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In partnership with
at the Studio City Branch Library
Presents
THE PULITZER PRIZE WINNERS
A STAGED READING SERIES OF FIVE OUTSTANDING PLAYS
WHICH WERE AWARDED LITERATURE'S HIGHEST HONOR,
THE PULITZER PRIZE FOR DRAMA.
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Barry Heins
ITC Artistic Director & Series Producer
Kristen Egermeier
ITC Managing Director & Series Producer
BETWEEN RIVERSIDE AND CRAZY
by Stephen Adly Guirgis
Directed by
KENNETH MESEROLL
Studio City Branch Library
April 13, 2024
2:00 PM
STARRING
OSWALDO ..... Adrián González*
POPS ..... Frankie Faison*
LULU ..... Sofia Yepes
JUNIOR ..... Tezz Yancey
DETECTIVE AUDREY O'CONNOR ..... Meeghan Holaway*
LIEUTENANT CARO.... Steven Culp*
CHURCH LADY .... Cheryl Umaña*
Assistant to the Director and Stage Manager/ Dramaturg
BAIRTON BROWN
Poster & Media Design / Sound & Projection Design
BARRY HEINS
Intimacy Coordinator
AIMEE FARRELL
There will be a ten-minute intermission.
Enjoy free concessions courtesy of the Studio City Friends of the Library.
SETTING
A spacious apartment on New York's Upper East Side.
TIME and PLACE
2014, in Manhattan
Summer. Walter "Pops" Washington's pre-war apartment building on Riverside Drive is a grand old railroad flat with chandeliers and a river view, but it's seen better days since the death of Pop's beloved wife just before Christmas. Once meticulously cared for, the place had devolved into a mix of beautiful fixtures, family mementos, and antique furniture competing for survival with dust, stains, garbage, leaks, and unattended junk. In the kitchen, the wallpaper peels. In the living room, the twin chaise lounge sofas are close to surrender, the scuffed hardwood floors sport small matching piles of ancient dog shit – and by the window a long-dead but still lit Christmas Tree maintains a stooping, drooped vigil. Still, the place retains its dignity and charm – and the comforting aroma of decades of pot roasts and chicken dinners lets us know we are in a genuine old-school New York City family home. It's a rent-controlled Palace ruled by a grieving despot King. It's also prime Manhattan real estate that, if deregulated, would easily fetch ten times its current rent.
A spacious apartment on New York's Upper East Side.
TIME and PLACE
2014, in Manhattan
Summer. Walter "Pops" Washington's pre-war apartment building on Riverside Drive is a grand old railroad flat with chandeliers and a river view, but it's seen better days since the death of Pop's beloved wife just before Christmas. Once meticulously cared for, the place had devolved into a mix of beautiful fixtures, family mementos, and antique furniture competing for survival with dust, stains, garbage, leaks, and unattended junk. In the kitchen, the wallpaper peels. In the living room, the twin chaise lounge sofas are close to surrender, the scuffed hardwood floors sport small matching piles of ancient dog shit – and by the window a long-dead but still lit Christmas Tree maintains a stooping, drooped vigil. Still, the place retains its dignity and charm – and the comforting aroma of decades of pot roasts and chicken dinners lets us know we are in a genuine old-school New York City family home. It's a rent-controlled Palace ruled by a grieving despot King. It's also prime Manhattan real estate that, if deregulated, would easily fetch ten times its current rent.
ACT ONE
Scene 1
Saturday morning in the kitchen.
Scene 2
That same day, on the roof.
Scene 3
That evening, in the living room, after dinner.
Scene 4
Immediately after that, on the roof.
Scene 5
Later that night, in the living room.
ACT TWO
Scene 1
Sunday evening, two weeks later.
Scene 2
Pop's bedroom, midnight, a week later.
Scene 3
The apartment, evening, two days later. The stage opens itself so that all of the following are simultaneously visible: Pop's bedroom, just outside the bedroom, just inside the front door, and on the other side of the front door.
*Actors appear through an Agreement between Interact Theatre Company and Actors' Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.
STUDY GUIDE
Bairton Brown's study guide for the play will be available on our website soon.
www.interactla.org
BETWEEN RIVERSIDE AND CRAZY is presented by special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service, Inc., New York.
Originally produced by Atlantic Theater Company, New York, 2014
(Neil Pepe, Artistic Director; Jeffory Lawson, Managing Director) in association with Scott Rudin.
Produced by Second Stage Theatre, New York, 2015
(Carole Rothman, Artistic Director, Casey Reitz, Managing Director)
Special Thanks To
Los Angeles Public Library
Brian Cunningham, Senior Librarian, Studio City Branch Library
Ann Bowman, East Valley Area Manager
Diane Olivo-Posner, Principal Librarian/Associate Director
Kevin Awakuni
Celia Avila
Steve Orozco
Vu Le
The Library Foundation
for helping the Exploration & Creativity Department
manage the L.A. Made Fund
Marcy Capoferri
Colin Thomas Jennings
Rob Adler
Friends of the Studio City Library
for concessions support
The Pulitzer Prize Board
Actors' Equity Association
Noho Copy and Print
Steve Orozco
Vu Le
The Library Foundation
for helping the Exploration & Creativity Department
manage the L.A. Made Fund
Marcy Capoferri
Colin Thomas Jennings
Rob Adler
Friends of the Studio City Library
for concessions support
The Pulitzer Prize Board
Actors' Equity Association
Noho Copy and Print
Dramatists Play Service
David Elzer/ DEMAND PR
Tracy Lilienfield, CSA
ITC Board of Directors
Barry Heins, President
Anthony Wofford, Vice-President
Carol Doehring, Treasurer
Kristen Egermeier, Secretary
David Elzer/ DEMAND PR
Tracy Lilienfield, CSA
ITC Board of Directors
Barry Heins, President
Anthony Wofford, Vice-President
Carol Doehring, Treasurer
Kristen Egermeier, Secretary
INTERACT SALUTES OUR GENEROUS DONORS
Partners
CAPLIN FOUNDATION
CAROL DOEHRING
KRISTEN EGERMEIER
BARRY AND TRACY HEINS
LOS ANGELES DEPARTMENT OF CULTURAL AFFAIRS
LOS ANGELES COUNTY ARTS COMMISSION
LOS ANGELES PUBLIC LIBRARY
UCLA SCHOOL OF LAW/ CLAFI
Sponsors
DAVID BRYANT
W. COLIN McKAY
JONATHAN MERSEL AND MARION PETERS
JOEL ZWICK
Supporters
Anonymous
Annie Abbott
Rob Adler
Dave Beazley
Mary Lou Belli
Nancy Boykin
Rob Brownstein
Amanda Carlin and Fred Sanders
Thomas Cavanaugh
Jeffery Chernin and Peter Nardi
Larry Corsa
Robyn Cohen
Laurie Dowling
Stephanie Erb and Arthur Hanket
Peng Thim Fan, M.D.
Don Fischer
Zia Garcia
Dennis Gersten
Wendy Graf
Stephanie Erb and Arthur Hanket
Steve Heisler
Andrew Heins
Jason Henkel
Elizabeth and Christopher Herron
Steve Heisler
Andrew Hill Newman and Leslie Hicks
John Hugo
Gregory Jennings
Anita Khanzadian
Maurine Kornfeld
Paul Lazarus
Terry Lilienfield
Yuri Lowenthal
Miguel Mireles
Kenneth Meseroll
Michael Modecki
Eric Mokover
Oliver Muirhead
Mary O'Malley
John Penzenas
Tracy Powell
Cynthia Paskos
Michael Peretzian
Triva Ponder
Francesca P. Roberts
Jim Rash
Jill Rogosheske
Stephanie Satie and Rick Friesen
Marc Valera
Steve Vinovich
Anthony White
Lara Wickes
Willow Cabin Productions
Alexandra Wright
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THE PULITZER PRIZE WINNERS
is made possible in part by a grant
from the Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs.
Please consider making a tax-deductible gift to
Interact Theatre Company
and help us keep us going strong.
Our mission is to:
• Nurture professional
performing artists
• Provide a forum for educational
and cultural enrichment
• Bring arts education to underserved youth
at little or no cost
• Make a positive and lasting impact
on diverse audiences of all ages
through the unique experience
of live theatre.
Donors will be gratefully acknowledged
in our programs.
ITC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
Federal Tax ID #93-1063357
Please click here to DONATE
Or use this QR Code
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Thank you!
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Cast
Creative Team
About Interact
Meet the Company
Adriàn Gonzàlez (He/him/his). LA THEATRE: Arrowhead (IAMA Theatre) Kiss of the Spider Woman; Argonautika; Othello (A Noise Within); Tar (Playwright’s Arena); Fixed (Echo Theatre); Lord of the Underworld’s Home for Unwed Mothers (Skylight Theatre); Colony Collapse (Boston Court); Lorca in a Green Dress (CASA 0101). FILM/TV: With Love (Amazon); The Garcias (HBO Max); Vida (Starz); Superstore (NBC); The Affair (Showtime); Kevin From Work (Freeform); Your Family or Mine (TBS); The Bridge (FX); as well as smaller roles on NCIS, NCIS LA, and The Mentalist (CBS) EDUCATION: Northwestern University, BS in Theatre and Psychology
 el_adriangonzalez |
Celebrating a career that has spanned over 50 years, Frankie Faison continues to push the boundaries and possibilities of art and interpretation in film, television, and theatre. He is an incredibly versatile actor who is comfortable with a wide range of material. From comedy classics such as Coming to America and White Chicks to more recent dramas, Till and The Killing of Kenneth Chamberlain. The films Ragtime, with the late James Cagney and Spike Lee's Do the Right Thing were career-defining. He is also the only actor to have the distinction of being cast in all four Hannibal Lecter Films. From the groundbreaking '80s television show True Colors, to more recent series like Marvel's Luke Cage, Cinemax’s Banshee, NBCs The Village, ABCs The Rookie: Feds, and the Apple+ series Hello, Tomorrow!, Frankie's career has continued to flourish. He’s also guest-starred countless times across primetime shows. His theater performances include the original production of August Wilson's Fences on Broadway, The Shadow Box, Death of a Salesman, King Lear, Macbeth, The Iceman Cometh, Two Trains Running, and Between Riverside and Crazy. Frankie regularly performs with the social impact company Theater of War, which utillize the plays of Shakespeare as well as the Greek Tragedies to speak on public health and social justice issues. Frankie would like to thank his amazing wife, Samantha, who provides much love and support.
| faison.frankie |
Sofia Yepes is a talented actor, producer, and podcaster known for her compelling performances on stage and screen. Born in Medellin, Colombia, and raised in Queens, New York, Sofia's passion for storytelling began early in life. Sofia made her acting debut in the award-winning Columbia University thesis film, “St. Paul,” portraying a young pregnant teenager. Her performance garnered critical acclaim and set the stage for future endeavors. Currently, Sofia is in post-production for "The Low End Theory," a film she produced alongside Atomic Features, where she also stars. In addition to her work in film, Sofia is the founder of "Sana Sana SingleMama," a podcast dedicated to supporting single mothers on their journey to healing. With credits that include appearances on the acclaimed Showtime series, “Ray Donovan,” and a memorable performance in the theater production, "Danny and The Deep Blue Sea," Sofia continues to captivate audiences with her authenticity and talent. As she continues to explore new projects and opportunities, Sofia remains committed to her craft and to telling stories that resonate with audiences worldwide.
| sophiajyepes |
A vocalist, dancer, actor, musician, director, producer, and writer, Tezz studied musical theater and music at The Boston Conservatory and Berklee College of Music. Broadway, touring, and stage credits include: After Midnight, Andrew Lloyd Webber's Starlight Express, Five Guys Named Moe, VEGAS! The Show, Priscilla: Queen of the Desert, Suenos, Weird Romance, Dames at Sea, Doubletyme with Gregory Hines and Savion Glover. Film & TV credits include: Disney’s Mère et Fille , Showtime’s Dice, and Victor Crowley (Hatchet franchise). Soul Desire, his original musical act, headlined at New York-New York Hotel and Casino on the Las Vegas Strip. A multi-instrumentalist, Tezz also starred in and provided the music score and vocals for the independent films Heroes and Malevolence, and is currently producing the soundtrack to his original screenplay Full Circle at his own Soul Sanctuary Studios in Los Angeles, CA.
| tezzyancey |
Meeghan has performed in over seventy plays across the country. Beth in the Off-Broadway production of Dinner With Friends, Sylvia in Sylvia, Brooke in Noises Off and Mme. Thenardier in Les Miserables are among her favorites. She originated the role of Florence Greenberg in the Broadway musical, Baby It’s You! and appeared in Through The Eye Of A Needle by Jami Brandli, and, most recently, Mercury by Steve Yockey at The Road Theatre. TV appearances include Scandal, Desperate Housewives, Two & A Half Men, Everybody Loves Raymond, Law & Order, and NCIS, with recurring roles on Criminal Minds, Grey's Anatomy, and ABC Family's Switched At Birth. She is in Holidate and About Fate on Netflix, and recently played a robot in the movie Boy Makes Girl.
| meeghanbess |
Steven Culp has spent the last several decades working extensively in theatre, television, and film. Notable theatrical credits include THE PARISIAN WOMAN, DR. CERBERUS, ART, RAISED IN CAPTIVITY (South Coast Rep); ANGELS IN AMERICA, BLACKBIRD, THE QUALITY OF LIFE (American Conservatory Theater); HANDJOB (Echo Theater Co.); THE CITY OF CONVERSATION (The Wallis); OLD TIMES (Shakespeare Theatre Co., D.C.); SLAVS!, TRIP’S CINCH (Actors Theatre of Louisville); IF MEMORY SERVES (Pasadena Playhouse); LIGHT UP THE SKY (Ahmanson Theatre); HIGHEST STANDARD OF LIVING (Playwrights Horizons); SWEET SUE (Williamstown Theatre Festival). TV: Regular and recurring roles on DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES (two SAG awards, Outstanding Ensemble in a Comedy), BOSCH, THE RESIDENT, THE ROOKIE: FEDS, THE LAST SHIP, AS WE SEE IT, GRAY’S ANATOMY, REVOLUTION, THE WEST WING, JAG, ER, STAR TREK: ENTERPRISE, among many others, plus numerous miniseries, MOWs, and guest stars. Films include THIRTEEN DAYS, THE EMPEROR’S CLUB, SPARTAN, THE LAST WORD, FIREHOUSE DOG, THE SISTERS, NURSE BETTY, JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH.
| stevenculponline |
Cheryl Umaña is a graduate of the UCLA School of Theatre Film and Television and of the LACC Theatre Academy. She has had the pleasure of working with various theatre companies throughout LA, some of which include, The Latino Theatre Company (Mother of Henry), Company of Angels (This Land), Artists at Play (In Love and Warcraft) and Center Theatre Group (Alma). Most recently, she played an ousted ex-presided of Ecuador, in Middle of the World with Rogue Machine Theatre Company. She has also appeared in several commercials and is a dedicated voice over artist. Cheryl is excited to be working with Interact Theatre for the first time reading and celebrating the wonderful works in our theatre!
| lachepps |
Ken has been associated with Interact since he first came to L.A. In addition to acting in The Cherry Orchard, he directed readings of Two Solitudes, That Championship Season, and For Nina for Interact. In Los Angeles: Directed Skylight by David Hare at Fremont Centre Theatre, Gary Richards’ The Root at The Ark, Loyalties and What Happened Was at Alliance Theatre Co., Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? with special permission from Mr.Albee, Waiting At The Malibu Diner at PRT’s co-op, Othellox3 and Mlle. Colombe at the Classical Theatre Lab, All I Really Need To Know I Learned In Kindergarten at The Acme, The Volunteer at West Coast Ensemble, and in New York, My Fifteen Minutes Off-Off B’Way. As an actor, Ken appeared On, Off, and Off-Off B’Way and in major regional theaters across the country in plays as diverse as the American premieres of David Hare’s Plenty, Orton’s Funeral Games, The Flight of the Earls, and Mamet’s Oleanna, (all in New York). Regionally: Bonjour la Bonjour, St. Joan, Oleanna (two more times), Three Sisters, Design For Living, Romeo and Juliet, Bent, Mrs. Warren’s Profession, The Merchant of Venice, The Cherry Orchard, Death of a Salesman, Ardele, The Cocktail Party, Star Spangled Girl, Butterflies Are Free, and Twelfth Night, among others. TV: Recurring roles on the current HBO series, Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers, Without A Trace, Station 19, Days Of Our Lives, and All My Children. Roles on S.W.A.T., Seal Team, Hawaii Five-O, Grey’s Anatomy, Mad Men, Medium, Cold Case, Shark, Criminal Minds, Crossing Jordan, The Practice, ER, West Wing, LAX, Numbers, Judging Amy, X-Files, The Cosby Show. Films: Lansky, Carman the Champion, and Walt Whitman, a Kosmos for PBS. Ken was the voice of Seneca in The Holy Roman Empire, and Derek Wildstar in the anime classic, Star Blazers. Ken was a long-time member of The Classical Theatre Lab here in L.A. as well as the chair of their Director’s Wing.
| kenmeseroll |
Bairton Brown (he/they) is a multiracial, award-winning filmmaker and theatre practitioner. A 2023 Next-Up Playwriting Fellowship at Congo Square Theatre, Bair’s full-length play, “THE PLAY GROUNDS, or MOMENTO VIVIERE” received staged readings in Chicago, Denver, and Hollywood Fringe Festivals. Bair currently works as a writer and first AD for the web series BLACKSIDE. Bair also works as head writer for Syllble Studios’ multimedia series, BLACKTOPIA. Book One will be published on Amazon in 2024. BFA from DePaul University, MA from New York University. Media: @BairtonBrown | Bairbrown.com | stonehavenstudios.org
| bairtonbrown |
Stephen Adly Guirgis is a longtime member of NYC's LAByrinth Theater Company. His plays have been produced on five continents and throughout the United States. They include: the extended, sold-out run of THE LAST DAYS OF JUDAS ISCARIOT, OUR LADY OF 121st STREET (named one of the ten best plays of 2003; Lucille Lortel, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle Best Play Nominations), JESUS HOPPED THE A TRAIN (Edinburgh Fringe First Award, Olivier Nomination as London's Best New Play, Barrymore Award, "Detroit Free Press" Best Play Award), and IN ARABIA WE'D ALL BE KINGS (Ten Best of '99, "TimeOut New York," critics pick, "TimeOut London"). All four plays were originally produced by LAByrinth, directed by Philip Seymour Hoffman, and are published through Dramatists Play Service and by Faber & Faber. Stephen was awarded a 2004 TCG fellowship, attended the 2004 Sundance Screenwriter's Lab, was named one of the 25 New Faces of Independent Film by "Filmaker Magazine," and appeared in "Entertainment Weekly’s" 2005 Summer Must List. He has received new play commissions from Manhattan Theater Club and South Coast Rep, is a member of New Dramatists and the MCC Playwright’s Coalition, and has contributed to "ESOPUS" magazine. Television writing credits include “NYPD Blue,” “The Sopranos,” David Milch’s CBS drama “Big Apple,” and Shane Salerno's NBC drama “UC: Undercover.” As an actor, he has appeared in Brett C. Leonard’s GUINEA PIG SOLO, produced at the Public Theatre in New York, and played leading roles inTodd Solondz's "Palindromes," and Brett C. Leonard's award-winning "Jailbait," opposite Michael Pitt. Currently, he is developing a project with Mos Def and HBO, and is writing his first feature film for Scott Rudin Productions, to be directed by George C. Wolfe. He lives in New York City.
| stephenadlyguirgis |
Amie Farrell (She/Her) – As an actor and director, Amie’s vast career has spanned from one end of the United States to the other. Acting credits include roles in Oscar-nominated films MANK with David Fincher and Clint Eastwood’s AMERICAN SNIPER. On television, Amie has been seen in guest star and recurring roles on THIS IS US, GREY’S ANATOMY, CRIMINAL MINDS, iCARLY, and RAVEN’S HOME. Theater is Amie’s first love. She holds a BFA from The Theatre School at DePaul University and has honed her craft on some of the country’s most prestigious stages, including The Geffen, Pasadena Playhouse, Playwright’s Horizons, Milwaukee Repertory, Missouri Repertory, International Center Theater, Rubicon Theater, LA Shakespeare Festival, Fort Worth Shakespeare and more. Amie’s favorite roles on stage include Olivia in TWELFTH NIGHT, Jacqueline in DON’T DRESS FOR DINNER, and Cinderella in INTO THE WOODS. Amie’s theater directing credits include DISGRACED for Interact Theatre Company's Pulitzer Prize Winners staged readings series, TROJAN WOMEN, A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM and HAMLET, and she has expanded her talents to the podcast realm, with original productions for Meet Cute and Theater aLIVE. Amie, with her husband and fellow actor Leonard Roberts, co-founded VARIANT ARTISTS, a production company committed to centralizing voices that expand the storytelling experience. Amie’s most inspired work in development is her child, Ev.
| aimeemfarrell |
Most recently, Heins produced and directed the hit Los Angeles premiere of Aaron Posner's "Life Sucks." at the Broadwater Main Stage to wide critical acclaim, earning a coveted spot on the Charles McNulty's (Los Angeles Times') "Top 9 List of 2023," and nominated for seven L.A. Drama Critics Circle awards. A graduate of The Juilliard School and alumnus of The Acting Company, he has appeared on Broadway and Off-Broadway, at leading regional theaters across America, and in film and TV. Los Angeles stage credits include "Much Ado About Nothing" at the Ford Theater (Drama-Logue Award, Outstanding Performance) and the critically acclaimed ITC productions of "Counsellor-At-Law" with John Rubinstein (Ovation Award, Best Ensemble), "Other People's Money," and the West Coast premiere of the Mark Rylance/Louis Jenkins comedy, "Nice Fish." He has worked extensively as a voice-over artist, lending his talents to everything from film trailers to political ads, and has been a dialect consultant on Broadway and for PBS. Heins has served on the faculties of several professional actor training conservatories, including NYU Tisch School of the Arts/Playwright's Horizons Theater School and SUNY Purchase College. His producing credits at Interact include curating three multi-month staged readings programs for Los Angeles Public Library's LA Made cultural enrichment program: "The Tony Award® Winners," showcased worldwide on BroadwayOnDemand.com during the pandemic, and two Pulitzer Prize-winners series (dir: "You Can't Take It With You," "The Great White Hope," and "Driving Miss Daisy"). Heins produced and directed two impactful short films for ITC, "Faultless" and "Just Another Birthday in Bedlam," which garnered international recognition and multiple honors at prestigious film festivals, including a 2021 Bronze and 2022 Gold Telly Award. Both films can be enjoyed on ITC's official YouTube channel, @InteractTheatreCompanyLosAngeles.
| barryheins |
Kristen is thrilled to continue her work with ITC as the new Managing Director. While she is a trained Actor first, Kristen has served as operational support for theatres across the county for the past 15 years. She has also produced, written, and managed multiple productions on stage and film. As a graduate of Cal State University, Northridge with a BA in Theatre Arts and a minor in Chemistry, her well-rounded education has combined her love of theatre with her organizational business skills. After working and studying with multiple theatre companies back east, she returned to Los Angeles to dive further into her roles as an actor and operational consultant, with an emphasis on nonprofit organizations. Kristen has aided in administratively supporting and developing multiple theatre and community programs. Her 20 years of experience in management and hands-on roles in accounting, data analytics, editorial writing, and operations management have created her specialty in working with small businesses and nonprofit organizations to develop business practices and streamline financials. A background in industries outside of the theatre world includes environmental research and services, federal and state government services, manufacturing, and GIS data services
| kristenegermeier |
ITC's Ongoing Programs
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Dramaturgical Materials - by Blairton Brown, Assistant Director/Stage Manager/Dramaturg
Get notified about Interact Theatre Company productions and events!