July 9 “A Sleeping Country” PJ Party Prize
Attend the Saturday July 9th performance of Essential Theatre’s “A Sleeping Country” in your pajamas and you’ll receive a free ticket plus cookies and milk. After the performance, Dr. Midge and the audience will help choosing a deserving insomniac to award a door prize. Wear your PJs and bring your friends for a fun-filled, laugh a minute theatre and you may win a ‘naughty’ gift from www.SlumberPartiesbySheilah.com.
Metropolitan Atlanta Theatre Awards Recognizes Essential’s Excellence
Last year’s Essential Theatre Play Festival has received nine nominations from the 2011 Metropolitan Atlanta Theatre Awards. Over the previous three seasons, the Essential Theatre has received twenty-six nominations and won eleven awards.
Gabriel Jason Dean’s QUALITIES OF STARLIGHT was nominated for Best Original Work.
Rita Dove’s THE DARKER FACE OF THE EARTH received nominations for Best Ensemble, Best Direction (Betty Hart), Best Sound Design (Jon Summers), Best Lighting Design (Trish Harris), Best Costume Design (Jane Kroessig), Best Major Supporting Actress (A. Sabreena Farmer), Best Minor Supporting Actor (John Doyle) and Best Minor Supporting Actress (Deborah Harris).
People are Talking About “A Sleeping Country”
“A charming evening, a damned funny show. Fans of neurotic Woody Allen comedies will feel at home with this story of Julia and her insomnia. Like that second shot of limoncello, you know you really shouldn’t, but it’s so light, sweet and refreshing … and heck, it’s summer.” Andrew Alexander, www.ArtsCriticATL.com
“Hey people, you should all get over to The Essential Theatre and check out Megan Hayes, Matthew Myers, Holly Stevenson and Kelly Criss in A Sleeping Country, superbly directed by Peter Hardy. It’s smart and funny.” Larry Davis
“Go see it! Great show last night!”
Fri. Jul 1: “A Sleeping Country” Talkback with Sleep Expert Dr. Michael Rinow
Join in the brief discussion on the evaluation and treatment of sleep disorders with Dr. Michael Rinow, director of the Northside Hospital Sleep Center.
Dr. Rinow is a native of Upstate New York, Dr. Rinow received his Medical Degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo. He completed his Medical Residency and Pulmonary Fellowship at SUNY at Buffalo. After working as an Assistant Professor of Medicine at SUNYAB for 10 years, he was the Medical Director for the Critical Care Units and Respiratory therapy departments at a community hospital in Western NY.
What do you do when you simply can’t sleep?
Julia Fracassi can’t get to sleep. Her insomnia has ruined the relationship with her boyfriend and has made her miserable. With guidance from her friend Dr. Midge, she embarks on a hilarious journey to Venice to find answers. Come along for the journey. Learn More.
Dr. Midge’s recommendations are anything but orthodox. So, we’d like to ask for your help. Please post comments with your suggestions. Dr. Midge will consider all your suggestions and offer two free tickets to any Essential Theatre Festival performance for the best advice. We need your advice prior to July 4th, so we can help Julia get a good night’s sleep.
Local actor Theroun Patterson is successfully making the transition to award-winning playwright.
One of the more disconcerting recent developments on the Atlanta theater scene is Theroun Patterson’s decision to stop acting, at the relatively prime age of 37. Read More
Video Interview with Essenial Theatre 2011 Playwriting Award Winner, Theroun D’Arcy Patterson
The 2011 Bare Essentials Reading Series
June 13
“CITATIONS” by Josh Harmon
Directed by Barbara Hawkins-Scott
A famous and successful historian is accused of plagiarism, and all those close to her rally to her defense – except for her teenage son. By the author of “Bad Jews”, Playwright In Residence at Actor’s Express.
July 20
“A PAIN IN THE NECK” by Rachel Teagle
Directed by Dina Shadwell
Mina thinks her girlfriend might be cheating on her — with a man, which would be bad enough, but he could also be a vampire, which would really suck. (Sorry.) This dark comedy was a finalist in the 2011 Essential Theatre Playwriting Award competition.
