GAYFEST NYC, Inc., (Bruce Robert Harris and Jack W. Batman, Producers), the country's premier producer of new LGBT-themed plays, continues its Fourth Annual Festival, a five-week event (May 6 - June 6, 2010) filled with new theatre works spotlighting gay issues, conclude the festival with the world premiere of the new musical This One Girl's Story (inspired by the proud life of Sakia Gunn), based on a true story with book by Bil Wright, music and lyrics by Dionne McClain-Freeney. Directed by Devanand Janki with musical direction by J. Oconer Navarro, the six-member cast features Tanesha Gary as Promise, Chasten Harmon as Patrice, Zonya Love Johnson as Dessa, Lacretta Nicole as Cee Cee, Desirée Rodriguez as Lourdes and Charles E. Wallace as State's Attorney Craig/Club Bouncer/Mickey.
Performances began May 27, 2010 for a limited engagement through Sunday, June 6, 2010 in the June Havoc Theatre at the Abingdon Theatre Arts Complex (312 West 36th Street). Opening night is Friday, May 28, 2010 at 8:30 p.m.
This One Girl's Story, based on a true story, is about four girls out on the town, laughing and loving, until a senseless crime of hate turns a night of joy into tragedy. The powerful score includes pop, gospel, jazz and echoes of traditional musical theatre.
The creative team includes Michael Hotopp (Set), T. Michael Hall (Costumes), and Jesse Belsky (Lights). The Production Stage Manager is Andrea Wales.
This One Girl's Story will play the following performance schedule: Tuesdays - Saturdays at 8:30 p.m. and Sundays at 6:30 p.m. with special matinee performances on Saturday afternoon, May 29th and June 5th at 2:00 p.m.
As a special added event, The Festival will present the world premiere of Steve Hayes: Tired Old Queen At The Movies: Live! The sensational YouTube Series comes to life on stage with direction by Vincent J. Cardinal, starring Steve Hayes, with John Bixler (May 25-29, 2010, Dorothy Strelsin Theatre). Steve Hayes: Tired Old Queen At The Movies: Live! plays the foll0wing performance schedule: Tuesday - Saturday at 8:00 p.m. with a Saturday matinee on May 29th at 2:30 p.m.
This One Girl's Story tickets are $18 each. Tickets for the special added event, Steve Hayes: Tired Old Queen At The Movies: Live! are $35. All proceeds from GAYFEST NYC benefit the Harvey Milk High School. Tickets are on sale at www.Theatermania.com or by calling 212-351-3101. For additional information log onto: www.GAYFESTNYC.com.
Sponsors of GAYFEST NYC include American Airlines, Macy's, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Bud Light, Grey Goose Vodka, Lladro, Sutter Home Vineyards, DG Neary Real Estate, Jamie deRoy, Sutter Home Vineyards, Starbright Floral Design, The Protein Bakery, Bamboo 52/Philip Marie, Burgers & Cupcakes, Theatermania.com and media sponsors including the Village Voice, Back Stage, Edge Publications, Next Magazine, GO! Magazine, FunMaps, Mark Nelson Events, HHC Marketing and others. GAYFEST NYC receives generous support from the Office of the Manhattan Borough President.
"GAYFEST NYC's mission is twofold," said Jack W. Batman, co-Producer of the festival. "First, to develop new voices for the LGBT community and, in doing so, expand the reach and accessibility of both emerging and established playwrights, composers and lyricists while providing high level entertainment to a discerning and supportive audience. The second part of our mission is to give back. To that end, through our fundraising efforts and the generosity of our sponsors, advertisers and supporters, we have established a scholarship fund to benefit students of Harvey Milk High School," continued Batman. "Since 2007, GAYFEST NYC, Inc. has awarded twenty-three scholarships to graduating seniors and established an accredited elective Playwriting program at the school."
Harvey Milk High School (HMHS) is a fully-accredited, voluntary NYC public high school focused on the educational needs of teenagers who are in crisis or at risk of physical violence and/or emotional harm in a traditional educational environment.
"GAYFEST NYC, Inc. is also committed to producing plays that will have a life outside the Festival," said Bruce Robert Harris, co-Producer of GAYFEST NYC, "plays that will represent the Festival in productions around the English-speaking world and which might also be brought to life in television and/or film presentations. Board members of GAYFEST NYC, Inc. include Lily Tomlin, Terrence McNally, Charles Busch, Douglas Carter Beane, Mario Cantone, Kate Clinton and a distinguished group of Broadway producers, actors, writers, artistic and executive directors of regional theatres plus other entertainment professionals."
www.GAYFESTNYC.com
