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the all-american genderf*ck cabaret
March 2010

Jump to: Show Info | Cast | Creative | Photos

the all-american genderf*ck cabaret
Written by Mariah MacCarthy
Directed by Krystal Banzon

UNDER St. Marks
94 St. Marks Pl (between Ave A and 1st Ave)
March 25-27 & March 31-April 3 @ 7pm

All Tickets $18
Purchase tickets by phone: 212.868.4444
or online at www.SmartTix.com

Director
: Krystal Banzon           
Asst. Director:   Jesse Geguzis 
Lighting Design: Mike Gugliotti
Costume Design: Nina Vartanian  
Set Design: Ashley Pridmore-Abrego
Sound Design: Karla Calderon
Movement: Sarena Kennedy
Visuals: Vidkidz

Featuring: Becca Blackwell, John Graham, Brendan Hunt, Tess Paras*, Timothy Ryan, Sofia Urista, Steve White, Yolanda K. Wilkinson*, Miranda Noelle Wilson*

*These actors are appearing courtesy of Actors’ Equity Association. Equity Approved Showcase.

 


In a polarized world of pink versus blue, everyone deserves Technicolor.

In this intimately outrageous cabaret, eight gender stereotypes are plucked straight from pop culture: a Girly Girl, a Manly Man, a Nice Guy, a Gay Best Friend, a Slut, a Feminist Lesbian, and a Tomboy.  Guided by an androgynous, omnipotent MC intent on their redemption, they embark on eight sexy, hilarious journeys from stereotypes to Human Beings.  Along the way, hearts are broken, Pomeranians are purchased, the Pussies of America make their stand, and everyone does the “Single Ladies” dance.

Biting yet compassionate, this epic ensemble piece skewers everything from feminism to sexting; from acquaintance rape to infidelity; from homophobia and assault, to loneliness and the bass-ackwards ways we seek affection--just to name a few.  The sharp edges of caricature soften; connection replaces spectacle; and men, women, and none-of-the-aboves discover that in a polarized world of pink versus blue, everyone deserves Technicolor.

"One of the best off-off-Broadway productions I've seen. A well-written story with a clear message told by a solid team of collaborators." - Le-anne Garland, Theatre is Easy

the all-american genderf*ck cabaret by Mariah MacCarthy, is a refreshingly enjoyable lampooning of gender stereotypes...As the androgynous emcee and Dickensian spirit guide Taylor, Becca Blackwell deftly positions such characters into scenarios that strive to prove that in a polarized world of pink versus blue, everyone deserves Technicolor." - Thomas Riemschneider, Backstage



Cast

Becca Blackwell (Taylor) has been performing in NYC for over 15 years.  Notable works with Jennifer Miller, Sharon Hayes, Two Headed Calf, Blessed Unrest to name a few.  Currently in Room for Cream at La Mama and in Sharon Hayes exhibit at the Whitney Museum.  Also bassist and vocals for queer rock band Inner Princess.

 

John Graham (Benji) is thrilled to be apart of this fantastic production.  Past NY credits include The Suitcase with The Looking Glass Theatre and Bare Naked Dramas with Aporia Rep.  Special thanks to the wonderful director, cast and crew for making this such a great process.  All my love to Mom, Dad, Dave and Kate.
Brendan Hunt (Dick) is a graduate of Fordham University’s theater program and was last seen as Feste in Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night (Flea Theatre). He gives thanks to his friends and family for all their love, support and inspiration.
Tess Paras (Gwen) is thrilled to perform with her fellow Genderf*ckers! She lives in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, enjoys Bikram yoga, and wears cowboy boots year-round. Other stage credits include: Broadway Backwards 4 with Whoopi Goldberg, Slammer! (NY Fringe ‘07), East Village Fragments (Peculiar Works), Miss Saigon (Prather Theaters Tour), Disney Cruise Line Mainstage. TV: “Gossip Girl," "Law and Order," "Damages,” “Kings,” and “Law and Order: Criminal Intent.” Love to her family! Check out www.tessparasonline.com.
Timothy Ryan (DJ) is very excited to working with the Rapscallion Theatre Collective, on this project.  He began studying acting at an early age in his hometown of Cleveland, Ohio and is thrilled to be living his dream of performing in New York City.  Timothy was last seen as "Timmy" in the staged reading of Free Country, and in Happy Hour at the 45th St. Theatre. Timothy would like to dedicate this performance to all of his New York family of friends, especially Joe for covering his shift for a half an hour so he could attend this audition.
Sofia Urista (Devon) graduated from the Univ. of Michigan (go blue!). September of ’07 found her in NYC ready to become an actress.  After doing some background work in a crappy flick, she realized she had a lot to learn. She became a kids Spanish teacher at Tribeca Language Center, took some acting classes and then, in a flash of inspiration decided to start singing.  And, as it often does, the detour became part of the destiny. This is her first NYC stage production.
Steve White (Adrian) is a jovial and provocative Aries from St. Louis. Steve has only been in the big city less than a year and loves every day of it.  He enjoys Frisbee golf, air hockey, guitar hero, and of course acting.  Recent works include: The Year of the Love Curriculum as Jack at the American Actors Theatre, Tectonic Disaster/ Brilliant Coma as Finn at Theatre Row, 1001 Peorian Nights as Shawn at the Kraine Theartre and the film Pancakes and Bullets with the New York Film Academy.  Steve also loves shady pool halls, hates onions, and would like to give bull riding a try.  
Yolanda K. Wilkinson (Kate) Dubbed “America’s Poet” by the New York Times, and “Brilliant” by Inside New York, YOLANDA K. WILKINSON is an actor and playwright who has scores of produced plays to her credit thanks to being a Neo-Futurist trained by Greg Allen. She has performed at The Public Theatre, Lincoln Center, Cherry Lane, Manhattan Theatre Club, Classical Theatre of Harlem and The National Black Theatre Festival 2001 & 2005. She is featured in SLAMNATION 2. Her one woman play UNTITLED & UNFINISHED was last seen in festivals all over the country including, The ASPEN COMEDY FESTIVAL 2004. She aired two seasons on The Peabody Award winning, Russell Simmons’ HBO Def Poetry Jam
Miranda Noelle Wilson (Allegra) is so thrilled to be a part of this production! Recent credits include Once/Twice with Passaj Productions and Wickets with Trick Saddle at 3LD. Other favorite theatre roles include Cherié in Bus Stop, Frenchie (and the dancing gorilla!) in Cabaret, and Paulinka in A Bright Room Called Day. Television credits include "Rescue Me", "As the World Turns", "One Life to Live", and "Guiding Light". Love to the Fam and Mr. Evan. www.mirandanoellewilson.com.
 
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Creative

Krystal Banzon (Director) is an interdisciplinary theatre artist whose passion lies in facilitating the artistic vision of artists of color, and working with multicultural and transnational narratives. Krystal is a Fulbright Scholar to the Philippines where she directed a Filipino adaptation of José Rivera’s Marisol.  Her credits include: Dogeaters (dir., Smith College), Parang Sabil: The Ballad of the Kris (dramaturg, NWT & Kinding Sindaw), The Silent Soprano (AD, Dulaang UP), Ama Namin (dir., CCP), Out Cry (AD, NAATCO), Leah’s Train (AD, NAATCO), Throat (SM, INTAR), Post No Bills (AD, Rattlestick). Krystal is a recipient of the SDC Foundation Observership with Chay Yew at Playwright’s Horizons. She is currently in the masters program at NYU/Tisch's Interactive Telecommunications Program.

Jesse Geguzis (Assistant Director / Stage Manager) is thrilled to be a part of this production! He holds a BFA in Acting from Elon University and is a recognized actor/combatant in four weapons with the Society of American Fight Directors. Recent fight direction credits include Tape, I Hate Love, Julius Caesar and Bent. He is currently looking for someone to teach him how to jump off buildings and get blown up in the movies.

Mariah MacCarthy (Playwright) is a San Diego-bred playwright, director, occasional dramaturg, and Jill of all trades.  Writing credits: A Man of His Word (Playwrights Project at the Old Globe), Ampersand (Looking Glass; Winner, Winter Forum Best Script/Production) Dismemberment (Players Theater), After the Tower (Inbred Hybrid Collective).  Directing credits: Reading with Friends, Cate Blanchett Wants to Be My Friend on Facebook (Rapscallion), The Woods (Channel Z Productions), What the Hell (Center Stage).  Associate Producer of FOUND at Ars Nova. Proud Skidmore graduate.

Mike Gugliotti (Lighting Design) returns to UNDER St. Marks after previously designing 4.48 Psychosis. NYC designs include: California Suite (St. Bart's Players) House of Yes (Theatrerats), Trojan Women 2.0 (Milk Can Theatre Co.), Triple Threats (Independent Theater), Jesus in Montana (Village Theater, '05 Fringe). Regional: CATS (NY Conservatory for the Arts), The LI premieres of The Graduate (Broadhollow Theatre Co.), and Assassins (Cultural Arts Playhouse), Footloose (North Shore PAC), Butterflies are Free (Bickford Theater), Red Noses (Post Theater Company). A.L.D. of the national tour of George M! (Candlewood Int'l). Television: Michael Bubble, New Kids on the Block, Sheryl Crow and so much more on NBC's Today Show. Mike makes his film debut as a moving light programmer in Get Him to the Greek coming to theaters in June. Mike holds a B.F.A. in Theater Production & Design from LIU/C.W. Post.

Nina Vartanian (Costume Design) has had an obsession with clothing ever since the tender age of being fresh out of the womb. At the age of 12 she discovered that this addiction, if you will, had an actual career path, and contrary to most addicts this would hopefully not land her in the gutter and so she set off to New York City to become a Fashion Designer. She was to attend Parsons School of Design, where she quickly lost her mind.  Now after just recently graduating she has emerged full of ideas, despite her empty pockets, and this being her first Costume Design project excited at the possibilities.

Ashley Pridmore-Abrego (Set Design) is an installation sculptor who hails from the deep wilderness of Upstate NY.  Most recently, she has assisted set designer Raul Abrego on the TV pilot “C.S. Chai” and Post No Bills written by Mando Alvarado and directed by Michael Ray Escamilla, as well as assisted set designer Eugenia Furneaux-Arends on Daddy, written by Dan Via, and directed by David Hilder.  She is pleased to be a part of this production.

Karla Calderon (Sound Design) grew up immersed within the diverse urban soundscape of New York City. She was a participant of the Red Bull Music Academy and the in-house publicist for Modulations, a film documenting electronic music. Karla is a technology mentor for NYC youth and is currently exploring alternative energy, kinetic sound and visuals, and augmented reality at ITP at NYU. http://www.teknevision.com 

Sarena Kennedy (Movement Director)
is a creator/performer.  Recent exciting projects include, 1959 at St. Marks Dance Space, The Bus Stop Plays at INTAR, Wild Animus with WAX Factory, the film CRUZANDO, movement choreographer of the play Throat, and producer of The *spork Festival.  She has trained with SITI Company and works with INTAR’s actors collective and playwrights community.  She is also a hand model and has enjoyed working with VLC as a voice-over artist.  She is thankful for the opportunity to work on this wonderful project.  LYB thanks for your love and support.

Vidkidz (Melanie Clemmons and Zak Loyd) (Visuals) is a holographic representation of Melanie Clemmons and Zak Loyd. During Y2K, the vidkidz found sanctuary in a secret cove of giant rainbow sparkle magic crystals. After 9/11 they returned to EarthLand and have since doused innocents in color, light and noise.

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Photos

 
   
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Rapscallion Theatre Collective, 2064 46th Street, 2nd floor, Astoria, NY 11105
tel.: 347.213.9070 email: info@rapscalliontheatrecollective.com