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| Classic Six: The Apartment Plays | ||||||
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Directed by |
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David Ives, Leonard Melfi, Cary Pepper Jeni Mahoney, Darren Canady, and Arlene Hutton |
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Performed by the student actors of Michael Luggio Coaching Featuring : Ali Christovich, Samantha Gorjanc*, Bradley Marco, Emily McKeon, Rushi Birudala, Sean Connelly, Dylan Castro, Ally Welsh, Johny Luong, and Kiara Melendez |
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| Light is an Equity Approved Showcase produced by special arrangement with Playscripts Inc. *Actors appearing courtesy of Actors Equity. | ||||||
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Follow Us:
Classic Six |
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| The Apartment Plays | |
| A student actor showcase | |
1. Bolero by David Ives |
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Year: 1952 A woman's world threatens to come apart in the middle of the night when she and her husband hear strange sounds and voices coming through their bedroom wall. |
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| Woman | Emily McKeon |
| Man | Dylan Castro |
2. Lunchtime by Leonard Melfi |
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Year: 1966 Avis, a lonely young housewife, has hired Rex, a local handyman, to refinish the furniture in the bedroom of her 1960s New York apartment. A shared afternoon scotch reveals how the other half lives and just how much they have in common. |
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| Avis | Julia Zanardi |
| Rex | Bradley Marco |
3. Come Again, Another Day by Cary Pepper |
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Year: 1987 Ivan Foley returns to his New York City apartment after yet another frustrating day of job-hunting to find a hired killer waiting in his living room. |
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| Ivan | Rushi Birudala |
| Martin | Sean Connelly |
4. Light by Jeni Mahoney |
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Year: 1999 Helena is undergoing a spiritual rebirth under the guidance of a mysterious, self-proclaimed guru. Her childhood friend, Abby, wants to share in Helena's happiness, but this new path requires her to forget her past -- and that includes Abby. |
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| Helena | Samantha Gorjanc* |
| Abby | Emily McKeon |
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Light is an Equity approved showcase produced by special arrangement with Playscripts, Inc. |
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5. You're Invited! by Darren Canady |
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Year: 2016 Tempers flare at Logan's 4th Birthday party. Keeping up with the Joneses is a costly affair. |
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| Will | Bradley Marco |
| Paul | Rushi Birudala |
| Terri | Ally Welsh |
| Jeremy | Dylan Castro |
| Maggie | Ali Christovich |
6. Closing Costs by Arlene Hutton |
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Year: 2025 After viewing four hundred apartments, has Harris finally found the right co-op, or simply the right real estate agent—Alice? |
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| Harris | Johny Luong |
| Alice | Kiara Melendez |
| Setting: One New York apartment. Large closets and lots of charm. | |
| Runtime: 110 mins | |
| There will be a 10 minute Intermission at this performance. | |
Cast
Meet the Company
Bradley Marco
Bradley is excited to return to the stage in Classic Six with directors Luggio & Van Norman. In addition to his role in the play Prix Fixe, he’s played lead roles in films like BRONX INC., SCARLET, and CHEERS TO LIFE, and voiced the documentary 24 in 2020. A SAG-AFTRA eligible actor, Bradley trains at the New York Theater Academy, Michael Luggio Coaching, and performs stand-up at top venues including The Comedy Cellar and Gotham Comedy Club. Reflected by his professionalism, he’s excited and grateful for everyone who is making Classic Six happen—including those attending.
Kiara Melendez
Kiara Melendez is very excited to be apart of the Classic 6 cast. She has previously worked on multiple productions at County Players Theatre such as ‘Into the Breeches’ and ‘Incorruptibles’. She has also worked on various student film and short film projects. Kiara enjoys finding ways to incorporate her other skills such as martial arts into her roles as well. She is passionate about her craft and grateful for every opportunity to learn and grow in what she loves.
Samantha Gorjanc*
Samantha Gorjanc is thrilled to be returning to TNC! Broadway: Ragtime - 25th Anniversary (Mother u/s, cover for Kelli O'Hara). Regional: Incident at Our Lady of Perpetual Help (North Coast Rep) as Linda O'Shea. New York Theatre: Ad & Ned (TNC) as Mary Devlin, This Random World (TNC) as Bernadette. Readings/Workshops: Re/Write, To Sir With Love, Atlantis, The Me Nobody Knows, Much Ado, and more. Many thanks to Michael and Lindsay for their generosity. Existence is resistance. Instagram: @samanthagorjanc.
Johny Luong
Johny is excited to be a part of Classic Six. He was previously seen on stage as Fred in Closing Time at Theater for the New City. He studies acting under the tutelage of Michael Luggio and Lindsay Van Norman. He's also a martial artist and bodybuilder. He wants to thank his family, friends, classmates, and teachers for being on this journey with him.
Ali Christovich
Ali is delighted to be back at Theater for the New City for this year's showcase! Despite having a penchant for playing Karens and anti-social single moms, she is best known for her singing, ensemble work, writing, and fashion advice. Ali studied theatre at College of the Holy Cross and later graduated from NYU Tisch with an MA in Performance Studies. Offstage you might find her either belting pop punk at a karaoke bar or in bed reading webcomics. Ali would like to thank her fiance Travis for his love and support as well as Michael and Lindsay for their continued guidance throughout her career.
Rushi Birudala
Rushi is an actor known for his roles in I Still Believe (2020) and the 2023 comedy The Feeling That the Time for Doing Something Has Passed. He also starred in the theatrical production Ad & Ned as George Corsas (TNC) and is passionate about writing short stories. Rushi continues to expand his career with upcoming projects, including the film In Their Hearts, currently in post-production.
Julia Zanardi
Julia, a native of Loudoun County, Virginia, discovered her passion for performing at the age of 5 and has been dedicated to honing her craft ever since. She recently earned her degree from the James Madison University School of Theatre and Dance, where she immersed herself in a wide range of stage productions and collaborative projects that shaped her as a performer. Julia is thrilled to embark on her professional journey in NYC. She looks forward to connecting with new audiences and continuing to grow as an artist.
Ally Welsh
Ally recently completed an intensive acting program with the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts. She has been working mostly in short films and in student productions at various universities in New York. Ally is currently studying under Michael Luggio and is very excited to be in this production.
Sean Connelly
Sean Connelly is delighted to be performing again at Theater for the New City. For many years, Sean directed his acting towards the courtroom where he acted – er-- argued cases for 32 years in New Jersey and New York. When a chance appearance in a film occurred in 2016, Sean's love of acting was rekindled. Sean studied with several instructors until good fortune led him to Michael Luggio in 2017. Recent theater credits include PRIX FIXE: The Restaurant Plays(Theatre for the New City) and THIS RANDOM WORLD (Theatre for the New City). An accomplished horseman, Sean sang with the Metro-Lyric Opera for 10 years, plays the piano and harp, enjoys dancing, reading, good company and, of course, any spirited debate.
Dylan Castro
Dylan is very excited to be a part of the Classic Six Short Play Series. He last appeared on stage in Big Mistake at TNC, and can be seen in commercials for Spectrum and Netflix. Dylan studied theatre at UMass Amherst, where he received a BFA, and attended the British American Drama Academy at Oxford University. For fun Dylan enjoys the gym, and working with Experience Camps organization to provide resources for grieving kids. Dylan would like to thank his mother and family, along with his friends and the Experience Camps Organization.
Emily McKeon
Emily McKeon has been training at the MLC Studio since 2023 and is excited to return for her second showcase. This year, she takes on two roles, continuing to build her range and deepen her craft. Emily is grateful for the support of her coaches, her castmates, and loved ones, and looks forward to what's ahead.
Michael Luggio
Directing credits include: THIS RANDOM WORLD, AD&NED, DANNY AND THE DEEP BLUE SEA, A HARD RAIN(US Premiere, Theatre for the New City). Michael began his teaching career in 1999 at the Third Street Theatre in Los Angeles. Since that time, he has directed and taught at various theaters and schools in both Los Angeles and New York, including The Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute and the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts. He began teaching privately in 2008, and currently teaches scene study and on-camera acting classes to intermediate and advanced actors in NYC. michaelluggio.com
Lindsay Van Norman
Set and Design Crew:
| Johny Luong | Ally Welsh |
| Sean Connelly | Samantha Gorjanc |
| Emily McKeon |
Special thanks to:
| Crystal Field |
| Emily Pezella |
| Alex Bartenieff |
CLASSIC SIX presented with the cooperation of:
Theater for the New City was founded in 1970 by Crystal Field, George Bartenieff, Larry Kornfeld and Theo Barnes. Now in its 53rd year, Theater for The New City is dedicated to producing established and emerging playwrights and to presenting the work of small developmental theater companies, all of whom experiment with new forms; and to expand theater accessibility and enhance the cultural dialogue though our Community Programs.
Actors' Equity Association (AEA), founded in 1913, represents more than 50,000 actors and stage managers in the United States. Equity seeks to advance, promote and foster the art of live theatre as an essential component of our society. Equity negotiates wagesand working conditions, providing a wide range of benefits, including health and pension plans. AEA is a member of the AFL-CIO, and is affiliated with FIA, an international organization of performing arts unions. The Equity emblem is our mark of excellence. www.actorsequity.org
Michael Luggio, founder of Michael Luggio Coaching, works with actors continuing their training at the professional level. Established in 2008, he applies over 25 years of experience to his work the classroom teaching acting for the stage and camera. Offering classes for intermediate to advanced actors in Scene Study, Character Development, and a variety of On-Camera classes, students at Michael Luggio Coaching develop their skills in class and on stage to take the next steps in their careers. www.michaelluggio.com
