Working Title Playwrights and the Essential Theatre
are proud to present
the 2017 Bare Essentials Reading Series
All readings are free and open to the public.
Playwrights whose work is featured in a Festival Bare Essentials reading also receive a complimentary one-year membership to Working Title Playwrights.
Be sure to stay after for exciting conversation with the director, cast and playwright, moderated by WTP Managing Artistic Director Amber Bradshaw.
Wednesday, August 9th, 7:30pm at the West End Performing Arts Center
FALLING OFF THE EDGE
by Paul Donnelly
Directed by Carolyn Cook
A Mormon swimmer, who is afraid of the ocean, meets two recovering alcoholics taking their first sober vacation at a beach resort in Costa Rica. Falling Off the Edge is a story about finding love when you’re looking for freedom. No one gets what they want, but one gets what she needs.
Featuring the reading talents of Frankie Asher, Chelsea Steverson, Kelly Criss, Aaron Strand
Meet the Playwright: Paul Donnelly
Monday, August 14th, 7:30pm at the West End Performing Arts Center
VALENTINO
by Liz Dooley
Directed by Julie Skrzypek
One night in 1926, aspiring actress Mary Earl opens the door to see her coworker Bill Rodefer; drunk, despondent, and harboring a massive secret, which only Mary knows. As Mary works to carve out a place for herself in Silent-Age Hollywood, she finds herself relying as much on Bill’s support as he relies on hers; with disastrous consequences.
Featuring the reading talents of Alexandra Fixen, Lee Osorio, Kelly Criss, Jacob York and Dionna D. Davis
Meet the Playwright: Liz Dooley
Wednesday, August 23rd, 7:30pm at the West End Performing Arts Center
RICK AND RICKY
by Lee Raines
Directed by Ryan Oliveti
Rick and Ricky is a love story that begins during the onset of the AIDS crisis in New York City. As the crisis unfolds, a gay couple is forced to confront tough questions about their own faith, the ability to forgive, and their beliefs about the permanence of love. Deeply touching, Rick and Ricky is a testament to finding hope, even in the darkest of times.
Featuring the reading talents of Justin Dilley, Patrick Schweigert, Austin Tijierina, Skye Passmore and Justin Kalin. Meet the Playwright: Lee Raines
*2017 Festival Bare Essentials readings produced in partnership with Working Title Playwrights.
