FORGOTTEN ARTIST Productions Theatre
Forgotten Artist Productions Theatre develops and produces classic and new work that connects with and serves humanity while maintaining social awareness and artistic possibilities. Our theatre work gives artists a safe place to explore, create, and express in order to serve a story's purpose, but equally, it give audiences a thought-provoking experience in a variety of locations and environments.
Not Approved For Cancer Treatment (Play) - A THEATRE PRODUCTION BY FORGOTTEN ARTIST PRODUCTIONS -
May 2022
Forgotten Artist Productions Presents
Not Approved For Cancer Treatment
at the New York Theater Festival
May 5th – 8th / Teatro Latea (NYC)
Tickets $ 25 (General Seating); $ 45 (VIP Seating)
For tickets visit innovationtickets.com/product/not-approved-for-cancer-treatment/
This May, FORGOTTEN ARTIST PRODUCTIONS is pleased to present the one-act play NOT APPROVED FOR CANCER TREATMENT, written and directed by Michael Thomas Cain, as part of 2022 Spring/Summerfest at the New York Theater Festival (NYC). The theatre production features Chaz McCormack as Tim, Gloria S. Jung as Donna, and Eureka Nakano Grimes as the Doctor.
Location: Teatro Latea in The Clemente
107 Suffolk Street (btw Rivington & Delancey)
New York, New York 10002
Dates/Times: Thursday, May 5, 2022 at 9:00 PM
Saturday, May 7, 2022 at 12:00 PM
Sunday, May 8, 2022 at 8:30 PM
“Not Approved For Cancer Treatment” follows an elderly man, with his wife of 50 years, who finds out from his doctor that he has cancer. A new treatment has been discovered that cures all cancer, but the FDA will not approve it for cancer treatment, which means Medicare will not pay for it. The couple could pay out of pocket, but they cannot afford to, forcing them to choose a more common treatment that may or may not work.
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 critically acclaimed plays and award winning films such as WHERE ART LIVES (theatre), 15 MINUTES WITH ELLEN (theatre), “Eliminated” (theatre and short film), “Jordey The Movie” (short film), “Thumb Wrestler” (short film), and “Jazz John” (short film).
nytheatre.com wrote this about writer and 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.”
Danielle Boss of Drama Queens Reviews says this about Fifteen Minutes with Ellen, produced by Forgotten Artist Productions and directed by Michael Thomas Cain, “This prophetic play is important for all to see with its mesmerizing characters, riveting storyline, and remarkable performances that move you to tears…truly a special and unique play that you really do not want to miss.”
Not Approved For Cancer Treatment
at the New York Theater Festival
May 5th – 8th / Teatro Latea (NYC)
Tickets $ 25 (General Seating); $ 45 (VIP Seating)
For tickets visit innovationtickets.com/product/not-approved-for-cancer-treatment/
This May, FORGOTTEN ARTIST PRODUCTIONS is pleased to present the one-act play NOT APPROVED FOR CANCER TREATMENT, written and directed by Michael Thomas Cain, as part of 2022 Spring/Summerfest at the New York Theater Festival (NYC). The theatre production features Chaz McCormack as Tim, Gloria S. Jung as Donna, and Eureka Nakano Grimes as the Doctor.
Location: Teatro Latea in The Clemente
107 Suffolk Street (btw Rivington & Delancey)
New York, New York 10002
Dates/Times: Thursday, May 5, 2022 at 9:00 PM
Saturday, May 7, 2022 at 12:00 PM
Sunday, May 8, 2022 at 8:30 PM
“Not Approved For Cancer Treatment” follows an elderly man, with his wife of 50 years, who finds out from his doctor that he has cancer. A new treatment has been discovered that cures all cancer, but the FDA will not approve it for cancer treatment, which means Medicare will not pay for it. The couple could pay out of pocket, but they cannot afford to, forcing them to choose a more common treatment that may or may not work.
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 critically acclaimed plays and award winning films such as WHERE ART LIVES (theatre), 15 MINUTES WITH ELLEN (theatre), “Eliminated” (theatre and short film), “Jordey The Movie” (short film), “Thumb Wrestler” (short film), and “Jazz John” (short film).
nytheatre.com wrote this about writer and 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.”
Danielle Boss of Drama Queens Reviews says this about Fifteen Minutes with Ellen, produced by Forgotten Artist Productions and directed by Michael Thomas Cain, “This prophetic play is important for all to see with its mesmerizing characters, riveting storyline, and remarkable performances that move you to tears…truly a special and unique play that you really do not want to miss.”
FIFTEEN MINUTES WITH ELLEN - Full-Length Theatre Production -
Forgotten Artist Productions/Planet Connections Theatre Festivity - 2017
Forgotten Artist Productions/Planet Connections Theatre Festivity - 2017
A Powerful “Fifteen Minutes” Posted on June 26, 2017
Performance Review: Fifteen Minutes with Ellen by Andrew Selig
Written by: Danielle Boss
Fifteen Minutes with Ellen is an emotionally charged spectacle written by Andrew Selig and directed by Michael Thomas Cain. Presented by Forgotten Artist Productions, Fifteen Minutes with Ellen makes its premiere at the Planet Connections Theatre Festivity.
The world of the play takes place in a nursing home where Walter Weatherington, (Chaz McCormack), waits for his niece, Molly, to finally visit him as promised. The play opens with Walter sitting with title character, Ellen, portrayed by the lovely Luna Alago. The two characters bond over their shared agony waiting for their loved ones to finally come visit them. As the title suggests, Walter is only allowed to visit Ellen between fifteen minute intervals before the nurses catch them, as it is not allowed for residents of the nursing home to visit each other. It is revealed that Walter suffers from Alzheimer’s disease, as he sometimes mixes up the name of his nurse with his daughter, Molly, blaming it on the fact that they both look so similar. Walter’s condition worsens as the play progresses since he refuses to take his medication. Asides from Ellen, Walter’s loneliness is assuaged by the company of nurse Mandy, (Ceren Zorlu), and his only friend Jack (William Sours). While Walter’s Alzheimer’s intensifies, the line dividing imagination and reality begins to blur to the point that Walter struggles to decipher what is real and what is not.
In New York City — where an abundance of plays are being written and performed every day, from the streets of Broadway to off-off Broadway — Fifteen Minutes with Ellen sets itself apart. This wonderful play offers us a unique and rare storyline that details the lives and perspectives of the elderly living in a nursing home — tackling a social issue that many do not wish to face. This play explores the universal themes of love, existential crises and existence, suffering from incurable mental and physical illnesses, pain, guilt, betrayal, and loneliness. With very little representation of the elderly in media and close to no depiction of the trials and grave loneliness in which the elderly face living within the confines of a nursing home, Fifteen Minutes with Ellencouldn’t be a more important play. Fifteen Minutes with Ellen tells an untold story and gives a voice to a voiceless and often overlooked group. Fifteen Minutes bring to light the heartache that plagues the loved ones having to deal with a family member who suffers from Alzheimer’s disease. What is also great about a play like Fifteen Minutes with Ellen is that its casting offers opportunities for actors of an older age group. In theater and film alike where young actors are more desired and youth still emphasized, it is heartening to know that playwrights such as Andrew Selig are breaking out of this circle of exclusion to offer employment opportunities for older actors. Like all shows performed at Planet Connections Theater Festivity, Fifteen Minutes with Ellen benefits a charity of their own choice and collects donations for their cause after the performance. Appropriate for the themes of the play, Fifteen Minutes is benefitting the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, a charity that provides aid, services, and employment opportunities for those aged fifty-five and older.
William Sours shines in his role as Jack, who is Walter’s sarcastic and acerbic companion whom consistently derides and mocks not only the nurses, but also the other seniors in the home. Sours’ portrayal of the snarky character is brilliant and finite with the detail of his facial expressions, his affected hoarse mocking laugh, his specific body movements, and incredible line delivery. Every movement of Sours’ body was so distinct and in character—no movement he made was ever random, it always held purpose to the role. Ceren Zorlu as Nurse Mandy also had a striking performance. She nailed the role with her animated facial expressions, astute reactions, vocal quality, and her quick switches from a caring to a condescending nurse. Chaz McCormack and Luna Alago as star-crossed lovers Walter and Ellen delivered a poignant and emotional performance that can bring any audience member to tears. McCormack and Alago’s portrayals of Walter and Ellen’s pain, distress, and confusion is poignant and their acting so effective to the point that their character’s emotional states are palpable. McCormack and Alago’s performances were realistic, believable, and heart wrenchingly touching. The entire cast of Fifteen Minutes with Ellen did a marvelous job in working together to represent these colorful characters in such a beautifully touching play. With very minimal set design, the performance of Fifteen Minutesemphasized dialogue, characters, and storyline. The simple lighting and sparse use of props accurately reflects the dismal and emptiness of the nursing home in which the story takes place. The interaction between the characters is a spectacle of itself with heavy focus on dialogue. All of the characters seem to have dull and unnoticeable costumes that reflect this world as well—with Mandy’s standard blue scrubs and Jack and Walter’s simple pants and t-shirts. The only character whose costume is colorful and stands out is Ellen’s, with her floral dress, white veil, and her choice to be barefoot rather than wear shoes. This choice shows how Ellen is different from the others in the home and how she is captivating for Walter in his state of loneliness and despair. Ellen offers refuge for Walter in his desperate and lonely wait for his precious daughter to keep her promise in paying him a visit. The dialogue in the play is so incredibly memorable and profound, with lines such as, “I’m only as smart as you make me,” and “I’d rather have a blurry TV than a blurry conscience.” Fifteen Minutes truly delivers with such a well-written and woven plot and stunning performance by the actors and tech team.
Fifteen Minutes with Ellen opened to the public with its first performance on June 14th and will be running throughout the festivity until its final performance date on July 3rd. This prophetic play is important for all to see with its mesmerizing characters, riveting storyline, and remarkable performance that move you to tears. Fifteen Minutes is truly a special and unique play that you really do not want to miss.
https://dramaqueensreviews.wordpress.com/2017/06/26/a-powerful-fifteen-minutes/
Performance Review: Fifteen Minutes with Ellen by Andrew Selig
Written by: Danielle Boss
Fifteen Minutes with Ellen is an emotionally charged spectacle written by Andrew Selig and directed by Michael Thomas Cain. Presented by Forgotten Artist Productions, Fifteen Minutes with Ellen makes its premiere at the Planet Connections Theatre Festivity.
The world of the play takes place in a nursing home where Walter Weatherington, (Chaz McCormack), waits for his niece, Molly, to finally visit him as promised. The play opens with Walter sitting with title character, Ellen, portrayed by the lovely Luna Alago. The two characters bond over their shared agony waiting for their loved ones to finally come visit them. As the title suggests, Walter is only allowed to visit Ellen between fifteen minute intervals before the nurses catch them, as it is not allowed for residents of the nursing home to visit each other. It is revealed that Walter suffers from Alzheimer’s disease, as he sometimes mixes up the name of his nurse with his daughter, Molly, blaming it on the fact that they both look so similar. Walter’s condition worsens as the play progresses since he refuses to take his medication. Asides from Ellen, Walter’s loneliness is assuaged by the company of nurse Mandy, (Ceren Zorlu), and his only friend Jack (William Sours). While Walter’s Alzheimer’s intensifies, the line dividing imagination and reality begins to blur to the point that Walter struggles to decipher what is real and what is not.
In New York City — where an abundance of plays are being written and performed every day, from the streets of Broadway to off-off Broadway — Fifteen Minutes with Ellen sets itself apart. This wonderful play offers us a unique and rare storyline that details the lives and perspectives of the elderly living in a nursing home — tackling a social issue that many do not wish to face. This play explores the universal themes of love, existential crises and existence, suffering from incurable mental and physical illnesses, pain, guilt, betrayal, and loneliness. With very little representation of the elderly in media and close to no depiction of the trials and grave loneliness in which the elderly face living within the confines of a nursing home, Fifteen Minutes with Ellencouldn’t be a more important play. Fifteen Minutes with Ellen tells an untold story and gives a voice to a voiceless and often overlooked group. Fifteen Minutes bring to light the heartache that plagues the loved ones having to deal with a family member who suffers from Alzheimer’s disease. What is also great about a play like Fifteen Minutes with Ellen is that its casting offers opportunities for actors of an older age group. In theater and film alike where young actors are more desired and youth still emphasized, it is heartening to know that playwrights such as Andrew Selig are breaking out of this circle of exclusion to offer employment opportunities for older actors. Like all shows performed at Planet Connections Theater Festivity, Fifteen Minutes with Ellen benefits a charity of their own choice and collects donations for their cause after the performance. Appropriate for the themes of the play, Fifteen Minutes is benefitting the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, a charity that provides aid, services, and employment opportunities for those aged fifty-five and older.
William Sours shines in his role as Jack, who is Walter’s sarcastic and acerbic companion whom consistently derides and mocks not only the nurses, but also the other seniors in the home. Sours’ portrayal of the snarky character is brilliant and finite with the detail of his facial expressions, his affected hoarse mocking laugh, his specific body movements, and incredible line delivery. Every movement of Sours’ body was so distinct and in character—no movement he made was ever random, it always held purpose to the role. Ceren Zorlu as Nurse Mandy also had a striking performance. She nailed the role with her animated facial expressions, astute reactions, vocal quality, and her quick switches from a caring to a condescending nurse. Chaz McCormack and Luna Alago as star-crossed lovers Walter and Ellen delivered a poignant and emotional performance that can bring any audience member to tears. McCormack and Alago’s portrayals of Walter and Ellen’s pain, distress, and confusion is poignant and their acting so effective to the point that their character’s emotional states are palpable. McCormack and Alago’s performances were realistic, believable, and heart wrenchingly touching. The entire cast of Fifteen Minutes with Ellen did a marvelous job in working together to represent these colorful characters in such a beautifully touching play. With very minimal set design, the performance of Fifteen Minutesemphasized dialogue, characters, and storyline. The simple lighting and sparse use of props accurately reflects the dismal and emptiness of the nursing home in which the story takes place. The interaction between the characters is a spectacle of itself with heavy focus on dialogue. All of the characters seem to have dull and unnoticeable costumes that reflect this world as well—with Mandy’s standard blue scrubs and Jack and Walter’s simple pants and t-shirts. The only character whose costume is colorful and stands out is Ellen’s, with her floral dress, white veil, and her choice to be barefoot rather than wear shoes. This choice shows how Ellen is different from the others in the home and how she is captivating for Walter in his state of loneliness and despair. Ellen offers refuge for Walter in his desperate and lonely wait for his precious daughter to keep her promise in paying him a visit. The dialogue in the play is so incredibly memorable and profound, with lines such as, “I’m only as smart as you make me,” and “I’d rather have a blurry TV than a blurry conscience.” Fifteen Minutes truly delivers with such a well-written and woven plot and stunning performance by the actors and tech team.
Fifteen Minutes with Ellen opened to the public with its first performance on June 14th and will be running throughout the festivity until its final performance date on July 3rd. This prophetic play is important for all to see with its mesmerizing characters, riveting storyline, and remarkable performance that move you to tears. Fifteen Minutes is truly a special and unique play that you really do not want to miss.
https://dramaqueensreviews.wordpress.com/2017/06/26/a-powerful-fifteen-minutes/
The nominees were announced for the 9th Annual Planet Connections Awards at Theatre Row/42nd Street/NYC, and we would like to Congratulate our dear friends and colleagues Chaz McCormack for his Best Actor Nomination and William "Bill" Sours for his Best Supporting Actor Nomination in FIFTEEN MINUTES WITH ELLEN. Both nominations are well deserved, and we're very proud of both of them.
The Awards Ceremony took place on Monday evening, September 18, 2017, and William Sours won Best Supporting Actor for his role as Jack. Congratulations Bill!
www.broadwayworld.com/off-off-broadway/article/Chazz-Palminteri-Sachi-Parker-Misha-Osherovich-and-More-Win-2017-Planet-Connections-Awards-20170925
The Awards Ceremony took place on Monday evening, September 18, 2017, and William Sours won Best Supporting Actor for his role as Jack. Congratulations Bill!
www.broadwayworld.com/off-off-broadway/article/Chazz-Palminteri-Sachi-Parker-Misha-Osherovich-and-More-Win-2017-Planet-Connections-Awards-20170925
Aging is difficult, but being kept from your true love is harder.
Forgotten Artist Productions was proud to present our theatre production as part of the 2017 Planet Connections Theatre Festivity during the summer of 2017!
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 (were) 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 worked for during the festival was 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:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Contact: Jay Michaels at 646-338-5472/[email protected]
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.
Forgotten Artist Productions was proud to present our theatre production as part of the 2017 Planet Connections Theatre Festivity during the summer of 2017!
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 (were) 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 worked for during the festival was 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/[email protected]
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.
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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 - A Theatre Production by Forgotten Artist Productions - October 2015
Manhattan Repertory Theatre, in association with Forgotten Artist Productions, presented 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.
WHERE ART LIVES - A Theatre Production by Forgotten Artist Productions - March 2015
WHERE ART LIVES, the first theatre production by Forgotten Artist Productions, opened on Thursday, March 19, 2015!
Can a family survive a lifetime of lies or will it crumble like the broken down blue collar factory town around them? WHERE ART LIVES takes its audience on a twisted ride with a family who is trying to keep its head above water while everything they know and the life they have built can be taken from them at any moment. The play explores how the economic downfall of middle America effects everyone around it. Follow Art and his family’s struggles in WHERE ART LIVES.
Chaz McCormack as ART
Sandra Lucas as RUTH
Mark Parsia as BARRY
Colin Murphy as NICK
Mark Levitt as MAX
Natalie Margiotta as KAREN
Written and Directed by Michael Thomas Cain
Assistant Directed by Christopher Hart
Performance Schedule:
Thursday, March 19 at 8:00 PM
Friday, March 20 at 8:00 PM
Saturday, March 21 at 2:00 PM
Saturday, March 21 at 8:00 PM
Sunday, March 22 at 2:00 PM
Sunday, March 22 at 8:00 PM
Performance Space:
UNDER St. Marks
94 St. Marks Place
NYC 10009
(Between 1st Avenue and Avenue A)
Can a family survive a lifetime of lies or will it crumble like the broken down blue collar factory town around them? WHERE ART LIVES takes its audience on a twisted ride with a family who is trying to keep its head above water while everything they know and the life they have built can be taken from them at any moment. The play explores how the economic downfall of middle America effects everyone around it. Follow Art and his family’s struggles in WHERE ART LIVES.
Chaz McCormack as ART
Sandra Lucas as RUTH
Mark Parsia as BARRY
Colin Murphy as NICK
Mark Levitt as MAX
Natalie Margiotta as KAREN
Written and Directed by Michael Thomas Cain
Assistant Directed by Christopher Hart
Performance Schedule:
Thursday, March 19 at 8:00 PM
Friday, March 20 at 8:00 PM
Saturday, March 21 at 2:00 PM
Saturday, March 21 at 8:00 PM
Sunday, March 22 at 2:00 PM
Sunday, March 22 at 8:00 PM
Performance Space:
UNDER St. Marks
94 St. Marks Place
NYC 10009
(Between 1st Avenue and Avenue A)
1. Opening and Scene 1
2. Scene 3
3. Scene 5
4. Scene 8
5. Scene 9
6. Scene 10
7. Curtain Call and Credits