development history
From the first table read in November 2013 to our next phase, we've been fortunate to work with talented professionals. Here's the path to date, with the most recent activities listed first. We can't wait for what's next.
New York Theatre Barn
New York Theatre Barn features A Pint of Understanding in its March 12, 2023 Choreography Lab, with the performance taking place at Open Jar Studios. Our thanks to NYTB Artistic Director Joe Barros and Choreography Lab Director Avital Asuleen.
Dramatists Guild Institute PIP
Through the DGI's Plays in Progress program, lyricist/librettist Lee Phenner worked with DGI consultant John Dietrich to focus on story and backstory. The core framework remains but the revision ratchets up the tension, deepens the characters, and introduces a new number, "I Am Your Champion No More" sung by Professor Chester Washington III.
Dramatists Guild: End of Play
After a long hiatus, we jumpstarted work on the show by taking part in the DG's End of Play program. In one month's time, Lee drew on comments from participants nationwide, as well as from the Oregon Shakespeare Festival's Black Swan work and input from Playwrights Horizons. The revision included changes in lyrics and punching up the book, with attention to conflict and resolution (or lack thereof).
Oregon Shakespeare Festival's Black Swan Lab for New Works
Lyricist/librettist Lee Phenner and directory/story contributor Benny Sato Ambush were invited to spend a week with the OSF repertory company in their new works lab under the direction of Lue Douthit. This intense session inspired critical changes to the setting and story.
National Race Amity Conference
National Race Amity Center Executive Director William Smith invited us to perform passages from the work at the organization's national conference.
Director: Benny Sato Ambush
Music Director: Scott Nicholas
Cast
Professor Chester Washington III: Ron Williams
Sergeant Tim O'Connor: Nile Hawver
Chloe Washington: Briana Maia
President Michael Rivera: Christian Figueroa
Ensemble
Liliane Klein
Steven Martin
Band
Piano: Scott Nicholas
Bass: Joseph Smith
Drums: Doug Lippincott
Emerson College, Bill Bordy Theater
An on-book recital performance of the full show included a talkback featuring William Smith, executive director of the National Race Amity Center, and Roxanne Euben, Ph. D., of Wellesley College.
Director: Benny Sato Ambush
Music Director: Scott Nicholas
Cast
Professor Chester Washington III: Ron Williams
Sergeant Tim O'Connor: Kevin Cirone
Chloe Washington: Briana Maia
President Michael Rivera: Christian Figueroa
Ensemble
Brian De Lorenzo
Liliane Klein
Steven Martin
Ron Murphy
Band
Piano: Scott Nicholas
Bass: Joseph Smith
Drums: Aaron Drescher
Tufts University, Distler Performance Hall
We introduced six of a planned 16 songs during this on-book recital performance. Several actors from the first table read took part, and new vocalists joined, with some roles split between actors and singers.
Director: Benny Sato Ambush
Music Director: Scott Nicholas
Cast
Professor Chester Washington III:
read by Bill Bruce; sung by Joshua Bailey
Sergeant Tim O'Connor:
read by Daniel Berger Jones; sung by Cailin Mackenzie
Chloe Washington: Alexandria Danielle King
President Michael Rivera: Christian Figueroa
Ensemble
Amelia Broome
Trent Bagley
Shanaé Burch
Patrick Curran
Samantha Evans
Keith Mascoll
Eric Radford Weiss
Emerson College, The Cabaret
The first phase of development was a table read of the book and lyrics.
Director: Benny Sato Ambush
Cast
Professor Chester Washington III: Bill Bruce
Sergeant Tim O'Connor: Daniel Berger Jones
Chloe Washington: Miranda Craigwell
President Michael Rivera: Jaime Carillo
Ensemble
Maureen Keiller
Alexandria Danielle King
Eric Weiss
Tiffany Chen
Patrick Curran
Samantha Evans
Keith Mascoll