...FORGOTTEN ARTIST PRODUCTIONS...™

Photo Flash: First Look at FIFTEEN MINUTES WITH ELLEN at Planet Connections

Aging is difficult, but being kept from your true love is harder.

Forgotten Artist Productions is proud to present our next theatre production as part of the 2017 Planet Connections Theatre Festivity this summer!

FIFTEEN MINUTES WITH ELLEN
written by Andrew Selig

Mr. Weatherington struggles in a nursing home with aging, loneliness, and perhaps Alzheimer’s or dementia. The nurses care for Walter, but this is challenging as he has a difficult time identifying between reality and imagination. What is sacrificed to spend 15 minutes each day with his true love Ellen?

Chaz McCormack as Walter Weatherington
Linda Alago as Ellen
Ceren Zorlu as Nurse Mandy
William Sours as Jack

Directed by
Michael Thomas Cain

Tickets on Sale Now!

http://planetconnections.org/2017-full-productions/fifteen-minutes-with-ellen-presented-by-forgotten-artist-productions/

www.planetconnections.org

The Flamboyan Theater in
The Clemente
107 Suffolk Street
NYC 10002
Lower East Side

Wed., June 14 @ 7:15 PM
Sat., June 17 @ 5:00 PM
Mon., June 19 @ 9:00 PM
Sun., June 25 @ 2:30 PM
Sat., July 1 @ 9:30 PM
Mon., July 3 @ 9:30 PM

$18

The Charity that we'll be working for during the festival is the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP)

According to their website

http://www.cssny.org/programs/entry/retired-and-senior-volunteer-program

"Created in 1966 by the Community Service Society, the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) recruits, trains, and places volunteers at community-based organizations throughout the five boroughs of New York City.

The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) of CSS has nearly 3,000 volunteers 55+ at hundreds of nonprofit agencies throughout New York City. The strength of our program is three-fold:

We provide life-changing opportunities for volunteers ages 55 and over.
We help meet the critical needs of communities by mobilizing tens of thousands of hours of volunteer service.
We strengthen public and nonprofit agencies by matching skilled volunteers with vital programs and services."

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Contact: Jay Michaels at 646-338-5472/jay.michaels.theatricals@gmail.com

Forgotten Artist Productions Presents
FIFTEEN MINUTES WITH ELLEN
at the Planet Connections Theatre Festivity
June 12th – July 9th / The Flamboyan Theater (NYC)
Tickets $18 (for tickets visit www.planetconnections.org)

This summer, FORGOTTEN ARTIST PRODUCTIONS is pleased to present the full-length play FIFTEEN MINUTES WITH ELLEN, directed by Michael Thomas Cain/written by Andrew Selig, as part of the 9th Annual Planet Connections Theatre Festivity (NYC). The theatre production features Chaz McCormack as Walter Weatherington, Ceren Zorlu as Mandy/Nurse, Linda Alago as Ellen, and William Sours as Jack.

Location: The Flamboyan Theater in The Clemente
                 107 Suffolk Street (btw Rivington & Delancey)
     New York, New York 10002

Dates/Times: Wednesday, June 14, 7:15 - 8:45 PM
           Saturday, June 17, 5:00 - 6:30 PM
                       Monday, June 19, 9:00 - 10:30 PM
                       Sunday, June 25, 2:30 - 4:00 PM
                       Saturday, July 1, 9:30 - 11:00 PM
                       Monday, July 3, 9:30 - 11:00 PM

FIFTEEN MINUTES WITH ELLEN follows Mr. Weatherington who struggles in a nursing home with aging, loneliness, and perhaps Alzheimer’s or dementia. The nurses care for Walter, but this is challenging as he has a difficult time identifying between reality and imagination. What is sacrificed to spend 15 minutes each day with his true love Ellen?

Forgotten Artist Productions is a production company based in New York that develops and produces creative and artistic work and projects for theatre and film. FAP has produced WHERE ART LIVES (theatre), “Eliminated” (theatre and short film), and “Thumb Wrestler” (short film).

nytheatre.com wrote this about director Michael Thomas Cain’s work, “Cain’s script is sharp and subtle…Cain also does a fine job directing a talented cast of two…Together their onstage chemistry reeks of commitment to these odd characters…Enough’s Enough is good fringe theater. It is fresh, dark and out of the ordinary. FringeNYC is good for finding bold new voices and performers. This show delivers both.”

The Planet Connections Theatre Festivity is New York's premiere eco-friendly/socially conscious not-for-profit arts festival. Fostering a diverse cross-section of performances and events, the Planet Connections Theatre Festivity seeks to inspire artists and audiences both creatively and fundamentally, in a festive atmosphere forming a community of like-minded artists. At the heart of the Festivity are like-minded individuals striving to create professional, meaningful theatre, music and film, while supporting organizations which give back to the community at large.
###

Bios. for cast, crew, production team, etc.:

Michael Thomas Cain (Director, Producer, Dramaturg) is a writer, director, producer, and sometimes actor working mostly in and around New York City. Recently, he wrote and directed WHERE ART LIVES (performed at UNDER St. Marks Theater) and “Eliminated” (performed at Manhattan Repertory Theatre) for the stage. “Eliminated” has been turned into a short film and is currently being submitted to film festivals. Also in 2016, Michael directed the short film “Thumb Wrestler,” also being submitted to film festivals, and 2 Marlin Thomas plays titled “I Never Heard Such Silence” (performed at Manhattan Repertory Theatre and the 13th Street Repertory Theatre) and “Germaine and Diane” (performed at the Jewel Box Theater as part of the Midtown International Theatre Festival). In 2012, Michael wrote, directed, and produced ENOUGH’S ENOUGH at La MaMa Experimental Theatre Club as part of the NY International Fringe Festival. In addition, Michael is the founder of Forgotten Artist Productions and has earned an M.F.A. in Dramatic Writing from Adelphi University and a B.A. in Communications/Theatre from Augusta College. www.forgottenartistproductions.com

Andrew Selig (Playwright) is a writer of fiction and plays and earned an M.F.A. in Creative Writing from Adelphi University. He is also a College educator in and around New York City and recently started a new position as the Director of Academic Success at a well-respected College in the New York City area.

Chaz McCormack (Walter Weatherington) recently played Ed in “Ed & Mo” at Dixon Place, Buck in VICTORIA WOODHULL at Theater for the New City, Grandpa in “Grandpa and the Gay Rabbi,” a Samuel French OOB Festival Winner, Father in “Daddy’s Little Girl” at Manhattan Repertory Theatre, Soldier in “Eliminated” at Manhattan Repertory Theatre, Nathan Mauer in THE BODY IS A LEGAL DRUG as part of the Midtown International Theatre Festival, and Art in WHERE ART LIVES at UNDER St. Marks Theatre. In 2016, Chaz played the Soldier in the short film “Eliminated” and Rutager in the short film “Thumb Wrestler.” Through the years, Chaz has also appeared in Law and Order, Bonfire of the Vanities, A Stranger Among Us, Other People’s Money, and Malcom X. Chaz has also trained with Austin Pendleton, Ann Jackson, Michael Moriarty, and Ernie Martin.

Ceren Zorlu (Nurse Mandy) was born in Ankara, Turkey but has been a New Yorker since she had enough teeth to bite the big apple. Being bilingual has made her a very versatile actress. She has studied filmmaking at NYU SCPS and stumbled into the world of acting at the insistence of her instructors who saw her as “raw talent.” Since then, she has studied the Meisner technique with JoAnna Beckson and completed improvisational comedy training at The Peoples Improv Theater in New York City. In 2016, Ceren played Zoe in “I Never Heard Such Silence” at Manhattan Repertory Theatre and 13th Street Repertory Theatre, Mary in the short film “Eliminated,” Vawna Reynolds in the short film “Thumb Wrestler,” and Diane in “Germaine and Diane” at Jewel Box Theater as part of the Midtown International Theatre Festival.

Luna Alago (Ellen) leaves behind twenty plus years in management to pursue her lifelong passion to become a working actor. Luna has studied at HB Studio and was later accepted into an apprenticeship program at The Barrow Group, studying with Lee Brock and Seth Barrish. Her taste for stage acting came when she performed her first Monologue showcase. Luna realized then that theatre was something she was interested in. Luna considers herself a student of the dramatic arts, and she will continue her studies in Performing Arts.
Luna words- life is empty if you're not doing what you love, to accomplish great things you must dare to dream and overcome your fears. You must always trust yourself…

William Sours (Jack) has returned to the New York stage after having lived the "other life;" of late, he was James Tyrone in Long Day's Journey into Night, produced by Hard Work Productions, the Cardinal in "the Cenci," and Cliff in "the Shadow Box." In his 20's, he worked extensively in NYC and regional theaters such as the Arena in DC; he worked touring shows and many dinner theater venues. In commercial TV advertising, he was the principal actor in two commercials, was nominated for Clio awards, and has done various voiceover work in regional radio. He studied acting at HB Studio in the late 70's, including scene study with Uta Hagen and comedy with Charles Nelson Reilly. After having lived the nightmare of a conventional life, he is overjoyed to be once again living in the reality of the stage.

Nikoleta Mountanos (Stage Manager & Light/Sound Board Operator) is a rising junior at Gettysburg College, majoring in Theatre Arts and minoring in Music with a Vocal Concentration. She is delighted to work on her first production with Forgotten Artist Productions! She has previously been a Light Board Operator for Dark Matter and, You Got Older at Gettysburg College and a Sound Board Operator for A Midsummer Night's Dream at Gettysburg College as well.

Eliminated, The Short Film
Coming Soon!

A working class, married couple are coerced and locked in their own home by a soldier in order to be routinely questioned, but as they move through this strange and absurd circumstance, James and Mary are tricked into admitting guilt for living their daily routine, and as a result, it is the soldier’s job, duty, and responsibility to make sure that these blue collar workers are eliminated because of their class in life and as a result of new government laws. What price will be paid for attempting to live the American dream in the shadows of a corrupt power?

Thumb Wrestler, THE SHORT FILM
COMING SOON!

Forgotten Artist Productions is co-producing "Thumb Wrestler," a short film written by Mark Levitt and directed by Michael Thomas Cain. The DP, Editor, and Assistant Director is Christopher Hart.

Newt "The Digit" Feldenstein was a world renowned thumb wrestler. The best poker and flicker the sport has ever seen: Adoring ringside crowds, luxurious lifestyle, and the green eyed envy of a world who-at very best- must remain contented to use their thumbs for the purposes of hailing cabs or showing approval at something.

But the quick hand of time spares no one...not even a famous "thumbsman." So, after years at the top of the game, a grim medical prognosis forces Newt into a career tailspin...he is sidelined, shunted aside, and forced to bear the taunts of any random, hungry, thumb-wrestling wannabee who strives to snatch the last vestige of Newt's thumb wrestling crown.

Broken in mind and body, Newt must make a choice... Quit the fight game outright, turn to performance enhancing drugs, or should he accept, adapt, and boldly embrace whatever life throws at him ... no matter whose thumb lies in wait for him at the other side of that next ring.

So whattaya say?, get out that popcorn, flex those fingers, and let’s get ready to thumble!!!!!!

Mark Parsia as Newt “The Digit” Feldenstein
Chaz McCormack as Rutager
Ceren Zorlu as Vanna Reynolds
Ron Schnittker as Tommy Feldenstein
Mark Levitt as “Gritty” McGraw
Ron Barba as Sam “Greenthumb” Jackson
William Sours as Mitch Clydehopper
Linda Alago as Lola
Michael Thomas Cain as Don Donaldson
Andrew Selig as Ron Renaldi
Michael Thomas Cain as Nick Nova
Greig Roselli as the Ring Announcer

Written by Mark Levitt
Directed by Michael Thomas Cain
Assistant Director Christopher Hart
Cinematography Christopher Hart
Editing Christopher Hart
Produced by: Mark Levitt, Monica Gordon, Forgotten Artist Productions, Michael Thomas Cain.

Who's Being Eliminated And Why?

"Eliminated," the short film

Forgotten Artist Productions is producing the short film "Eliminated," written and directed by Michael Thomas Cain.

Ceren Zorlu as Mary/Wife
Mark Parsia as James/Husband
Chaz McCormack as Soldier

Chris Hart is the Assistant Director,DP, and Editor.

"Eliminated" was first produced as a play at the Manhattan Repertory Theatre in NYC in October of 2015. It was always our intention to turn this script into a short film.

Acting Rehearsal for the Filming of "Eliminated"

The Filming Progress of Eliminated in Pictures

Eliminated Production Photos

Please, consider making a tax-deductible donation to help with current and future projects. Forgotten Artist Productions is dedicated to creating and presenting artistic work in theatre, film, visual art, photography, etc. to humanity that is interesting, thought-provoking, and entertaining. We cannot do this without your help and support.

Donate now!

The cast and writer/director on opening night of "Eliminated." (Photo courtesy of Jennifer Suter.)

Read through and 1st rehearsal on Monday, October 05, 2015.

Manhattan Repertory Theatre, in association with Forgotten Artist Productions, presents a production of the one-act play "Eliminated" as part of The October Event 2015.

Wednesday, October 21 at 9 PM

Friday, October 23 at 8 PM

Location:
Manhattan Repertory Theatre
303 West 42nd Street at 8th Avenue
6th Floor
New York, New York 10036

$ 20
Tickets can be reserved at http://manhattanrep.com/ticket-reservations/

A working class couple is brought in by a soldier for routine questioning, but as they move through this strange and absurd situation, the married couple finds out that they are in the hot seat as a result of new government laws. How close are you to being eliminated?

Written and Directed by Michael Thomas Cain
Chris Hart, Assistant Director

Mary/Wife: Jennifer Suter

James/Husband: Mark Parsia

Soldier: Chaz McCormack

A True Story About Somebody I Know Well:

The day after the first rehearsal for “Eliminated” I heard about something terrible. A good, decent, hard-working, caring husband and father will lose half of his pension. He’ll only receive half of the money that’s entitled to him each month. From here on out. He’ll lose half of his reward and income after sacrificing 38 years of his life for a company while raising a family and putting kids through college on a working class salary. He did his part as a loyal employee and man, but the powers that be turned their backs on him. Now what is he going to do? Now how is he going to survive when it’s too late to go back and start over? He, and millions of other workers, had a legal contract that guaranteed what’s entitled to him in retirement, but “they” didn’t want to, or couldn’t, honor that agreement anymore, so “they” went to the government and asked if they could renege on their deal, and the government allowed this to happen (neither championed any legislation to renew a law that honored this pension contract). Both of these powers took control (by law) of the situation. Leaving this average guy high and dry. In this case, nobody’s looking for a free handout. All that’s wanted is what has been earned as a result of doing the right things. All that’s wanted here is a chance for the average guy to survive in this world without being taken advantage of or destroyed by others who have more power. “They” have gotten out of control, and it’s only getting worse. No one is looking out for these average citizens anymore. What will happen to them in the long run? As a result of this situation, in a sense, he’s being eliminated. This average, working class guy is being eliminated as a result of what “they” want and need. And it isn’t right.

There have been times when I have been criticized for writing about far-fetched, fictional, and futuristic ideas that aren’t real and would never happen, but I observe situations all around me every day that show me that these ideas are possible, so I write about them. I believe that some of my “far-fetched” creative ideas could very much come true in the future. In my opinion, they’re presenting themselves more and more every day. This example of this real life person is a perfect example. And it may be the kind of thing that you don’t see overnight, but what will life be like for people 10, 20, 50, or 100 years from now. All major changes in society happen over a period of time until they become the norm.

I write about and reveal this because it concerns and worries me, and I’ve expressed these anxieties in the play “Eliminated.”

Here’s a recent brief synopsis of the play that I posted long before I heard this person’s story:

A working class couple is brought in by a soldier for routine questioning, but as they move through this strange and absurd situation, the married couple finds out that they are in the hot seat as a result of new government laws. How close are you to being eliminated?

A few lines from the play:

SOLDIER
The upper class governs everything now. And technology does the rest. The middle class hangs on to make sure everything keeps running, but who knows. What’ll happen. In time. I’ll admit it, I’m no better than they are.

JAMES
The wrong group of people are being eliminated. Where’s the justice.

SOLDIER
Alive and well.

JAMES
Right now, it doesn’t look like it.

SOLDIER
Two points of view.

…

JAMES
This is crazy. The money and power of a few people can’t destroy an entire society.

SOLDIER
But they have.

If this situation and synopsis/sample from the play gets to you, leaves an impression on you, peaks your interests, and/or concerns you, “Eliminated” is something that you’d be interested in. It’s a reflection of real life and/or what life is turning into for millions of people. This production isn’t just about presenting a piece of theatre or begging you to come see a play or piece of theatre. This production and the meaning behind it is part of a bigger expression and human picture, and it comes from a very sincere place. I hope it’s only the beginning of a journey for me and for Forgotten Artist Productions to protect basic human rights.

If everything and everyone is unfairly treated like a business and regulated by laws, how does the average guy survive in this world, now and in the future? What’s his or her place in society?

Here are two articles. One explains the actual situation. The second offers a solution from people who are still working to resolve the issue. If you’re interested in or you have the authority to make a difference, I encourage you to get involved. The future of our society may depend on it. What if a major shift or change like this opens the doors for others to follow; millions of innocent people could be affected and destroyed?

1.

http://www.logisticsmgmt.com/article/teamsters_rank_and_file_digging_in_against_possible_pension_benefit_cuts

2.

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/10/07/business/teamsters-pension-fund-warns-400000-of-cuts.html?src=mv&_r=0

-Michael Thomas Cain (Writer and Director of “Eliminated,” and creator of Forgotten Artist Productions)

In addition, Forgotten Artist Productions will turn this script into a short film. Our goal is to use the play production as groundwork for shooting the film.

No Artist Left Behind

Every season (fall, winter, spring, and summer), for the entire season, we put the spotlight on an artist on our website and all of our social media. We present them and their creative work. That's why we're here. That's why Forgotten Artist Productions was started. We feature artists who work in theatre, film, video, visual art, photography, literature, music, etc.

The Spring 2016, Summer 2016, Fall 2016, Winter 2017, Spring 2017, and Summer 2017 artist is Robert "Maddadan" Wilson and his artistic endeavors! For the first time, we cannot label Rob as one thing. Yes, he is a musician, but this young man is so much more, and we are proud to know him, watch him, and support him. Maddadan represents what a true artist should be!

Let's cut to the chase!
Watch the Boss Man Official Music Video on YouTube, and get "Boss Man" by Maddadan/EVA FRESH CORP. on iTunes and/or Google play!
You won't be able to get it out of your head!
"Boss Man" is written, produced, composed, mixed, and mastered by Robert "Maddadan" Wilson and is part of the official soundtrack for the movie JAMAICAN MAFIA starring Paul Campbell.
Maddadan is also writing and producing a movie titled BOSS MAN to be filmed in 2016.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/boss-man/id1059828272?i=1059828630

https://play.google.com/store/music/album?id=Bsapwppva5iedxmrbx3io7fga5i&tid=song-Tpxc7ozy4zq2isnth2tk7s22kri&hl=en

Robert "Maddadan" Wilson is a very talented and humble musician, artist, and young man who lives in New York. He is somebody that you want to keep an eye on. He's working hard, and any success that he continues to achieve will be greatly earned.

According to the EVA FRESH LABELS website:

"Although his music career didn't really start until the age of 20, Robert Alexander Wilson was heavily influenced by the arts, especially music. His diversity is leading him down a path to become a strong prospect in the music industry, not only in the genre of reggae, but he is capable of transferring his experiences and styles to other genres such as Dancehall, Rap, and R&B. His work is daring and unique.

Maddadan was born in the United States, but he was raised like a true Jamaican. Growing up, he was interested in art, music, film, and more. Before experimenting with reggae, he had success in the alternative rock genre as a guitarist in a local band. During high school, Maddadan transitioned from an alternative rocker to a dancehall phenomenon among his high school peers. This transition took him from the dance floor to the mic.

In 2008, Maddadan began performing, and continued doing so for years, at such venues and shows as Club Amazura and the GT Taylor Christmas Extravaganza. As a result, Maddadan was interviewed on radio stations like Hot 102, WAVS 1170 AM, Sun City Radio, Bess FM, Flame FM, and Irie FM, just to name a few. Maddadan's biggest supporters are his Strugglas and Strugglets, his true fans.

S.trive
T.ruth
R.eal
U.nity
G.od
G.ives
L.ove
A.lways

In 2010, Maddadan went from having one foot in the door, to making an international name for himself. He presented the tracks "This Prayer," My Mama," and "Chill Tonight" and began touring in the United States and Jamaica. In addition to his music, Maddadan went on to work in all sorts of mediums.

Now at the age of 26, Maddadan is a strong believer in turning your dreams into reality; he's a young man with a promising career who leads his own label company Eva Fresh Labels which is powered by EVA FRESH CORP. Maddadan produces a lot of his own work, but he is also helping other musician and artists to achieve their goals and desires.

Eva Fresh Labels - the birth of a company of young men and women looking to change the world with their music one song at a time. 2010 was not only the beginning of a record label, but a group of driven and unique individuals coming together as a family in the name of music. Located in South Side Jamaica, Queens, Eva Fresh Labels was nurtured by many, and in return, offered a lot of artists opportunities to be heard and seen and to grow as musicians when they hardly had any chances to do so. Over the years, Eva Fresh Labels has promoted many shows, artists, companies, and more. In 2015, after a lot of international concerts/shows, interviews, music videos, and recordings, Eva Fresh Labels which is powered by EVA FRESH CORP. is being recognized as the place where, with one step at a time, dreams can come true and be made into a reality."

You can contact and keep up with Robert "Maddadan" Wilson/EVA FRESH CORP. at:

EVA FRESH CORP/Maddadan Website:

http://www.evafreshlabels.com/

EVA FRESH CORP Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/Eva-Fresh-Corp-126023927475586/

Maddadan Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/Maddadan/

EVA FRESH CORP You Tube:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxwXEh-xMuv6tpe4XvfNfww

Maddadan You Tube:

https://www.youtube.com/user/Maddadan08

EVA FRESH CORP Twitter:

https://twitter.com/EvaFreshLabels

Maddadan Twitter:

https://twitter.com/MrMaddadan

Maddadan Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/maddadan/

Contact:

EVAFRESHCORP@GMAIL.COM

Creative And Artistic Work By The People and For The People.
...forgotten artist productions... is a production company based in New York that develops and produces creative and artistic work and projects for theatre, visual art, photography, film/video, etc.

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Photo Flash: First Look at FIFTEEN MINUTES WITH ELLEN at Planet Connections

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Eliminated, The Short Film
Coming Soon!

Thumb Wrestler, THE SHORT FILM
COMING SOON!

Who's Being Eliminated And Why?

"Eliminated," the short film

Acting Rehearsal for the Filming of "Eliminated"

The Filming Progress of Eliminated in Pictures

Eliminated Production Photos

No Artist Left Behind

Creative And Artistic Work By The People and For The People....forgotten artist productions... is a production company based in New York that develops and produces creative and artistic work and projects for theatre, visual art, photography, film/video, etc.

Hot Discounts

Photo Flash: First Look at FIFTEEN MINUTES WITH ELLEN at Planet Connections

What Do You Think? Tell Us In The Comments!

Related Articles

From This Author BWW News Desk

Follow Us

BWW Sister Sites

BWW Hub

Eliminated, The Short Film​Coming Soon!

Thumb Wrestler, THE SHORT FILM​COMING SOON!

Who's Being Eliminated And Why?

"Eliminated," the short film

Acting Rehearsal for the Filming of "Eliminated"

The Filming Progress of Eliminated in Pictures

Eliminated Production Photos

No Artist Left Behind

Creative And Artistic Work By The People and For The People.
...forgotten artist productions... is a production company based in New York that develops and produces creative and artistic work and projects for theatre, visual art, photography, film/video, etc.

Eliminated, The Short Film
Coming Soon!

Thumb Wrestler, THE SHORT FILM
COMING SOON!