LONDON CALLING

One-Acts Inspired by the music of The Clash

Presented by American Repertory Theater of WNY

Featuring 716 Playwrights

Justin Karcher

Ellen Catherine Falank

Monish Bhattacharyya

Mark Humphrey

James Marzo

j Snodgrass

The Players

Justin Pope
Brooke Goergon
Andrew Zuccari

Danette Pawlowski
Jamie Moore
Stefanie Bax

Kaylie Horowitz Sarah Emmerling Isabella Rouf

Directed By

Catherine Burkhard

Mariangela Mercurio

All works are presented through permission of playwrights. Any duplication of this production without expressed permission of both the playwrights, and American Repertory Theater of WNY is strictly prohibited. American Repertory Theater of WNY encourages photography & video during the production but requests individuals to be mindful of other patrons, no flash is allowed, and to adequately tag American Repertory Theater of WNY, the production and actors in each photography.

Trigger Warnings

Use of a Weapon/Sound Effect of Exploding Bombs/Strobe Lights/ Haze/ Use of Non-Tobacco Props/ Simulated Use of Alcohol/ Haze

Adult Language / Adult Situtations

Cast

Justin Pope

Radio Announcer / Soldier

Kaylie Horowitz

Sister One

Isabella Ruof

Sister Two

Sarah Emmerling

Sister Three

Jamie Moore

Nicky

Danette Pawlowski

Brooke Bartell Goergen

Siobhan McNamara

Andrew Zuccari

Jeremy

Stephanie Bax

Mary

Creative Team

Catherine Burkhart

Director

Mariangela Mercurio

Director

Monica Morrisey

Stage Manager

Matthew LaChiusa

Set & Lighting Designer

Rebecca Mutchock

Costume Design

DIRECTORS NOTE

When we think and talk about war, it's hard to think of the individual. Even in history classes, we talk about people as the units of their county, such as "Britain did this so the Germans did that". London Calling is different in its way because it highlights voices of the time that may not actually have had the opportunity to do so. It brings a new perspective that these are really all just people.

By taking these specific characters and placing them together, the plays that make up London Calling call to remind us to think about who we truly are when the pressure drops, when misinformation, panic, and insecurity are running amuck, and how we can maintain our humanity when we don't even know who we are.

I have left imprints of my soul in not just the direction of this piece, but also in the set, and the music and its arrangement. These words, and these characters and this cast has become a big deal to me, so to see it finally become shared with more than our little cast and crew is a thrill I have been anticipating for what feels like forever. I cannot express enough how much that I truly believe we have all touched by this show, and I hope you enjoy! Director, Mariangela Mercurio

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As a lover of the Clash, I was intrigued and so interested to be a part of this project. Setting it in the London tubes lead me to dive into the history of that space during the battle of Britain. It was a fascinating and disturbing place. A second home to many. Between September 19 40 and May 1945 , an estimated 63 million people spent time in the tubes, taking shelter from the bombing . Our show gives you a smattering, or just who a few of those people may have been.

The story that is weaved, by some of the best playwrights in Buffalo , and the characters we meet are all different but also so similar. They all want to live and ultimately want the war-to be over. They are all humans trying to survive the darkness.

I hope this slice of the past, presented by our wonderful cast and inspired by the iconic music of the Clash, gets you thinking... leaves you feeling grateful, and embracing the beauty of humanity. Director, Catherine Burkhart

PRODUCTION NOTE

“If you want more people to come to the theatre, don't put the prices at £50. You have to make theatre inclusive, and at the moment the prices are exclusive. Putting TV stars in plays just to get people in is wrong. You have to have the right people in the right parts. Stunt casting and being gimmicky does the theatre a great disservice. You have to lure people by getting them excited about a theatrical experience.” ― Catherine Tate

In the past 16 seasons, this is American Repertory Theater of WNY's business strategy that cross-pollenates the company's artistic vision.

As is the case with the previous seasons, American Repertory Theater of WNY will start another season featuring original works by 716 playwrights. Although highlighting regional works is a challenging season endeavor, the creative rewards is enriching for the company.

But the struggle will continue to bring original works to the stage. Challenges include the creative stigma associated with new works, perceptions that it's a "deranged" idea producing original works in a complete season, patron uncomfortably with unfamiliar plays, and lack of interest in theater unless it's "gimmick theater" or "Hello Dolly". Whichever it may be, the fight is real and continuing.

However, ART/WNY will remain steadfast in premiering local playwrights and giving opportunities to those who may not find them at other Buffalo-based theaters. Because, as the company's mission statement and artistic vision maintains, in presenting works, diversity is the main goal. Not only with presentation, but with the audience base. This is achieved by affordable tickets that allows all community members to attend all ART/WNY shows.

ART/WNY invites you to become part of a growing commitment to theater that serves a purpose. A purpose that is solely based on poignant, compelling, and diverse narratives. Proactive theater that opens community dialog. Despite opinion, this isn't deranged, unorthodox or poor business decisions. This is what will keep theater going through the digital age, Netflix narratives, and presentations relying on drunk actors or dusty ol' chestnut crowd pleasers.

American Repertory Theater of WNY invites you to be part of this honest movement. Please join us through Facebook, Instagram, or visiting the company's website.

Love the 716 in You!

Meet the Company

Justin Pope

Radio Announcer / Soldier

Justin's thrilled to be returning for yet another production at ART! He's an actor and a playwright who got his BFA in Theatre Performance with a focus in Playwriting at Niagara University, and his previous credits include pieces such as Something Wicked (Israel Thayer) and Mercy Seat (Steve) at ART, and One Man, Two Guvnors (Francis Henshall) with the Aurora Players, just to name a few! Justin's always hoping his theatrical ambitions will help others start to see the world in a more absurd light - you can find him on Facebook if you want to say hi, or on New Play Exchange if you'd like to check out any of his plays. Thanks for tuning in - enjoy!

Kaylie Horowitz

Sister One

Kaylie is delighted to be making her debut at ART! She holds a BFA in Performance from Auburn University and recently graduated from UB with her Master's in Theatre and Performance Studies. Kaylie is part of the ensemble company at First Look Buffalo and is a co-host on The Liberal Artists Podcast. Previous Buffalo credits include FURSONA NON GRATA (Lisa), SECRET SOLDIERS (Sarah Wakeman Under.), and SWEENEY TODD (Beggar Woman).

Isabella Ruof

Sister Two

Isabella is thrilled to perform with ART of WNY for the first time! She graduated with a Mus. B in Voice Performance from SUNY at Buffalo in 2018. Recent credits include Frankenstein (Elizabeth) and You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown (Lucy) with Rocking Horse Productions, Rumors (Cassie Cooper) with Aurora Players, and Man of La Mancha (Antonia) with the Lancaster Opera House. Thank you to this amazing cast and crew for inspiring me to be a better performer, and my family and friends for all of your support. Everything is for you, Christian <3

Sarah Emmerling

Sister Three

Sarah Emmerling (she/her) is an actor based in Buffalo, NY with a BFA in Theatre Performance from Niagara University. She is excited to return to ART of WNY after playing Mrs. Cratchit in When Worlds Collide earlier this season. Other recent acting credits include: Ben in American Idiot (Bellissima Productions); Sylvia in Rust & Redemption and Joan/Vicky in Fall from the Grace of God (ART of WNY), Miss Casewell in The Mousetrap (HARP Productions); Catherine in Proof (Carriage House Players); Friedericke in All Through the Night (Brazen-Faced Varlets); and Elissa in To the New Girl (First Look Buffalo Stage Productions). Some of her favorite college roles include Helen Hammon in Mother Hicks, George Young Bradley in Men on Boats, and Claudio in Much Ado about Nothing, which she performed while studying abroad in London with the Live Literature Company. In addition to performing on stage, Sarah enjoys working with children and is a character performer at Enchanting Birthdays of WNY. She is also an aerialist training at the Bird's Nest Circus Arts.

Jamie Moore

Nicky

Jamie is not only making her debut with ART, but returning to the stage after a 7 year acting hiatus. She has a BA of Environmental Scienes from Niagara University with minors in Theatre Performance and Social Science. In her free time she enjoys reading, writing, and spending time with her cats Seymour and Hugo.

Danette Pawlowski

Danette Pawlowski (She/Her) is delighted to be back on the ART of WNY stage! Recent credits include When World’s Collide (Ghost of Christmas Past– American Repertory Theater of WNY), Titus XX (Titus Andronicus – Brazen Faced Varlets), and Mercy Seat (Acacia – American Repertory Theater of WNY). She is a regular Pro Roster player and referee with Buffalo ComedySportz and has also performed with improv groups such as A Totally Made Up Musical, Twisted Sister Act, It’s Not the Humidity: Hot Ones Inspired Improv, and But…Make It Drunk (Drunk Theater Buffalo).

Brooke Bartell Goergen

Siobhan McNamara

Brooke is excited to be back onstage with American Repertory Theater of WNY. She was last seen with ART in J. snodgrass's original play "Rust and Redemption" as Angie which earned her an Artie nomination for Best Supporting Actress in a Play. Previous onstage roles include Jamison Black in Fahrenheit 451 and Sandy in One Flew Over The Cuckoos Nest (Artie award winner for Best Ensemble in a Play) both with Subversive Theatre Collective. Myra Arundel in Hay Fever, Lorraine Sheldon in The Man Who Came to Dinner with Niagara Regional Theatre Guild. She has performed often with Aurora Players and some favorite roles include Jennifer Collins in Amateurs, Ruth Nowak in Miracle on South Division Street, Kay Strange in Towards Zero, and Crystal Allen in The Women. Brooke is proud to be a part of London Calling and hopes her Irish accent doesn't embarrass anyone. She wants to thank her family and friends for putting up with her ridiculous schedule especially those who make time when it seems impossible. Special thanks to the one who keeps traveling across an ocean to see her perform (and brings whiskey).

Andrew Zuccari

Jeremy

This marks Andrew's third show with American Repertory Theater of WNY. His previous shows include "Birth of Santa" and "Mercy Seat".

Stephanie Bax

Mary

Stephanie Bax is pleased to be back at ART where she previously played Sharla in Killer Joe for which she was an Art Voice Award nominee. Ms Bax is a graduate of both NCCC and Niagara University where she graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelors in Musical Theatre. Favorite roles are Cutter in Hell Hole Honeys (Artvoice award) David Friedman's Listen to My Heart at O'Connell & Co. And Rosamund (Artvoice nominee) in The Robber Bridegroom with Musicalfare Theatre. When she's not on stage she is working at BOA and hanging with her husband Rob and furry son Deuce.