKES PERFECT, ZORBA MUSICALS IN MUFTI, PATTI ISSUES, DOMESTICATED, and HOMOS OR EVERYONE IN AMERICA.
Robin can also be seen in various feature films and television projects, such as GUN HILL ROAD (2011), HAIR BRAINED (2013), HOW TO MAKE IT IN AMERICA (2010) and in the recurring role of “Jose Silva” on LAW & ORDER: SVU. He will next be seen in the Ryan Murphy-produced Netflix film version of THE BOYS IN THE BAND, reprising his Tony award nominated role.
Doreen Montalvo
(Zoraida Jimenez/Elderly Lady)
Doreen is thrilled to be performing at this pride festival! Dedicating this to my brother Jose Enrique who died of aids in 1987.
Doreen was last seen before the pandemic playing Janet Lundy in the new musical Mrs. Doubtfire. She was also an original cast member of “On Your Feet”playing Gloria Fajardo, and as the original bolero singer in
“In The Heights” 2007 Drama Desk award. Film/tv: Madame Secretary, Law and Order, Alternatino, and will be seen in the upcoming West Side Story film, and as the bolero singer/neighbor in “In THe Heights.
Jay Armstrong Johnson
(Craig Rodwell)
Broadway: On the Town, Hands on a Hardbody, Catch Me If You Can, Hair, Phantom of the Opera. Off Broadway/New York credits: Scotland, PA (Drama Desk, Lucille Lortel nominations, and Outer Critics Circle Award honoree), Darling Grenadine (Roundabout), A Chorus Line (City Center), Candide (NYCO), Sweeney Todd (NY Philharmonic), The Most Happy Fella (Encores!), Terrence McNally’s Fire and Air (CSC), The Mad Ones, Working (Prospect Theater Co, Drama Desk Award), Wild Animals You Should Know (MCC), 35mm: A Musical Exhibition. Concert: Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Kennedy Center, Hollywood Bowl. TV/Film: QUANTICO, Sex & the City 2, Law & Order: SVU. Album: Jay Armstrong Johnson LIVE at Feinstein’s 54 Below (available on iTunes and broadway records.com). @Jay_A_Johnson
JULIUS ANTHONY RUBIO
(Rene Vargas)
A Dominican native and a New World School of Arts/Dance Attack Miami graduate. You can see Julius in the new Steven Spielberg 2020 remake of ‘West Side Story’ playing QUIQUE this December. Some other credits include Broadway: FROZEN, Escape To Margaritaville, On Your Feet!, Finding Neverland, Wonderland, Come
Fly Away (Natl. Tour), Kylie Minogue, MTV, The Greatest Showman, Radio City. Big thanks to my family, God and my mom watching down from above. TY for letting me dream big, ILYM.
Daniel Reichard
(Dick Leitsch)
Daniel is best known for his acclaimed performance as Bob Gaudio in the Original Broadway Cast of the Tony and Grammy Award-winning musical, JERSEY BOYS, and is featured on the show’s multi-platinum album. Starring roles in New York City and beyond include his portrayals of Candide in Bernstein’s CANDIDE at the New York City Opera, Emmet in Jim Henson’s EMMET OTTER’S JUGBAND CHRISTMAS, and multiple characters in the world-famous musical revue, FORBIDDEN BROADWAY. Over the past decade Reichard has toured the world with his fellow JERSEY BOYS co-stars as a founding member of the vocal group, The Midtown Men. Together, they have played over 1,000 concerts. As a concert singer, Reichard has guest soloed with 35 major symphonies and has enjoyed sold-out engagements in New York City’s most prestigious venues including Lincoln Center, Birdland Jazz Club, and Feinstein’s/54 Below. His Christmas album, “Under the Mistletoe,” can be found on iTunes.
Jason Veasey
(Businessman 1 /Fat Tony/ Shop Owner/ NY Times Reporter)
Jason is happy to be in the number!!! Broadway:The Lion King. Off Broadway: A Strange Loop, For The Last Time, Popesical. Many regional credits. Tv/film: American Gangster, Chicago Fire, High Maintenance, Dash and Lily. Thanks to the crew at Nicolosi and Co. And as always DVSV
Max Chernin
(Randy Wicker/ BusinessMan 1/ Police Officer)
Broadway: Bright Star, Sunday In The Park With George. Off-Broadway: Brooklynite (Vineyard Theatre), The Golden Apple (City Center Encores!), Bernstein’s Mass (Lincoln Center), Skittles Commercial: The Musical. Regional: Passing Through (Goodspeed), Daddy Long Legs (Theatre Raleigh) Bright Star (Old Globe, Kennedy Center, Center Theatre Group) TV/Film: “Mozart In The Jungle”, “The Family” and Adam Sandler’s The Week Of. He debuted his solo show, The Color Ginger at 54 Below in 2016. Upcoming: “Dickinson” Season 2. www.maxchernin.com
Sa’myra Amos James
( Sylvia Rivera/ Female Bartender/ Maid )
Also known to some as Amòs is a NYC trans actress/activist. Before acting she was a dedicated counselor/educator at several non-profit organizations, guiding and inspiring our youth. At the time she had partnered with a non-profit agency called G.A.P, where she filmed/directed and starred on her first PSA for lgbtq youth and youth of color. From then on her interest in film had expanded. Sa’myra is recognized for her appearances on shows like Pose, Law and order SVU, Mr. & Mrs. Jackson, Bring on the moves) LogoTV and much more. She’s also been featured in campaigns for the city, and on social platforms. Sa’myra, continues to break barriers as a reaccuring character on shows like SVU, telling stories of transwomen through a first person lense, all while continuing to bring awareness to the lack of trans talent in the industry
Sis
(Marsha P. Johnson/ Female Receptionist/ Woman (city council meeting))
Sis is an entertainer in every sense of the word. Years of dreaming has taken her from wanting to be a Barney Kid, a Disney Channel Star, and a Broadway Sensation this has all brought her to this moment with those dreams still in tow, Now Sis is shifting her focus to Activism! Sis has learned the only way to be successful in this life is to always remember where you came from and lift those up around you the way you like to be lifted! Sis knows that in this life as long as the work is done with conviction, faith and dedication you can achieve anything you set your mine to! Special shoutout to my continuous supporters- The Link Program and My agents at CGF Talent!
Stephen DeRosa
(Bob Kohler/Businessman 2/ Older Policeman/ Julius' Manager/ Julian Hodges/ Inspector Garelick)
Broadway: Gary: A Sequel, On the Town, Betrayal, The Nance, Hairspray, Twentieth Century, Henry IV, Into the Woods, The Man Who Came to Dinner. Off-Broadway: Little Shop of Horrors, The Government Inspector, These Paper Bullets!, Love’s Fire,The Mystery of Irma Vep. Regional: Paper Mill Playhouse, Arena Stage, George Street Playhouse, Yale Rep. Film/TV: Blue Bloods, The Blacklist, HBO’s Boardwalk Empire (Eddie Cantor). MFA: Yale Drama.
Danny Burgos
(Young Blonde Man/ Construction Worker/ Counter Guy/ Mafia Guy (at bar) / John Timmons)
Broadway: ON YOUR FEET! (Emilio Standby); Tour: The Band’s Visit (1st Nat’l), ON YOUR FEET! (1st Nat’l); Regional: Bhangin’ It (La Jolla), In The Heights (ZACH, Lyric OKC, Fulton).
Living for Sis
9:15pm
A heart to heart interview with Sa’myra Amos James
Antonyo award nominee Sis sits down with people within her various communities and explores dreams, the good fights and the drama! So tune in and Live with/and for Sis!
sis
Sis is an entertainer in every sense of the word. From wanting to be a Barney Kid, a Disney Channel Star, a broadway Sensation and now activist! Sis has learned the only way to be successful in this life is to always remember where you came from and lift those up around you the way you like to be lifted! Sis knows that in this life as long as the work is done with conviction, faith and dedication you can achieve anything you set your mind to!
Sa’myra Amos James
Also known to some as Amòs is a NYC trans actress/activist. Before acting she was a dedicated counselor/educator at several non-profit organizations, guiding and inspiring our youth. At the time she had partnered with a non-profit agency called G.A.P, where she filmed/directed and starred on her first PSA for lgbtq youth and youth of color. From then on her interest in film had expanded. Sa’myra is recognized for her appearances on shows like Pose, Law and order SVU, Mr. & Mrs. Jackson, Bring on the moves) LogoTV and much more. She’s also been featured in campaigns for the city, and on social platforms. Sa’myra, continues to break barriers as a reaccuring character on shows like SVU, telling stories of transwomen through a first person lense, all while continuing to bring awareness to the lack of trans talent in the industry
sat
27th
Kids Storytime-
Marlon Bundo
11:00am
By Drag Queen Marti G. Cummings
This Kids Storytime is designed to teach kids about gender diversity, empathy and create great accessibility to all forms of diversity in a creative way.
Drag Queen Marti G. Cummings
The Artist & Activist: A Tribute to Nina Simone
2:00pm
STARRING Tahira Clayton
Join MusicTalks and acclaimed Jazz Vocalist Tahira Clayton in a special concert celebrating the life, activism and music of the great Nina Simone. Along with with award-winning pianist Addison Frei, Ms. Clayton will explore songs Nina Simone made famous, such as Feeling Good and Ain’t Got Know, and will also highlight the groundbreaking contribution of Nina Simone to the civil rights movement using her art for activism and honoring the black diaspora with songs such as Mississippi Goddamn and To Be Young, Gifted, and Black
Tahira Clayton
Kids Storytime-
Room for Rent
5:00pm
By Drag Queen Gracie Staynes
This Kids Storytime is designed to teach kids about gender diversity, empathy and create great accessibility to all forms of diversity in a creative way.
Drag Queen Gracie Staynes
Gracie Staynes is a British drag queen based in New York City! The hostess with the mostess, Miss Gracie Staynes has performed in and hosted events in both New York and Pennsylvania. Gracie is brought to life by actor and drag performer Luke Antony Neville, who has performed in drag as Vida Boheme in the original workshop of the musical adaptation of To Wong Foo and in the upcoming film “Real Drag”
Living for Sis and co-host Eva Leonard
7:00pm
A live heart to heart interview with L Morgan Lee , Ashton Muñiz and Ianne Fields Stewart
Antonyo award nominee Sis sits down with people within her various communities and explores dreams, the good fights and the drama! So tune in and Live with/and for Sis!
sis
Sis is an entertainer in every sense of the word. From wanting to be a Barney Kid, a Disney Channel Star, a broadway Sensation and now activist! Sis has learned the only way to be successful in this life is to always remember where you came from and lift those up around you the way you like to be lifted! Sis knows that in this life as long as the work is done with conviction, faith and dedication you can achieve anything you set your mind to!
Eva Leonard (Co-Host)
is an educator and activist from Houston, Texas and is the co-founder of The Next Generation Project. She advocates for the due freedom and justice for all marginalized people, specifically Black, indigenous, and LGBTQ+ folks. Eva is currently seeking her masters degree in Student Affairs to help BIPOC and LGBTQ+ students navigate their college experience.
L Morgan Lee
L Morgan Lee is a NYC based actress last seen in the Pulitzer Prize winning musical, A Strange Loop, where she received a Lucille Lortel Award nomination for Outstanding Featured Actress in a musical.
Ashton Muñiz
Ashton Muñiz is a genderqueer, actor, artist and activist based in Brooklyn, NY whose hope is to instill joy through embracing reality.
Ianne Fields Stewart
Ianne Fields Stewart (pronouns: she/her/they/them <https://uwm.edu/lgbtrc/support/gender-pronouns/>) is a black, queer, and transfeminine New York-based storyteller working at the intersection of theatre and activism.
BORDERS
9:00pm
Live Performance.
A play by Nimrod Danishman
DIRECTED by Michael R Piazza
STARRING Eli M Schoenfeld, Adrian Rifat
“Looking for now?”
What divides or connects two people who meet online? The virtual fantasy, the distance, the foreignness, the border?
Boaz and George meet on Grindr. They are attracted to one another instantly and want to meet in person, but something prevents them from doing so. One lives in Israel, the other- in Lebanon.
Is it just the physical border that keeps them apart? Would their virtual relationship survive in the real world?
Recommended by TImeOutNYC as ‘Best Theatre to stream online’- Dirty Laundry theatre presents a unique virtual experience of LIVE theatre performance intertwined with layers of designed visuals, creating a new and exciting form of live performance, specifically designed for your home screen format.
Michael R Piazza (Director)
Michael is an actor, director, and theater educator based in New York City. Directing: BORDERS with Dirty Laundry Theater, One in the Chamber in Washington DC, Romeo and Juliet, The Lottery and The Fall of the City (also adaptor) for the Atlantic Acting School. He is a proud teaching artist with multiple organizations serving all five boroughs, and was an adjunct professor at The College of Mount Saint Vincent and faculty member for ten years at the Atlantic Acting School. Michael graduated with honors from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts.
Ron Orlovsky
(Assistant Director)
Ron is an Israeli actor, singer and director. Ron had the privilege to perform repertory theater and also numerous original works in NYC. Favorite original works: The Nose- The Musical, Tales of an Imaginary Bird, Memory of a Smile, etc. Favorite Repertory Theater: Three Sisters, Ragtime, Company, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Into the Woods and more.
Ron aspires to bring light to the similarities we all have, and celebrate the differences, through looking deep into different cultures that are filling this colorful city.
Joanne Au (Stage manager)
Joanne is an international Dancer and Stage Manager. She toured with Yip’s Children’s Choir as a performer in South Africa and Brazil at the age of 11. She took part in the Guinness World Records: “The Largest Drum Ensemble” in 2007, at the Hong Kong Coliseum as a performer. She studied Drama and Environmental Studies at New York University. Afterwards, she continues her performing arts journey as a stage manager with various theatre companies such as Meta-Phys Ed., Bated Breath Theatre Company, and Dirty Laundry Theatre.
Eli schoenfeld
(Boaz)
Eli M Schoenfeld is a multidisciplinary American-Israeli award-winning actor, singer, and performance-maker. A graduate of both the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and the Nissan Nativ Acting Studio, his work has been seen on television, film, and in various live performance settings in Israel, the UK and Europe, and the US. For more info, visit www.elischoenfeld.com.
Adrian Rifat
(George)
Adrian Rifat is a Cuban- American actor of Lebanese descent, who’s very excited to jump back onstage with this moving project! Most recent credits include a mainstay with Ragtag Theatre Company, and a guest actor for the School of Visual Arts. Other credits include HAIR(Arizona Broadway Theatre), Seussical and Marry Me A Little(The Gallery Players). LET’S PLAY! Adrianrifat.com
Belly Dance
to Dana International by Salit
10:00pm
Professional Belly Dancer Salit presents an exciting and upbeat Belly dancing performance set to music by acclaimed Israeli pop singer Dana International. Following her international breakthrough as the first transgender woman to win the Eurovision Song Contest in 1998, Dana International became a recognized pop icon as she promotes the message of freedom, liberation, fun and love through the language of her music, which varies from dance and house dance floor tracks to pop and ballads. In this piece, Salit seeks to combine the traditional Middle Eastern flavor mixed with 90’s style pop.
salit
Salit is a professional bellydancer, choreographer and instructor based in New York city, and the founder of SH.E.B.A (the Sisterhood of Eclectic Bellydance Art)- a place to learn bellydance in a welcoming environment, focusing on female empowerment, positive body image and fun!
She holds two certificates of Oriental Dance instruction and is a member of the folkloric troupe “Afrah Events”. She has 15 years of training and experience in performing, teaching and producing shows.
Salit brings passion, musicality and a unique flavor to the stage and to her classes.
Refraction of Pride is a co- production of Dirty Laundry Theatre, Music-Talks, Broadway Actor/Writer Eric Ulloa, Sis the actress, activist and Sister to the people and in association with Stonewall Inn.