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Sunday, January 30, 2011

Greek Music and Belly Dancing @ Athenian Corner Restaurant

Last night, my friend and I went to the Athenian Corner Restaurant for their event featuring Greek music and belly dancing. It took us almost an hour to get there because we got lost and almost ended up in Tewksbury twice. Finally, after stopping at a Hannaford supermarket, we finally got directions to the elusive Market St.

(Picture of sign outside.) We were seated around quarter of eight. The band was still setting up for the night. The lights were kept low and each of the small tables had a candle and living daisies. It was very busy, since it was a Saturday night, and all of the tables were very close together. Even in this tight space, the restaurant did not feel claustrophobic. There was also two blue glasses on every table. These glasses were used for ice water, which the waitress continuously filled throughout the night.

(Picture of Freddie Elias and the drummer for the band.) Before the band was set up yet, Freddie Elias, the resident violinist, played a "Happy Birthday" tune for one of the customers. Elias was having a lot of fun, throughout the night, between customers, his fellow band mates and the belly dancer.

As you can see in the pictures, the back wall is completely blue. Behind the wall, hides the kitchens. The wall is decorated in white with Greek patterns and the restaurants symbol of Athena, the virgin goddess of wisdom and war. This same blue is reflected in the waiters and waitresses uniform.

We ordered our food not long after arriving. I ordered the Chicken Souvlaki Sandwich with Egg-Lemon soup and rice pilaf. My friend was not very hungry and just ordered the Egg-Lemon soup. The soup arrived quickly with four slices of fresh bread and butter. While having our soup, we ordered the Greek Kiss. This is a strong shot that is a specialty of the Athenian Corner. It did not knock me on the floor, but it did clear out the sinuses.

Not long after finishing our soups, the waitress cleared the table and brought my sandwich and rice pilaf. The rice was completely cooked and covered in a sauce similar to marinara. The combination was shockingly amazing. The sandwich was a large piece of grilled chicken wrapped with a large piece of Syrian bread. The Tzatziki sauce was very sweet compared to the onions and tomatoes.

(Picture of Zameena in her dance.) After finishing my sandwich and ordering humus and pita bread, the belly dancer made her appearance. Her name is Zameena. On Friday and Saturday nights, the restaurant features their more talented belly dancers. Zameena was, in fact, very talented. She came out in a twirl of gold, smelling of a very wonderful flowery perfume. She had finger cymbals that she used to repeat the same beat (no matter what the band was playing). This beat never counteracted the songs she danced to, however. She wore a golden shawl over her shoulder that she used in her dance and later removed.

(Picture of the Freddie Elias Ensemble performing.) During one song, Zameena was accompanied only by the drum, Elias watched with a grin as her hips moved in small, fast gestures. During her last song of the night, Zameena danced around the restaurant, collecting tips. Since she had the finger cymbals, she was unable to hold the money in her hands. Instead, the patrons of the restaurant slipped them into the straps of her tops and some even into the waist of her skirt. She kept a positive and charming smile on the entire time she danced. With a flurry at the end of the song, she ran out of the restaurant and up the stairs to where she had been hiding previously.

At the end of the night, my friend and I left very satisfied. The food was delicious and filling. The atmosphere was friendly and inviting. The waitress was very nice and fast. Above all, the tables were cleared and cleaned almost as soon as patrons left.

For more events and further information on the restaurant, visit www.atheniancorner.com.

By the newest intern to Lowell Handmade, Melanie M. Benefield.

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Upcoming Events in Greater Lowell, January 26

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"What I am seeking is not the real and not the unreal but rather the unconscious, the mystery of the instinctive in the human race."

- Amedeo Modigliani

Get ready for Lowell Winterfest 2011

Don't miss Lowell Winterfest on Friday, Feb. 4 and Saturday, Feb. 5! Events include live musical entertainment, the Human Dogsled Competition, a Husky Dog Demonstration, a soup competition, downtown sleigh rides, and kids activities!
More information:
www.lowellwinterfest.org

The Flip with Clara Berry, January 28

Popular local band The Flip celebrate the release of their new CD which was recorded at The Space. Hear them live at The Space along with Clara Berry, Jan. 28, 7:30pm. $5 at the door, cash bar.
More Information: www.inthespace.net and www.myspace.com/thefliponmyspace.

"American Tapestry Biennial 8" at the ATHM

The American Textile History Museum's special new exhibition features 64 tapestries created by 54 artists from 12 countries. A true reflection of the breadth of contemporary tapestry weaving, the pieces are as diverse as the artists who created them. On display through May 1.
More Information:
www.athm.org

Lowell Celebrates Printmaking, February 3

Jan Arabas
Jan Arabas

The City of Lowell celebrates printmaking in conjunction with the Boston Printmakers Biennial 2011. Opening on Thurs., Feb. 3, four galleries will demonstrate the diverse approaches taken by printmakers in producing their unique work. Opening reception Sat., Feb. 26.
More Information: www.thebrush.org

Be "Inspired" at the ALL Arts Gallery

Arts League of Lowell artists exhibit their work next to the source of their inspiration, be it an image, a poem or a found object. Exhibit runs through Feb. 27 at the new ALL Gallery at 22 Shattuck Street.
More Information: www.artsleagueoflowell.com or 978-441-ARTS (2787)

All-You-Can-Eat chocolate PLUS "Chocolat," February 12

Beat the winter blues at the Brush Art Gallery's upcoming fundraiser, Sat., Feb. 12, featuring an all-you-can-eat chocolate tasting PLUS a screening of the award-winning film Chocolat with Johnny Depp & Juliette Binoche. Tickets just $10/per person.
More Information: Click here for complete details

Taste the best desserts in the Merrimack Valley at "Sweet Indulgence," February 5

  Billy Costa

Billy Costa

Join Billy Costa from Kiss 108FM and TV Diner for "An Evening of Sweet Indulgence" at the UMASS Lowell Conference Center, 50 Warren Street, downtown Lowell. This dessert tasting event includes dancing with DB the DJ, a cash bar, and silent and live auctions.
More information: www.sweetindulgence.info

Lowell artist Eyeformation completes commissioned work in Boston

Congratulations to Lowell artist Eyeformation who recently completed a commissioned painting in Boston's Franciscan Hospital for Children. Click here to view the piece, titled "Characters and Happy Elements," which brightened the hallways of the hospital.
More information: Visit Eyeformation at
www.eyeformation.net

Winterfest Movie - "Eight Below," February 5

While enjoying the sights and sounds of Lowell's Annual Winterfest, come out of the cold and warm up with Disney's 2006 family film "Eight Below," based on the true story of a sled-dog team in the frozen wilds of Antarctica! Pollard Memorial Library, Sat. Feb. 5 at 1pm. Free admission.
More Information: www.pollardml.org

"Form, Transform: Etchings and Collagraphs" by Michal Truelsen
In "Form,Transform," Michal Truelsen looks at the way geology and humanity transform each other over time. Exhibit runs Feb. 6-Mar. 5. Artist's Reception on Feb. 26, 4-6pm. Part of Lowell Celebrates Printmaking in conjunction with the Boston Printmakers Biennial.
More Information: www.119gallery.org
On exhibit at University Gallery at UMass Lowell
Upper Lower Open Close: The Experimental Typography of Andrew Byrom, runs Jan. 24 - Feb. 18. Artist talk and reception, Jan. 26, 3-5pm. UMass Lowell McGauvran Student Center, 71 Wilder Street.
More information: www.uml.edu/Dept/Art/galleries

Family-friendly events hosted by Lowell Parks & Conservation Trust

Explore the outdoors with Lowell Parks & Conservation Trust at two great upcoming events perfect for all ages: Family Nature Walk (Feb. 24) and Maple Sugaring: From Sap to Syrup (Feb. 26). Space is limited for both events, RSVP's requested.
More information: Visit the LP&CT calendar of events

World premiere of "The Exceptionals" at MRT, February 10

Two mothers from very different backgrounds struggle with tough decisions about the futures of their uniquely gifted children in "The Exceptionals," a world premiere drama by Bob Clyman. Merrimack Repertory Theatre, Feb. 10 - Mar. 6.
More Information:
www.merrimackrep.org

An evening of "Mexican Chocolate Traditions," February 12

Indulge your sweet tooth and learn about the amazing Mexican tradition of roasting, grinding, and cooking with chocolate made from stone-ground cacao beans! Special guests: Taza Chocolate and owners of Mr. Jalapeno Restaurant, Ricardo & Maria Candiani. Lowell National Park Visitor Center, Feb. 12 at 4pm. Free admission.
More information: Click here for details

Merrimack Valley Dream Factory hosts charity, February 12

The Merrimack Valley Dream Factory hosts an Art Extravaganza featuring an Amazing Hero Art performance by Rob Surette and art auction. Tickets are $20/adults, $10/children. Special promo: mention COOL when purchasing/ordering tickets and receive $5 off the ticket price!
More information: Amy Young, 978-257-5718 or
www.dreamfactoryincmer.org

Discover Lowell's "Hidden History" in January

Lowell National Historical Park presents Lowell's Hidden History free programs every weekend in January at 2:30pm. Programs include "Farm to Factory," "Immigration Stories," "Mill Girls & Immigrants," and "Lowell: American's Early Water Laboratory."
More Information: www.nps.gov/lowe or 978-970-5000

Drawing and collage workshop, February 5 and 6

Jump-start your drawing and deepen your collage work. Work will be experimental in nature and focused on a wide use of materials. $200 course fee, including $50 registration fee. Send payments to: Kathleen Cammarata,181 Market St. #14, Lowell MA 01852. Email cammarata@me.com to reserve a space.
More Information: Kathleen Cammerata, 978-458-3788

Upcoming events at Ayer Lofts Gallery

Ayer Lofts Gallery presents: "Elusive Illumination: The Encaustic Monotype" (Feb. 12 - Mar. 5), reception for the Boston Printmakers Biennial (Feb. 26), and a demonstration of Encaustic Printmaking (Mar. 5). Ayer Lofts Gallery, 172 Middle Street, Lowell.
More information: www.ayerlofts.com

Creative Enhancement Group workshop, February 19

Jean Winslow
Jean Winslow

Explore your possibilities and honor the rich stories that make you unique. Use art, drama, visualization, and mindfulness practices to expand the scope and depth of personal creativity. Sat. Feb. 19, 9am-1pm, Merrimack Repertory Theater Rehearsal Hall, Bagshaw Mills, Warren St., Lowell. $50 per person.
More Information: Jean Winslow, jeanwinslow@msn.com

Steve O'Connor book launch party, February 20

Join writer Steve O’Connor for the launch party of his new novel “The Spy in the City of Books" on Sun. Feb. 20, 2pm. Free event, all are welcome! Athenian Corner Restaurant, 207 Market Street, Lowell.
More information: Steve O'Connor, osocon@aol.com

Calls to artists

Massachusetts Artists 2011
Contemporary Work by the Artists of Massachusetts provides an overview of work by artists who live in Massachusetts. This show, the fourth biennial organized by the Brush Gallery, will run from Mar. 20 to April 29, 2011. Deadline: Feb. 4, 4pm. Eligibility: Artists who are residents of Massachusetts may submit 2-dimensional or 3-dimensional work, including paintings, drawings, photographs, monoprints, mixed-media and sculpture. No video, crafts, or installations accepted.
Apply for Entry:
http://www.thebrush.org/massArtistsApp2011V1.html


Call for submissions for "Take Back the Night" promo flyer
Take Back the Night is an event for the men and women of our community to join together to voice our right to feel safe in our neighborhoods. The committee seeks submissions for flyer designs (8 1/2 x 11) to advertise this year's event in Lowell. Deadline is Mar. 7.
More information: Stephanie Bucholz, stephaniebu@lchealth or 978-322-8535


LCHC seeks Expressive Arts Specialist/Case Manager
Lowell Community Health Center (LCHC) Teen Coalition seeks a full-time expressive arts specialist/case manager to provide recruitment, facilitation, training, program delivery, and counseling to youth participants. Position will have a focus on services to older youth from the ages of 16-20 and requires a background or knowledge of project coordination in expressive arts and multimedia. For details, contact Linda Sou, Director - LCHC Teen Coalition, at lindaso@lchealth.org or 978-322-8521

About the COOL Cultural E-newsletter

The COOL Cultural E-newsletter is emailed every week by the Cultural Organization of Lowell (COOL) in conjunction with the Lowell Cultural Roundtable. News items for consideration may be sent to scromwell@lowellma.gov. Please limit description to no more than two lines of text and include full contact information and URL if applicable.

Deadlines: To insure your posting is in the coming week's e-blast, we must receive it by the previous Friday.

To subscribe, send an email to scromwell@lowellma.gov with the subject line, "Please subscribe to COOL e-blast."

To unsubscribe, scroll down to the bottom of this e-newsletter and use the "SecureUnsubscribe" link.

If there is an upcoming event that you would like to put on the COOL calendar (www.cultureiscool.org), email LZ Nunn at LZNunn@lowellma.gov to obtain a password.


Links to our cultural community:

Lowell Memorial Auditorium, http://www.lowellauditorium.com/eventlistings.aspx

Merrimack Repertory Theatre, www.merrimackrep.org

The Bridge Review: Merrimack Valley Culture, http://ecommunity.uml.edu/bridge/

Website for Lowell artists, www.lowellisart.com

Art community chronicle, www.vyumagazine.com

Arts League of Lowell, www.artsleagueoflowell.org

Western Avenue Studios, www.westernavenuestudios.com

Ayer Lofts, www.Ayerlofts.com

The Brush Art Gallery and Studios, www.thebrush.org

The Image Theater, www.imagetheater.com

Whistler House Museum of Art, www.whistlerhouse.org

American Textile History Museum, www.athm.org

119 Gallery, www.119gallery.org

Lowell Folk Festival, www.lowellfolkfestival.org

Moses Greeley Parker Lectures, http://ecommunity.uml.edu/parkerlectures/parkersite.html

For a fuller listing of links see the COOL website, www.cultureiscool.org

 
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Final Week of "Tryst" - Announcing the Cast of "The Exceptionals"

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Tryst Final Weekend/Exceptionals

RAVE REVIEWS FOR "TRYST" - FINAL WEEKEND - MUST END JANUARY 30
"THE EXCEPTIONALS" BEGINS PREVIEWS FEBRUARY 10

MRT CHARITY WINE TASTING

March 15th, 6:00pm-8:30pm

Tickets On Sale Now!

  

The Friends of MRT invite you to join us for a Wine Tasting, with selections by Tutto Bene, at our artist and rehearsal facilities at the Richard K. and Nancy L. Donahue Center at Bagshaw Mills on Tuesday, March 15, 2011, 6:00pm - 8:30pm.  Tutto Bene will select their top wines from a collection of 500 Old World and New World favorites. The fundraiser will be hosted at MRT's rehearsal and artist housing facilities, allowing you to go "backstage" while increasing your knowledge of wine in a casual, social environment. Light hors d'oeuvres will be served. Tickets are $45 per person.

 

Purchase Tickets Online Now

TRYST
by Karoline Leach
 Final Week!

A Provocative Romantic Thriller

Down on his luck con-man George Love has just identified his next victim, a plain shopgirl named Adelaide Pinchin. His plan is simple: convince her to marry him in secret, whisk her away on a romantic honeymoon, and then the next day, run off with all her money. But what happens when things don't go according to plans and the con-man meets his match? Find out in Tryst, playing at Merrimack Repertory Theatre thru January 30. Tryst is a provocative and suspenseful drama of love and betrayal.  The play contains adult content, sexual situations and nudity, and is recommended for mature audiences.   
 
 

Post Show Discussions Every Thursday Sponsored by Yellowbook


PERFORMANCE TIMES

Availability Key:
Good - Limited - Very Limited

January 26 at 7:30pm

January 27 at 7:30pm

January 28 at 8:00pm
January 29 at 4:00pm

January 29 at 8:00pm

January 30 at 2:00pm

  
 
Purchase Tickets Online Now!


Read The Press Release

2010 ANNUAL REPORT

Company Operates For Fifth Consecutive Year "In The Black" 

 

Merrimack Rep has released its Annual Report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2010.  The report highlights the organization's artistic and financial accomplishments for the 2009-2010 Season.  The report is available to the public on the "About MRT" page of the Theatre's website, or simply click here.

 

Highlights of the report and the 2009-10 Season include:

  •  A "Best Production" nomination for The Seafarer by the Independent Reviewers of New England
  •  Continuing commitment to the development of new American plays with the world premiere of The Last Days of Mickey & Jean by Massachusetts native Richard Dresser
  • An operating surplus for the fifth consecutive season, allowing MRT to reduce its long-term debt and strengthen working capital
  • Expansion of the production season to seven productions and 191 performances for an audience of 40,233
  • 42% of the theatre's revenue coming from donations and contributions from individuals, foundations, corporations and government agencies, helping to keep the theatre accessible and affordable to all


For Merrimack Repertory Theatre, and many other American theatre companies, the 2009-2010 Season marked the deepest point in the recession.  MRT's dedicated and professional staff and leadership worked closely with the Board of Trustees to address projected declines in charitable giving and to develop creative and innovative ways to reduce the Company's operating budget by approximately 20% while maintaining, and in some cases expanding, MRT's core programming and commitment to quality.  Despite the tremendous pressure the economy placed on MRT during the 2009-2010 Season, the Company was well prepared to address the fiscal challenges and successfully operated in the black for the fifth consecutive year.  While MRT is now in the midst of the 2010-11 Season, plans are well underway for 2011-2012, the Company's 33rd season of serving the Greater Merrimack Valley.  The 2011-2012 Season will be announced in April. 

 

Merrimack Repertory Theatre's 2009-2010 season was sponsored by Lowell Cooperative Bank.  Merrimack Repertory Theatre is funded in part by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.


Thank you to everyone that made Merrimack Rep's 2009-2010 season a success!

 SPECIAL EVENT NIGHTS FOR 

THE EXCEPTIONALS

 
Take advantage of one of our many special events for The Exceptionals.
 

Pay What You Can Night 

February 10 at 7:30pm

Patrons may purchase tickets in cash at the Box Office between 4:30PM-7:30PM and name their ticket price.  Following the performance, there will also be a Director's Dialogue, where the director and designers field audience questions and describe how the play was staged.

 

Lowell Night 

February 12 at 8pm

Lowell residents may purchase tickets for $10 at the box office from 5PM-8PM. Proper ID required.


Cookie Matinee

February 16 at 2pm

Patrons enjoy complimentary cookies and coffee in the lobby before the show, courtesy of Brew'd Awakening Coffeehaus.

 

Post Show Forums

 February 17 at 7:30pm

February 24 at 7:30pm

March 3 at 7:30pm

Audiences can stay after the performance to learn the inside scoop and chat with the actors. Sponsored by Yellowbook.

$5 OFFOrder tickets to Merrimack Rep's upcoming world premiere of The Exceptionals by Bob Clyman online at www.MerrimackRep.org by February 10th and save $5 off each full priced adult ticket.

Enter the promo code: EXC5OFF at checkout. Promo code is case sensitive.

Offer Expires: 2/10/11. Cannot be combined with any other discount.

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ANNOUNCING THE CAST OF THE EXCEPTIONALS


The all-Equity cast of The Exceptionals features Carolyn Baeumler as Gwen, Judith Lightfoot Clarke as Claire, Catherine Eaton as Allie and Joseph Tisa as Tom.  Catherine Eaton, Carolyn Baeumler and Joseph Tisa all make their MRT debuts, while Judith Lightfoot Clarke returns for her fourth time, having previously appeared in The Homecoming, Boston Marriage and Three Days of Rain.  The creative team for The Exceptionals includes Charles Towers (director), Judy Gailen (set design), Brian Lilienthal (lighting design) and Deb Newhall (costume design).  
 

The Exceptionals Cast
 
CAROLYN BAEUMLER (Gwen) Merrimack Repertory Theatre: debut.  Off-Broadway: Milk, New Georges; Creature, New Georges and Page 73; Mourning Becomes Electra, New Group; originated the roles of Marci, Lili and Nina Spicer in The Beebo Brinker Chronicles, Fourth Street and 37 Arts; Trouble in Paradise, Mae West in SEX, Hourglass; Speak Truth to Power, Culture Project; Hedda in Heddatron, Les Freres Courbusier; originated Lydia in Big Love, BAM; A Streetcar Named Desire, New York Theatre Workshop; Courtney Love in Love in the Void, Self Defense, In Betweens.  Regional: Rag & Bone, Big Love, Long Wharf Theatre; Member of the Wedding, All My Sons, Westport Country Playhouse; King Lear, Playmakers; Love Song of J. Robert Oppenheimer, Cincinnati Playhouse; Marilyn Monroe in Miss Golden Dreams, ACT Seattle; Big Love, Goodman Theatre; Berkeley Repertory Theatre; A Clockwork Orange, Steppenwolf Theatre Company.  Film & TV: Lights Out, New FX series; CopDoc, Law & Order, Law & Order: Criminal Intent, Focus Group, Gypsy 83, Diminished Capacity.

 

JUDITH LIGHTFOOT CLARKE (Claire) Merrimack Repertory Theatre: The Homecoming, Three Days of Rain, Boston Marriage.  New York: GMHC/Anyone Can Whistle Benefit, Carnegie Hall.  Off-Broadway: Three Travelers, Theatre at St. Clement's; The Normal Heart, Public Theatre; Eve-olution, Cherry Lane; Communicating Doors, Variety Arts; Hamlet, Kaufman; Sacrifice to Eros, York.  Regional: Hayfever, The Old Globe; Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey; People's Light, Absence; Misalliance, Alley Theatre; Cloud 9, The Wilma Theater; Closer, Cincinnati Playhouse; Blithe Spirit, Indiana Repertory Theatre; Three Tall Women, Syracuse Stage; Nora, Medea in Jerusalem, Capital Repertory Theatre; Measure for Measure, Soho Repertory Theatre.  Television: Credits include Outlaw (pilot episode), Law and Order, Law and Order SVU, As The World Turns, What Goes On.  Education: The College of William and Mary, Virginia.

 

CATHERINE EATON (Allie) Merrimack Repertory Theatre: debut.  Regional: Corsetless, The Bohemians, Carnegie Hall; Midsummer Night's Dream, Julius Caesar, Importance of Being Earnest, Venetian Twins, A Christmas Carol, Guthrie Theatre; Clocks and Whistles, Origin Theatre; Hedda Gabler, A Moon for the Misbegotten, The Cobbler, Irish Classical Theatre; Bee Luther Hatchee, Blue Heron Theatre; Comedy of Errors, Hamptons Shakespeare Festival; Child's Guide to Innocence, New Jersey Repertory Company. Television: The recurring role of Sherry on All My Children.  Film: Training Day, The Collaboration, Last Seen, Miss Bertram's Awakening, Showers of Happiness, With or Without YouAwards: Katharine Cornell for acting, Field Report for writing, Emmy Award for production, and a NYFA Fellowship.  She wrote and performs the solo-show, Corsetless, which has toured internationally and is being adapted for film.  Other: Founding partners of the Manhattan production house, Stir.www.stirproductions.net. Education: BA, Cornell University; MFA, University of Minnesota.

 

JOSEPH TISA (Tom) Merrimack Repertory Theatre: debut.  Regional: The Fantasticks, Long Wharf Theatre; Stones in His Pockets, Beau Jest, The Dresser, Old Lyric Repertory; Oleanna, The Diary of Anne Frank, Derby Day (by Samuel Brett Williams), Blue/Orange, The Country Wife, The Birthday Party, The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui, Cloud 9.  Film: Virgin Alexander with Bronson Pinchot, Weakness with Bobby Cannavale.  TV: Superego with Will Janowitz for FOX Television Studios.  Education: MFA, Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University.

Read the press release

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MERRIMACK REP RECEIVES PRESTIGIOUS EDGERTON AWARD

 

Merrimack Repertory Theatre, which has earned a national reputation for producing and developing vibrant contemporary plays, is honored to have received a prestigious 2010 Edgerton Foundation New American Play Award for its upcoming world premiere production of The Exceptionals by Bob Clyman, directed by Charles Towers.  The Edgerton Foundation New American Play Award is given to select theatres that have demonstrated a strong and consistent track record in producing new work.  This Award came with a generous $6,000 grant to support added rehearsal and development time for The Exceptionals, which will premiere February 10 - March 6, 2011.

 
In 2006, California's Edgerton Foundation piloted this program with the Center Theatre Group in Los Angeles by offering plays in development an extended rehearsal period for the entire creative team including the playwrights.  The goal of the Edgerton Foundation New American Play Awards is to utilize up-front development time to help extend the future life of the plays.  Those first two plays, Curtains and 13 both went on to Broadway.  Dr. Edgerton launched the program nationally in 2007 by funding 21 plays, continued in 2008 by supporting 23 plays, in 2009 supporting 27 plays and in 2010 supported a record 38 plays.  Over the past four years, 111 Edgerton Foundation New American Play Awards, totaling $3.2 million, had been granted and thirty-four of those plays had gone on to further productions, including 2009 Tony Award Winners Next To Normal and 33 Variations; and 2010 Tony Award nominees Time Stands Still and In The Next Room, Or The Vibrator PlayNext To Normal also received the 2010 Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

The Exceptionals
, a new drama by Bob Clyman, is a play that brings to the stage a deep understanding of parental devotion, placed against the unique and still not completely understood world of infertility, artificial insemination and genetics.  Set in the very near future, two mothers from very different backgrounds must make some tough decisions regarding their uniquely gifted children in a situation that examines parenthood through a prism of conflicting definitions.  The play explores the human and ethical contours of this world and the balance between morality and desire, asking parents how far they will they go to ensure their children have every possible opportunity to be truly exceptional.  The Exceptionals will be the third Clyman play produced by Merrimack Rep.  In 2006, MRT produced the regional premiere of Secret Order, which was transferred Off-Broadway to 59E59 Theaters and then to Houston's Tony Award winning Alley Theatre.  MRT also produced the regional premiere of Tranced in 2009. 

Read the Press Release
Purchase Tickets to The Exceptionals
 

For tickets or more information, visit
or call 978.654.4678
 
Lowell Cooperative Bank is the proud sponsor of the 2010-2011 Season 
This email was sent to annetics.handmade@blogger.com by merrimack@merrimackrep.org |  
Merrimack Repertory Theatre | 132 Warren Street | Lowell | MA | 01852